Congratulations 2024 Recipients and Nominees

Dr. John Haughery, Assistant Professor of Automation & Electric Technologies and the program coordinator of Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology at MU, has brought together an academic program, current and future students, and an external partner to make a real difference in workforce readiness and cutting-edge technology. Some of the partners in his innovative "Robotics WorX" program are Lancaster area high school partners, workforce development agencies, the University and private industry partner Precision Cobotics for an innovative internship/mentorship program for high school and university students. Supporting the advancement of our region and accelerating the learning of our students are truly noteworthy as a nominee for the Exploration award.

John is excellent at bringing people together and thinking beyond the campus to engage regional industry partners. I am very impressed with John's skillset in seeing a need and opportunity and growing an academic-industry partnership to advance our practice.  John's partner, Precision Cobotics, is a growing local company that is working at the forefront of the field.  Their new program works with and guides student interns towards proof-of-concept solutions that will be realized in a newly outfitted robotics Solutions Lab at Millersville University. John's work to lead a grant-writing team resulted in a fantastic outcome for Millersville University this past year.  High school and college students interested in robotics now have the opportunity to gain experience in an internship thanks to a $75k grant awarded to Precision Cobotics, Inc. and Millersville University’s Applied Engineering, Safety & Technology department. His innovative approach and collaborative style are noteworthy, and the outcome advances our core value of exploration on campus. Haughery says the grant will support students and their careers after graduation. With the U.S. manufacturing workforce shrinking, this grant will enable Millersville University and Precision Cobotics to provide experiences for a cohort of the next generation STEM workforce that will hone their technical skills, critical thinking and career aspirations. Additionally, the grant will provide post-secondary degree options and access to job opportunities with regional manufacturers and engineering firms.” John is bringing people together in the STEM areas and breaking new ground with an excellent partnership.  This is exactly the type of effort and outcome that stands out for recognition in our EPPIIC Values Awards.  I highly recommend him to the evaluation committee.

Dr. William Himmele created the Total Participation Techniques with his wife, Persida Himmele. During the course EDUC 485 Teaching English Language Learners, Dr. William Himmele created an assignment to complete a binder which has left me with a professional toolbox of teaching strategies and various assessments to support English Language Learners. The binder has reduced waste and allowed me to organize my resources into a professional manor. I am excited to keep my binder for the rest of my life. I will take my binder to future job interviews as well as continue to use the strategies in my future classrooms. Included in the binder assignment is, my lesson plan with student work samples, rubrics, and over 57 strategies to use with our future students.  Dr. William Himmele's instructional strategies provide learners with resources to maintain perseverance, use creativity, and engage in their learning through hands on active participation.  Dr. William Himmele recognizes challenges that learners face in and out of the classroom. He provides his students with resources to support the learners by allowing them time to comprehend the challenging academic text, reflect and support their confidence with the additional time to respond to the text. Dr. William Himmele uses teaching strategies that allow the learner to transform the content into their own representations which ultimately enhances their comprehension to the instructional content. Dr. Williem Himmele also provides his students with instructional learning that allows them to engage in movement. When learners engage in movement their motivation, engagement and cognitive processes increase and demonstrate greater academic achievement.  Dr. William Himmele fostered intellectual curiosity as he provided us unique opportunities to stand in the shoes of young English language learners. Dr. William Himmele designed an activity that challenged our brains to read a problem that challenged our comprehension to language development. During this activity, I was able to understand the stress, frustrations and lack of confidence English language learners experience daily in the classroom. Through conducting this activity, I was able to relate my personal feelings towards similar emotions my future students may experience. His activity allowed me as an educator to take a step back and reflect on the teaching instructions and view the challenges from a different perspective. I now demonstrate greater compassion and understanding towards the challenges English language learners experience with academic text. Dr. William Himmele provided substantial resources and strategies to support my learners’ needs. Dr. William Himmele and his wife, Dr. Persida Himmele conducted research and created the Total Participation techniques as well as the Language-Rich Classroom. During their research, they engaged with a variety of learners and created their textbooks that are filled with beneficial, excellent instructional strategies to support language development and comprehension in learners.  Dr. William Himmele has gone above and beyond to support my educational journey as I prepare for student teaching. Dr. William Himmele has conducted additional presentations and meetings with my peers and myself. Dr. William Himmele has discussed how to create a professional resume and online portfolio. Dr. William Himmele designated time to express the importance for student teachers to have a professional resume and portfolio as well as a beneficial timeline for these professional materials to be completed. Dr. William Himmele has demonstrated outstanding support to ensure I reach my full potential as an educator.

Dr. Katarzyna Jakubiak embodies the EPPIIC value Exploration through her work with students and the community to broaden our worldviews and challenge us to build new connections through literature, poetry, and discussion. As a professor, her expertise guides students through traditional and transformative texts from around the world. Her work in ENGL 613: Modern British Fiction in particular, showcases her ability to create new ways to interact with established texts while situating students in the global movements impacting modern scholarship and opening new avenues of critical thinking for her students. Through her work as a Polish poet, writer, and translator, Dr. Jakubiak continues to strengthen our international connections and collaborations. Her recent publication of a new “Afterwards” to James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time, reveals her commitment to opening doors to reapproach existing texts with fresh, innovative thinking.  Dr. Jakubiak played a critical role in bringing renowned Polish writer, poet, translator, and researcher Julia Fiedorczuk to campus on the last stop of her North American tour. In this impactful event, over 40 students, faculty, and community members gathered to listen and discuss Fiedorczuk’s work with her. This reading allowed all those gathered to engage with the poetic innovation at the forefront of Fiedorczuk’s impressive work. Fiedorczuk’s latest collection of poems, Psalms, and forthcoming novel, The House of Orion, intertwine ongoing environmental and humanitarian crises to seek meaning and generate new understandings through poetic and prosaic form. This fantastic event would not have been possible without Dr. Jakubiak who not only organized the event but also acted as moderator and took part in the reading, sharing the English translations after Fiedorczuk read poems aloud in Polish.

