ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona recognized outstanding employee contributions for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic years during an awards ceremony held Thursday, Sept. 30. Nominated by the college community, and selected by various award committees, several faculty and staff members received awards.
Award recipients included:
Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award
- Kelly Munly, assistant professor of human development and family studies (2021)
- Tulay Girard, professor of marketing (2020)
The Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award recognizes dedication to students, passion and enthusiasm for teaching, innovative teaching methods, and demonstrated, sustained excellence in teaching. The award honors Athleen J. Stere, who offered nearly four decades of distinguished teaching and service to Penn State Altoona.
Outstanding Lecturer Award
- Patricia Sauka, part-time instructor in human development and family studies (2021)
- Elizabeth Happeny, part-time instructor in English (2020)
The Outstanding Lecturer Award recognizes excellent teaching by members of the Penn State Altoona adjunct faculty.
Fred Allen Womack and Frances Sue Zimmerman Womack Book Award
- John Eicher, assistant professor of history (2021)
- Brian Black, Distinguished Professor of history and environmental studies (2020)
This award was made possible by contributions from Steve Sheetz and Kenneth Womack.
Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity
- Shihu Shen, professor of rail transportation engineering (2021)
- Karl Lorensen, professor of mathematics (2020)
The Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creativity Award recognizes distinctive research, scholarship or creative activity of a faculty member in any field or discipline achieved in the last two to three years.
Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award
- Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber, professor of music (2021)
- Laurencio Ruiz, professor of theatre arts (2020)
- Corien Bakermans, professor of microbiology (2020)
The Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award was created to recognize faculty members who, by their performance as teachers and their work in the areas of advising, scholarship, research and service, demonstrate excellence in their profession.
Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Awards
- Tammy Carter, facilities and operations janitorial worker (2021)
- Mark Oswalt, biology laboratory research technician (2021)
- Gina Baird, registrar (2021)
- Sheri Harper, associate director of Admissions (2020)
- Scott Bonsell, maintenance (2020)
- Lynn Dalby, lab coordinator, science (2020)
The Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Award was created to recognize three members of the Penn State Altoona staff who, by their job performance, exhibit outstanding professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm in support of the college.
Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Awards
- Linda Govere, assistant teaching professor of nursing (2021)
- Melanie Kattouf, physician assistant in the health and wellness center (2021)
- Christina Wyrwars, SIMS lab operations specialist, nursing (2020)
- Elizabeth Gatchell, assistant teaching professor of nursing (2020)
The Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Award was created in 2006 to honor and recognize outstanding achievement by a faculty member and staff member of Penn State Altoona who represent the field of nursing. The award was established by Kimberly M. Kennedy in memory of her mother, Barbara Long Beck, who was a loyal friend and devoted supporter of Penn State Altoona. The award celebrates Beck’s commitment to higher education and the nursing profession.