The College of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning, comprised of Graduate Admissions, Graduate Student Services, Online Programs Admissions, Online Programs Student Services, Continuing Education program such as Summer and Winter Sessions, and more, continues to build enrollment numbers for the university in spite of limited resources and personnel. Each member of the team goes above and beyond in their roles to ensure applicants and current students are always put at the forefront. This team is willing to put in extra hours, build more efficient and user-friendly systems, and maintain a high level of applicant/student services for each of the areas they cover.  In addition to the daily work of each member of this team, the members are engaged in many professional development activities, belong to organizations specializing in the knowledge of their field, and continue to work to develop training systems to better educate others within the department of their particular area. In the past, the Director of Graduate Admission has served as the President of the Pennsylvania chapter of NAGAP, a professional organization for graduate enrollment professionals, the Director of Adult & Continuing Education has attended conferences to better their understanding of changing trends in this area of expertise, and all members have participated is various professional development discussions, trainings, and enhancements that have been provided online. CGSAL continues to look for new technology and innovations that can better serve the community they work with while creating a more efficient means of outreach. Through a strong team effort, no applicant is left unresponded to and no corners are cut in the process. This department displays personal responsibility and accountability by continually meeting and exceeding goals set internally within the department and externally by the administration and others. Whether through summer and winter programming, online learning, or graduate work, this office has the ability to interact and create programming for every student on campus. As such, the level of respect given to all students, whether attending or prospects, the faculty, staff and administration is incredible. More times than not, as soon as a task is given to a member of this team, they eagerly jump on the project and are able to provide returns in a reasonable amount of time. Each team member plays a vital role in their processes and procedures, but when push comes to shove, it is truly a team effort unparalleled to most other offices on campus.

College of Graduate Studies & Adult Learning Team Members
Rebecca Boyer, Makeda Ellis, Beth Roberts, Madison Sears, Allison Wells, Barb Havercamp, Lucie Lehr, Chad Baker, Melissa Tineo

Larry is currently seeing the Athletics Department through a major transition as Interim AD. He is managing his job and overseeing the department. He is finding time to be available for coaches, staff, and student-athletes. Nothing is falling through the cracks. Larry currently serves on several university committees and continues to seek professional development through conferences and other beneficial networking opportunities. Larry strives to make decisions that better the department and University. He operates fairly and makes sure that coaches feel heard and appreciated. When he has to make tough decisions, he is sure to handle them delicately. He is making department improvements that will set the next AD up for success.  Larry demonstrates Marauder Pride and department pride in everything he does. He doesn't cut corners and he is thorough. He often works nights and weekends to ensure the department continues to function in this time of leadership transition.  Larry is fair and just in all decisions he makes. He is a true compliance professional, making sure everything is "by the book" and follows regulation. Larry works harder than most and deserves recognition for all that he is doing to see our department through this transition. He continues to go above and beyond as a professional.

This department is truly a 'Team', they look to each other for support.  If there is a situation that needs extra care or when in doubt, they use their experience and critical thinking to collaborate as a unit and come up with a solution in a professional manner.  In this service-oriented department, even when asked to answer a question that is not directly related to this department, I see this team go above and beyond each time to ensure the student walks away feeling that they matter and was treated fairly. I have always observed the team being respectful and transparent when communicating with students, staff and faculty to ensure a positive and beneficial solution.  Each team member takes accountability for their actions and decisions every time.  The Field Services Team displays the same behavior every time by following and respecting processes and procedures.  Even when they have sensitive conversations, they are always respectful and professional.  This Team is consistent with their professional behaviors by always being transparent, sharing information, and by modeling EPPIIC Values every day in their jobs.

Field Services Team
Tara Etsell, Becky Jachimowicz and Jennifer Seiger

Marianne is the go-to person in the School of Science & Mathematics for solutions to issues because of her maturity and professionalism. She is very professional while being genuine and approachable, actively listens, is extremely respectful, thinks critically through the situations, and uses her diverse knowledge & experience to guide individuals toward solutions. I have experienced this personally many times while trying to navigate through departmental or building resource issues with bulk waste disposal, supporting visitors to campus, and helping community outreach programs run smoothly.  Marianne is always making professional connections and supporting professional interactions.  Marianne's problem solving is so helpful because of her ethics in her decision making. Whether it's asking for solutions to water draining leaks from biology department equipment & specimens, to support with the Student Science Training Program (SSTP) resources, to helping guide students & coworkers in health emergencies. She is always professional, moral, and very grounded in her decision making. I can trust that she will keep the complexities of what's ethical in mind when helping to solve problems.  Marianne is consistent in her effectiveness. She juggles many responsibilities without it appearing to distract from her availability, quality of work, or attitude. She is thorough with her responsibilities and follows through with even the most complex tasks. Her job is a unique blend of independent tasks and collaboration throughout the university and she does it so well on a daily basis. I have seen her address many different tasks with the same professional and positive attitude, from hanging student research posters in the Dean's conference room, to assisting me with filing building work requests, Marianne is the ultimate professional. She is extremely personable and respectful of others while maintaining her professionalism. She shows genuine compassion while remaining within the procedures of the university. I have seen her interact with outside individuals, colleagues, and students about many different issues and she always greets them respectfully, listens attentively, and is very professional but personal in her interactions. She is often the first to interact with speakers for the Women in Science & Math Conference, helps organize the Student Science Training Program Camp, and is always available to help with questions about procedure or whom to contact about campus resources.  Marianne is a fantastic representation of professionalism at Millersville. She is a positive, personable, organized, problem solver who helps keep the School of Science and Mathematics running smoothly.  It's a pleasure to work with her.

As the only Purchasing Agent for Millersville University, Kathy is constantly bombarded with questions regarding purchasing procedures, pitfalls, and regulations.  Each person that contacts Kathy, and every purchase that is made, requires a unique approach to their specific issue.  Kathy effectively works through the procurement process with steadfast assurance.  Through my personal experience, as well as the accounts of others, it has become apparent that Kathy is dedicated to assisting everyone on campus with the same patience and respect.  If there is a question regarding a purchasing request that may not be easily defined, Kathy is quick to share the policies that regulate that particular area of purchase.  She is acutely aware of the guidelines and is willing to share this information with others.  Her adherence to these parameters and inclination to inform others ensures that we are all observing best purchasing practices.  Kathy is always willing to listen.  She understands the complexities of the purchasing process and fosters an environment for users to seek out assistance.  It has been my experience that if there is an issue beyond my scope of knowledge, she will step in to handle it quickly and proficiently.  Kathy is calm, encouraging, and knowledgeable in her interactions with others and far exceeds what is commonly expected.  She strives to not only explain HOW to do things but promotes understanding and learning opportunities to those whom she assists.  I am incredibly thankful to have her support and expertise!  The basis for this nomination is not comprised of just one instance that demonstrates Kathy’s outstanding dedication to Millersville.  Rather, it is her authentic and consistent commitment to professionalism, each and every day, that establishes this trait as one of Kathy’s core personal values.  Through her quiet, faithful efforts, Kathy Fulmer performs her duties with deliberate consideration and truly embodies Millersville University’s EPPIIC Values.

Dr. Justin Garcia is an alum of Millersville University, he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2001 with a B.A. in Anthropology and a minor in Sociology with departmental Honors. Now as an Associate Professor of Anthropology, Dr. Garcia is always challenging students within his department and across campus to think critically and to step outside of their comfort zones when it comes to topics surrounding the social constructions of Race and Ethnicity, U.S. Immigration, Urban Anthropology, Anthropology of Sport(s), Popular Culture and many other topics. During his time as a Millersville University professor, he has expanded MU's reputation by being engaged in unique and selective programs across the United States. In the summer of 2022, Dr. Garcia was selected from a very deep pool of experts as one of the distinguished participants for the 2022 Summer Institute on Genocide Studies and Prevention. In addition to his participation in scholarly opportunities, he has also provided unique opportunities for students to enhance their educational experience at Millersville University. In 2023, he established a Lambda Alpha National Anthropology Honors Society chapter at Millersville University known as Pi of Pennsylvania. This chapter recognizes top students within the field of anthropology but also gives M.U. students the opportunity to engage in scholarly research and earn additional scholarships. Dr. Garcia is always exploring opportunities to expand his own knowledge and opportunities for his students to thrive at the university and as global citizens. Because of his experience as a first-generation student, he is actively involved in supporting the first-generation program (Ville First- Gen) by serving as a mentor and often participates in the First-Gen connect program.  Dr. Garcia has used his own lived experience to promote the university and to show students that they too can accomplish all their hopes and dreams. Because of his engaging teaching style, his ability to bring more to the university experience, and his ability to create unique opportunities for students, I believe Dr. Justin Garcia embodies the “Professionalism” component of Millersville University’s EPPIIC Values and deserves recognition for all of his amazing work. 

Dr. Himmele modeled maturity by giving students the opportunity to open up and learn more about the education field. I took his ERCH 485 class where we made a binder of all techniques from his and his wife's textbooks. He showed that he displays true passion for the education field and for all of his students.  As said before, Dr. Himmele shows compassion in the field of education. He shows excellence by teaching us the important techniques to help us in the field and in our own classroom. He knows so much about education, that it is truly so amazing, and he can help you in any way that you need. Dr. Himmele was always able to answer any questions and concerns any students had. He was also always so helpful in his office and was so kind. When asking him a question, he knew a direct answer right away and could explain it in the best way possible.

Marco has the extraordinary ability to troubleshoot technical issues in a swift and intuitive manner. He has significant experience and knowledge. He is collaborative and respectful. He is self-motivated and hardworking.  Marco tasks advantage of downtime as an opportunity to educate himself. He constantly seeks out new training opportunities and strives to create elegant solutions for technical issues on campus. He is innovative. He thinks of new ways to provide cutting-edge equipment and systems to support the students, faculty, and staff.  Marco has integrity and high moral fortitude.  Marco does not do anything in half-measures. His commitment to each and every task is above and beyond.  Marco demonstrates sensitivity, compassion, and mutual respect for everyone he interacts with at Millersville University.  Often Marco self-initiates projects to improve audio-visual equipment and services.

(First Nomination)

Dr. Pfannenstiel is constantly expanding the boundaries of what it means to live, teach, and conduct research professionally. She works extensively with students, faculty, and the wider community to create new pathways for professional development to assist those around her in envisioning and acquiring their professional goals. She centers skill recognition in her work, elucidating the hidden curriculums that often create barriers in attaining and teaching higher education.  Dr. Pfannenstiel’s exceptional professionalism comes through in her work as the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of English and World Languages. Graduate students benefit from her knowledge and guidance as she helps them navigate the ever-shifting landscape of education and employment. She encourages students to engage with curriculum in a way that meets their needs, keeping their individual professional goals in mind. Always ready to challenge entrenched ideologies, Dr. Pfannenstiel welcomes deep discussion of the function and pedagogy of higher education, creating space for graduate students to explore and transition into professionals in the discipline.  Dr. Pfannenstiel demonstrates professionalism in her research as well with a growing body of articles, interviews, and books showcasing her commitment to enabling skillbuilding to make professionalism accessible. She is the lead editor of a newly published Open Educational Resource (OER) book, “Inclusive Practices: Ideas for Classroom Integration from Millersville Classrooms to Yours,” that embodies her abilities to collaborate and inspire, while creating a fundamental interdisciplinary tool for professional development.  Her ability to work with individuals to expand their capacity for successful engagement in career and life opportunities is also shared through her efforts to coordinate academic conferences. This past year as the chair of the Lancaster Learns conference, she played a critical role in the creation and execution of this multi-institution conference centered on teaching and learning. She also co-presented “Guided Notes, Graphic Organizers, and Concept Maps: The value of note taking tools for teaching and learning,” directly providing all attendees with a packet of resources.  Additionally, Dr. Pfannenstiel is an area chair for two areas of the Mid-Atlantic Pop Culture Association (MAPACA) conference, and she is excitedly co-planning the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities (EAPSU) conference that will be hosted at Millersville this coming Fall. She encourages students and faculty to participate in these conferences with her, as they are a unique place to interact with the wider PASSHE community and beyond. In doing so, she recognizes and communicates the value of conference participation as a way to learn and contribute to the professional culture of our respective disciplines.  Dr. Pfannenstiel values transparency and collaboration in her research and teaching. Her courses are built with intentional preparedness to be effective for a diverse group of students with plenty of room for her students and herself to reflect on how a course works (or does not) to meet their needs. Constantly seeking ways to improve curriculum, Dr. Pfannenstiel works with faculty both inside and outside Millersville to collaboratively seek answers to pressing pedagogical issues addressing evolving technologies, student engagement, and inclusive practices.  Dr. Pfannenstiel dedicates extensive time and energy to follow-through with the commitments she makes in a timely and professional manner. When things slip, as they inevitably do from time to time, she quickly rectifies any lapses. She recognizes no one is perfect and is always ready to troubleshoot any situation, comforting and encouraging us with her repeated mantra "you've got this!"  From the classroom to conferences, Dr. Pfannenstiel invites students and faculty to engage with her in rewarding professional experiences to grow connections and imagine possible futures for ourselves. She works simultaneously to research and create scholarship that provides practical tools to accomplish our goals. Her mentorship to students and faculty alike is invaluable as her encouragements also challenge us to reflect on our learning and teaching practices, raising the bar for what we expect from her, ourselves, and for our communities.

(Second Nomination)

Dr. Pfannenstiel is one of the kindest and most understanding professors I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She is constantly expanding the boundaries of what it means to live, teach, and conduct research professionally. She works extensively with students, faculty, and the wider community to create new pathways for professional development to assist those around her in envisioning and acquiring their professional goals. She centers skill recognition in her work, elucidating the hidden curriculums that often create barriers in attaining and teaching higher education. This semester, Dr. Pfannenstiel worked with me these past two semesters as my thesis chair and as my graduate advisor. Each week, she provided meaningful feedback to my thesis work that only enhanced my excitement for it and made me feel that I did belong in the world of higher academics. Working with Dr. Pfannenstiel has taught me how to be confident in myself, as she has treated me with such kindness that showed me I do belong in higher education spaces, and that my perspective is valuable within my field.   Dr. Pfannenstiel’s exceptional professionalism comes through in her work as the Graduate Coordinator in the Department of English and World Languages. Graduate students benefit from her knowledge and guidance as she helps them navigate the ever-shifting landscape of education and employment. She encourages students to engage with curriculum in a way that meets their needs, keeping their individual professional goals in mind. Always ready to challenge entrenched ideologies, Dr. Pfannenstiel welcomes deep discussion of the function and pedagogy of higher education, creating space for graduate students to explore and transition into professionals in the discipline.   Dr. Pfannenstiel demonstrates professionalism in her research as well with a growing body of articles, interviews, and books showcasing her commitment to enabling skill-building to make professionalism accessible. She is the lead editor of a newly published Open Educational Resource (OER) book, “Inclusive Practices: Ideas for Classroom Integration from Millersville Classrooms to Yours,” that embodies her abilities to collaborate and inspire, while creating a fundamental interdisciplinary tool for professional development. Her ability to work with individuals to expand their capacity for successful engagement in career and life opportunities is also shared through her efforts to coordinate academic conferences. This past year as the chair of the Lancaster Learns conference, she played a critical role in the creation and execution of this multi-institution conference centered on teaching and learning. She also co-presented “Guided Notes, Graphic Organizers, and Concepts Maps: The value of note taking tools for teaching and learning,” directly providing all attendees with a packet of resources. Additionally, Dr. Pfannenstiel is an area chair for two areas of the Mid-Atlantic Pop Culture Association (MAPACA) conference, and she is excitedly co-planning the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities (EAPSU) conference that will be hosted at Millersville this coming Fall. She encourages students and faculty to participate in these conferences, as they are a unique place to interact with the wider PASSHE community and beyond. In doing so, she recognizes and communicates the value of conference participation as a way to learn and contribute to the professional culture of our respective disciplines.  Dr. Pfannenstiel values transparency and collaboration in her research and teaching. Her courses are built with intentional preparedness to be effective for a diverse group of students with plenty of room for her students and herself to reflect on how a course works (or does not) to meet their needs. Constantly seeking ways to improve curriculum, Dr. Pfannenstiel works with faculty both inside and outside Millersville to collaboratively seek answers to pressing pedagogical issues addressing evolving technologies, student engagement, and inclusive practices.  From the classroom to conferences, Dr. Pfannenstiel invites students and faculty to engage with her in rewarding professional experiences to grow connections and imagine possible futures for ourselves. She works simultaneously to research and create scholarship that provides practical tools to accomplish our goals. Her mentorship to students and faculty alike is invaluable as her encouragements also challenge us to reflect on our learning and teaching practices, raising the bar for what we expect from her, ourselves, and for our communities.

Lori has grown by leaps and bounds since the Lombardo College sprang into existence in 2019.  Previously she had been the clerical assistant for the departments of Accounting and Finance, and Management and Marketing.  We refer to her as the boss because she has grown into the role over the past 40 years (since 1984). I would have trouble doing my job without her knowledge and help. She is the one we have always turned to for answers on promotion, tenure, and annual reviews, for questions about the budget, how to prepare travel requests and expense reports, how to use Interfolio, and the list goes on and on.  In my 28 years here, both Lori’s work and ability to work with others has been virtually flawless. She had to hire and coordinate student workers, vet course schedules, and I am sure thousands of other things that David and I are completely oblivious to. She was the administrative assistant for our MBA program (2008-2011).  And Lori helped research and edit parts of our strategic plan when we became a College of Business.  With the creation of our new college, she became the Administrative Assistant, and this academic year, the Administrative Manager.  During this time of rapid expansion, Lori has managed to keep all our new initiatives well supported, while at the same time taking care of her usual duties.  Examples of these initiatives include the Business Living Learning Community, the Meet the Business Professionals night, and the Early Pathways partnership with Penn Manor High School. This past year, Lori has taken on even more responsibilities.  Our college’s sole clerical assistant retired in December.  Lori has been the hiring manager for the replacement position. Since early December, then, Lori has been covering TWO positions.  In fact, she has been the SOLE full-time staff person in our college!  Through all of this, Lori always is there to help our faculty, our students, and me with a smile on her face.  An area of her professional development that Lori has focused on is in the area of budgeting.  She interacts continually with the administrative managers in the other colleges and is now well versed in the minutia of our instructional costs.  This timely training helps immensely as we seek to grow our programs further in a fiscally responsible manner.  Lori is first in line to receive training on all new programs and processes throughout campus, even those that she may not use herself, but she takes it upon herself to learn more so she can better assist other staff members as well as faculty in the LCOB.   Lori has often helped students with issues such as registration but has always been mindful of faculty needs and preferences.  Lori has helped parents of students but has always been mindful of student privacy in doing so (FERPA).  Lori is always so patient, sympathetic, and helpful to the students and their families who reach out to our college with questions and concerns.  I frequently have to ask Lori to leave in the evenings, as she takes the success of our college so seriously that she always has “one more thing” to finish before she feels she can leave for the day.  She keeps working hard for everyone even when overwhelmed with work, which has happened frequently this past year during our periods without a department secretary.  She knows exactly what needs to be done and what will help people the most and will sacrifice her personal time to help anyone who needs it.  Lori always stays calm when working with other staff, faculty, alumni, students, and me!  Given the sheer volume of tasks on her plate at any given time, that she is able to quickly pivot from one request to the other with grace and patience really does a lot to lighten the loads for all of us in the college.  Lori’s role as our “go-to” person in the college has her deeply involved in almost everything we do.  As such she not only catches mistakes, but kindly and respectfully works with others to help correct them and understand how they can do better next time.  Furthermore, no major task is ever really done until Lori says so.  She routinely double checks to make sure that everything is done according to MU’s policies and procedures, and has built a network of contacts throughout the university to help make sure we do everything right.  Lori is the heart and soul of our college.  Her drive, institutional memory, love for an institution at which she has worked for 40 years, and caring for our students and faculty, is palpable each day.  It’s not just us that notice - the members of our college’s Business Advisory Council always remark on how wonderful she is in her role, and in externally-facing events Lori is front and center to ensure everything goes smoothly.  We are thrilled to nominate her for the Professionalism EPPIIC award.

Maddie's role as department secretary means that she is called on to help coordinate many things. However, when working with her as chair, I appreciated the ways that she offered suggestions or ideas in discussions so that I was not left trying to make a million little decisions. Her insights are always helpful and her willingness to cheerfully carry out a variety of supporting work made my job so much easier.  Maddie is a master multi-tasker and she has successfully added functions and roles to her work but still kept on top of all the many varied tasks that others are counting on from her. She already divides her time completing secretarial tasks for THREE departments: Chemistry, Physics, and Geography. She has also taken on support tasks for Breast-a-Ville and seamlessly accomplished everything needed for any of her 'supervisors.' She is a true gem!  As a department secretary, Maddie serves as a direct problem solver for the chair as well as every faculty member. So, expanding that for the three departments and broad collection of faculty, her ability to interact with each one of us is amazing. Everyone who enters either of her two offices (because she maintains one in Caputo and one in McComsey) is greeted by cheerfulness and a willingness to assist with work or answer questions.  The work that Maddie does is easy to take for. But her ability to provide that support for the rest of us is more critical than we often realize. On top of that, to serve so many of us with a constant cheerful attitude is impressive.

Philip is a Residential Area Coordinator in University Housing. His professionalism in the face of complicated and difficult situations is the reason for this nomination. No one knows how to act when meeting with the parents and friends when a death has occurred, but Philip did this with kindness, empathy, and a professional manner that was overwhelmingly comforting to all those with him.  Philip is a learner and a communicator. He involves himself in the discussions within the division on innovation, assessment, and engagement. He reaches out to others on staff to learn more about every issue and is continually striving to improve his performance and his work supervising and leading students.  Philip is thoughtful and methodical in his work. When I meet with him during difficult times and during fun times, he is always thinking and always considering the steps that will be four and five moves ahead of where we are. His staff trusts him because they know he will take great care in every decision he makes that will impact them and the residents in the building.  While I know Philip must take pride in his work, he is not prideful at all.  Philip is organized in all of his work with the residents and resident assistants in his building. He will need to be away for an upcoming deployment with the military, and four months ahead, he has already made plans for all the things that will need to be done in his absence.  Philip is professional in all aspects of his work in University Housing, and it is an honor to work with him. I have counted on him deeply during the difficult times this year, and there is no other professional I would rather have by my side.

Andy Welaish deploys flexible, creative, professional problem-solving daily in his role as the Director of Library Operations, managing a complex organizational structure while always centering our mission of serving our student and university community in the best ways possible. Balancing the needs and desires of administration, faculty, staff, and students across the university, Andy finds ways to support meaningful activities even in the face of budgetary and time restrictions. Andy has found ways to deploy student employment opportunities to provide new avenues for research without adding costs; navigated a detailed program review process across the Library using a combination of delegation and leading actions to ensure the capturing of all perspectives; and supported broader university initiatives that support student success in innovative ways. Andy works with his colleagues as equals no matter their rank or role, exemplifying true professionalism every day.  Andy has consistently sought to further his knowledge and competency of his field, through both formal education and professional organizations. Andy is currently completing an Ed.D. program through Valdosta State University; his coursework at Valdosta continually inspires new and innovative ways to meet Millersville's needs in the face of ubiquitous struggles in higher education. His professional involvement in relevant professional groups including the Associated College Libraries of Central Pennsylvania and the State System of Higher Education Libraries Council, keep him abreast of current developments at our peer and aspirant institutions, helping us stay nimble and reactive to the changing needs of our students and region. Andy also supports the continued professional development of those individuals who work in the Library as well, through suggested readings and conference participation recommendations relevant to each individual.  Andy demonstrates ethical decision-making every day, and prides himself in managing library operations through consistent adherence to the rules and expectations of the institution. Andy ensures that our restricted funds are used for their intended purposes and identifies places where restricted funds can be used in lieu of operating expenses to make every dollar count. He has enacted, or had put in place, numerous internal practices to streamline and document decision-making, keeping library operations in conformity with the regulations of the institution without undue added work on the behalf of library employees. Simply put, Andy always ensures that we are doing the right thing, every time.  Andy Welaish is the epitome of measured servant leadership. Whether by volunteering at Library and University College events, admitting when a less-than-ideal decision has been made and ensuring its correction, or clearly communicating how and why actions are taken, Andy clearly takes immense pride in his work. In a single day, Andy switches between numerous tasks to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible for Library employees and all of Millersville's students. As a former student himself, Andy knows first-hand the importance of a job well-done here at Millersville in supporting student success, in both visible and invisible ways. The success of many employees and countless students is thanks in no small part to his personal accountability and high expectations for himself.  Andy shows respect towards all of the library's employees, students, and community patrons, and takes pride in creating a welcoming environment for all. When professional disagreements arise, Andy is a skillful mediator, helping to ensure personal relationships remain strong while keeping projects on track for success. Andy's wide network across the university also ensures that our partnerships across campus are strong and frequently used to extend and support our work beyond the walls of the McNairy Library building. Andy's professional disposition and easiness to work with makes collaborations enjoyable, and his adherence to Millersville's processes, procedures, and campus culture helps bring to fruition many efforts that have continue to support our students, now and in the future.

Dr. Laura Brierton Granruth is a leader on our campus in so many ways.  She is a role model for our students of civic engagement, compassion, and social justice.  Laura goes above and beyond the call of duty to help students to engage in community issues that matter to them; she inspires them to change the world in good ways to promote enduring social justice.  Over the past decade, Dr. Granruth has worked diligently to provide new and innovative opportunities for students, inside and outside of the classroom to explore macro issues of social welfare that affect us.  She leads multiple groups of students to Legislative Education and Advocacy Day each March as part of the National Association of Social Worker’s (PA Chapter) event where students have the opportunity to meet with and advocate directly with their elected representatives.  This year, Dr. Granruth took a group of students to Campaign School at Rutgers’ University to learn how they might engage in political social work.  Students returned to campus invigorated and passionate about politics.  She inspired students to consider that they can do bigger and more powerful things that they ever thought possible.  As her work as a Research Fellow with the Center for Public Scholarship and Social Change, Dr. Granruth collaborated on a number of research projects that directly affect our local communities, such as addressing the exploitation of elders and loneliness in poor rural communities.  As the Director of the Center for Civic Engagement, Dr. Laura Granruth engages students to register to vote, brings elected officials to campus, acts as a mentor to her student fellows and provides opportunities to them to explore our local, regional, and national communities to inspire political engagement.  Dr. Granruth regularly serves as a moderator for the Learning Institutes webinars, bringing students and community members together to learn about and discuss important policy topics.  Dr. Granruth loves our democracy and she has provided innumerable connections and opportunities for the students and faculty at MU to take an active role in their communities and nation to make the world a better place.  Dr. Laura Brierton Granruth takes every effort to promote accessibility and inclusion to the students of MU; she is always focused on student success.  As the Director of the Master’s of Social Work Program, Dr. Granruth works individually with students to help them navigate the program and find unique opportunities for them to thrive.  Dr. Granruth regularly works with students on research and in the community.  She provides opportunities for students to not only get by, but to thrive and connect with community issues and purpose.  Dr. Laura Brierton Granruth is my dear friend and colleague.  No one has done more to help support our students, connect them with a public mission, and engage support for democracy like she has.  I without hesitation nominate her for this award!

Paul Hill has responded to the needs of regional, urban, and metropolitan communities in many ways. Paul has worked with other departments on campus to help develop and implement outreach programs aimed at educating community members on environmental health and safety issues relevant to this region, such as safe Narcan use, CPR, autism awareness, Stop the Bleed, and seizure awareness and first aid. This has included many workshops, seminars, and informational materials distributed throughout the university and local community. Paul has also committed himself to providing environmental monitoring and assessment. He has established monitoring programs to assess air quality, chemical hazards, and other environmental indicators in the surrounding communities. Paul has also been a great advocate for policies at the local, state, and federal levels that promote environmental protection and public health. This has included participating in public hearings such as SGA meetings and joining coalitions with other stakeholders at the university to help address issues. Paul has been very diligent in his efforts to better emergency preparedness and response planning. He has developed numerous emergency response plans for environmental incidents such as chemical spills, natural disasters, and medical emergencies in all conditions. He has worked closely with local emergency management agencies to coordinate preparedness efforts and ensure a swift and effective response in times of crisis. Paul has also engaged in community service projects, offering his assistance and knowledge during events such as the Conestoga Outdoors Club campus cleanup to help keep the cleanup effective and safe. Paul continues to make himself available to offer technical assistance and consultation to campus clubs and organizations seeking guidance on environmental compliance, pollution prevention, and workplace safety practices. Paul continues to prioritize public communication and transparency by maintaining open communication channels with the public and campus community to provide updates on environmental health and safety issues, ongoing projects, and research findings. This transparency does not go unnoticed as he has built trust and has fostered community engagement and participation amongst students, faculty, and staff. Paul also makes sure to continuously evaluate and improve his work and the work of others. Paul regularly evaluates the effectiveness of programs and initiatives in meeting the needs of the community and adapt strategies as necessary. He continues to solicit feedback from community members and stakeholders to ensure that efforts are responsive and relevant to local concerns.  Paul Hill plays a crucial role in supporting the university's mission to provide a high-quality education at an exceptional value by ensuring the safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Paul continually develops and enforces safety protocols to create a secure learning environment. This includes, but is not limited to, procedures for laboratory safety, chemical handling, equipment operation, and emergency response. Paul also makes it a priority to conduct regular training sessions and workshops to educate students, faculty, and staff on safety measures and best practices. The dedication and commitment Paul has to these training sessions have proven to help in preventing accidents and promotes a culture of safety consciousness. Paul also excels at risk management and mitigation. His practices help to identify potential hazards on campus through risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate risks. This involves thorough and regular inspections, hazard identification programs, and safety audits. Paul’s advanced knowledge in the field of safety and his dedication to research continues to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental health and safety. This includes regulations from agencies such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) to name a few. Paul has gone above and beyond to develop comprehensive emergency response plans for various scenarios, including natural disasters, chemical spills, and medical emergencies. Paul conducts regular drills and simulations to test the effectiveness of the plans he creates. Paul always collaborates with his stakeholders and works closely with other university departments, student organizations, and external stakeholders to promote a culture of safety and sustainability. The collaboration Paul engages in fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility for campus safety. No matter how complicated the task or solution, Paul always finds a way to implement cost-effective solutions for maintaining safety standards without compromising quality. This involves optimizing resource allocation, adopting innovative technologies, and leveraging partnerships for shared resources. Paul is also no stranger to continuous improvement, as he knows sometimes not everything he does is without error. Paul regularly evaluates and updates EHS policies and procedures based on feedback, incident reports, and industry best practices. His continuous improvement ensures that safety measures remain effective and responsive to evolving needs. Paul’s dedication to research and his commitment to further education results in advanced data analysis and reporting with a mission to backup safety practices with facts to educate and protect the general population. Paul collects and analyzes data related to safety incidents, near misses, and compliance metrics. He then uses this information to identify trends, address root causes, and make data-driven decisions to enhance safety performance. By effectively managing environmental health and safety concerns, Paul Hill not only helps protect the university community but also contributes to its reputation as a responsible institution committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment.  Paul Hill promotes accessibility and student success by implementing measures that ensure all members of the university community, including those with disabilities, have equal access to educational resources and opportunities. Paul has done this in many ways throughout his time here at Millersville University. Paul conducts regular accessibility audits of campus facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, and recreational areas. He identifies barriers to accessibility and prioritizes modifications or upgrades to improve accessibility for students with disabilities. Paul also advocates for the integration of universal design principles in campus infrastructure and technology. Universal design ensures that products, environments, and systems are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. Paul also provides training for faculty, students and staff on accessibility best practices, including how to create accessible course materials, utilize assistive technologies, and accommodate students with disabilities in the classroom. This empowers instructors to create inclusive learning environments that support student success. Paul ensures that information and communication materials are accessible to students with disabilities. This includes providing alternative formats for printed materials, such as emergency preparedness for people with disabilities and ensuring that students from all walks of life have access to the literature he creates. Paul also collaborates with different departments to facilitate accommodation for students with disabilities. This has involved providing assistive technologies, arranging for alternative evacuation arrangements, or modifying old policies to accommodate specific needs. Paul has been thorough and relentless in ensuring emergency preparedness for students with disabilities. Paul develops and communicates emergency evacuation plans that consider the needs of students with disabilities. He ensures that evacuation routes are accessible and that students with mobility impairments have assistance available in the event of an emergency. Paul recognizes that accessibility encompasses not only physical accommodation but also support for mental health and wellness. Paul collaborates with counseling services and student wellness programs like CHEP to provide resources and support for students with mental health conditions. Paul continuously engages with student organizations representing diverse communities, including those focused on disability advocacy. He solicits feedback from students with disabilities to identify areas for improvement and involve them in the decision-making process and works with groups like the Student Government Association to address student concerns. Paul also supports and assists in the promotion of inclusive events and activities. Paul encourages campus events and extracurricular activities to be inclusive and accessible to all students. He always considers accessibility factors such as venue accessibility and emergency exit accessibility. Paul continuously evaluates and improves accessibility initiatives based on feedback from students, faculty, and staff. He creates clear and open channels for individuals to report accessibility concerns and actively address issues as they arise. By prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity, Paul Hill contributes to creating a supportive and equitable learning environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive and succeed.  Paul Hill’s unwavering dedication to the public mission of our university is truly commendable. As the college's Environmental Health and Safety Director, he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire campus community. Paul’s tireless efforts in promoting a culture of safety have not only enhanced the quality of education but also exemplified our commitment to public service. Under Paul’s leadership, our campus has become a safer and more inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. His proactive approach to implementing safety protocols and conducting regular training sessions has significantly reduced the risk of accidents and injuries, fostering an atmosphere where everyone feels secure to pursue their academic and professional goals. Paul’s dedication to accessibility and student success is also noteworthy. He has spearheaded initiatives to enhance accessibility across campus, ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational resources and opportunities. Through his collaboration with learning support services and advocacy for universal design principles, Paul has played a pivotal role in creating an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to our university's public mission, I wholeheartedly nominate Paul Hill for the Public Mission Award. His leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to safety, accessibility, and sustainability embody the spirit of public service and exemplify the values that define Millersville University.

Dr William Himmele has taken extensive action to help our local community. Firstly, Himmele is noted for creating Total Participation Techniques- a set of strategies to help English language learners be included in the classroom. Not only did he create these inclusive frameworks, but he spends his time teaching them to local school districts in order to reach ALL learners in such a diverse community. As we know, Lancaster is a hub for immigrant families, and Himmele responded to this need by finding strategies to help these students succeed in school.  Dr Himmele provides students with high quality education. Rather than feeding students with information just to pass the final exam, Himmele provided us with skills that I will surely take with me into student teaching. Not only did we talk about various activities and formative assessments to use for English language learners, but we had the opportunity to practice them. These experiences will help me remember what I’ve learned and continue to be a lifelong learner when it comes to the best way to create an inclusive learning environment.  Dr Himmele is easily the kindest and most understanding professor I’ve had during my time at Millersville. He always opened his doors and never made me feel scared to ask questions about the course. That being said, Himmele practices what he preaches and makes accessibility a priority. Firstly, he was extremely flexible and understanding when it came to completing course assignments. If anything needed to be adjusted, he immediately took action. Secondly, each graded activity in class was graded with feedback so we knew how to improve. I never worried that I would fail his class and I feel that my classmates would feel the same.  Dr Himmele is a staple to the community as his Total Participation Techniques, included in his CHATS framework, was created to serve our diverse community of learners. Additionally, his commitment to student success is unmatched. It was hard to choose one EPPIIC value to nominate Himmele, but I feel public mission is simply one of many that he holds.

Michael Kurland is the Assistant Director of Conference Services and is a true servant leader at Millersville University. Michael has demonstrated exceptional leadership to effectively meet the needs of our local, regional, urban, and national partners and clients: 

• Facilitation of Major Community Events: Michael orchestrated many public-facing events such as the MLK Breakfast, the Turkey Trot, Girls on the Run, and multiple others from regional and national non-profit organizations, which cater to a broad audience and foster community unity and wellness.
• Diverse Venue Utilization: Under his guidance, venues like Pucillo Gym, Luek Hall, the Student Memorial Center, and Bolger Conference Center have been strategically employed to support varied events, including the YMCA Lightning Swim Practices and DECA Tournaments, enhancing accessibility and participation from community members.
• Support for Local Sports and Education: By providing facilities for events like Penn Manor Swim Practices and multiple athletic camps in the summer, he has supported local youth and educational programs, contributing to the physical and social development of the community. These actions, highlighted in the Millersville University Conference Services blog, exemplify his commitment to serving and enriching the local community through thoughtful stewardship and inclusive programming.

Michael's work is substantiated by multiple positive outcomes, including revenues from multiple venue rentals and managing the logistics of hosting tens of thousands of camps and conference guests that visit Millersville University, underscoring his commitment to community service and regional development. Additionally, his work helps to generate significant revenue for multiple campus departments, including Athletics (for student athlete scholarships), the SMC, Campus Recreation, Tech Ops, Dining & Catering Services, and University Housing.

During this program review cycle, Andy ensured that we reviewed each EPPIIC value when determining where we would like to create an area of focus for our review.  I have served on several committees that Andy has led. He always makes sure that members have the space to voice their opinions. He values input from faculty and staff.  Andy is always committed to helping out with special events in the library like Finish Strong. He goes above and beyond to make sure furniture is set up. He checks in frequently with the student workers at the circulation desk to make sure they feel comfortable with their tasks. Andy also meets weekly with cataloging, Archives and Special Collections, and Resource Sharing to help make sure operations run smoothly. He is committed to making employees feel supported and confident in their roles.  Andy continually thanks employees for their work. He highlights their accomplishments in the Academic Affairs newsletters.  Andy is dedicated to the McNairy Library and University College as a whole. He consistently demonstrates "walking the walk" as well as "talking the talk." He is unafraid to help with the glamorous and not-so-glamorous tasks without seeking commendation. He provides a supportive and comfortable working environment and provides egalitarian treatment of faculty and staff.

(First Nomination)

The ENWL have exceeded expectations this academic year as they have drastically improved and added to the English and World Language Department for the better. Department Chair Justin Mando and Assistant Chair Emily Baldys have developed numerous advancements in the department. They worked to create an ENWL Student Leadership Council that meets once a month to hear student needs and concerns and share discussions with staff. Through this group, ENWL has opened an ENWL student lounge, reinstated the Iota Phi Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta National English Honor Society at Millersville, supported off-campus open mic nights, and is currently in the works of planning a Book Crawl for students that will support local business. Their efforts on student and community engagement highlight their integrity as staff members and the department as a whole. Thanks to the leaders in charge, the ENWL department has been thriving this year.  ENWL has developed a student leadership council (SLC) that supports student and faculty collaboration and transparency. Through groups like SLC there has been a greater attendance at English-based clubs such as English Club and George Street Press. ENWL chairs and staff have emphasized what their students want to learn and work on, taking the initiative to gather data on what classes students would like to take. Similarly, more effort has gone into students and faculty attending one another’s workshops, presentations, and research. ENWL is planning an event for faculty to present their research and for students to attend to nurture trust and collaboration.  The English and World Language department chair and assistant chair have dedicated time, money, and resources to the department. In regards to "do what you say you will do" they started off the academic year with an open meeting to the first-year class and presented information on the department, the student-led clubs and organizations, as well as meet and greets with the professors. This induction was followed by a semester of success as I saw an influx of underclassmen joining English organizations. Their inclusive and compassionate actions regarding the growth and prosperity of the department underline their genuine integrity.  The ENWL department has established several ways of creating opportunities for others as well as honoring these individuals. To start, with the help of the GAs of the department, they feature a faculty member of the week and highlight the individual's research, accomplishments, and interests. This allows members of the department to get to know one another as well as recognize the accomplishments of the department's amazing staff. Similarly, the ENWL Department chair and assistant chair supported the reinstatement of the National English Honor Society allowing many students to be recognized for their outstanding achievements. Furthermore, at the end of each academic year, the ENWL department honors its students through awards and scholarships. Notably, they provide a large scholarship for an "Outstanding English Student of the Year", providing a scholarship to the recipient and funding the student's trip to the English Association of Pennsylvania State University's conference (EAPSU).  I am dedicating this nomination to the entirety of the ENWL department, but there are so many names to name as the community is large. To receive the award, I am calling out Dr. Mando and Baldys as they are the representatives of the department.

(Second Nomination)

Integrity is a characteristic rightfully held in high esteem. Dr. Baldys and Dr. Mando both exemplify this trait with their consistent effort to bring the ENWL department together through outreach events, transparent communication, and a positive outlook on the state of things.  Dr. Baldys and Dr. Mando include a large number of students in mass emails asking for their suggestions on how to improve the department. They have open door policies and are always willing to extend conversation beyond that of educational endeavors. They worked together with the ELC (English Leadership Council) to create a study lounge for students in the ENWL department, which I have personally lounged, with a side of studying, in.  Dr. Baldys and Dr. Mando both push us to foster growth in ourselves and others by demonstrating how to maintain and grow professional and personal relationships simultaneously. They understand that life can get in the way and do not hold grudges when we fail. This past year, I have gone through a slew of life changing events and Dr. Baldys has given me grace in my often-absent presence, which I will be forever grateful for.  At the English Department PASSHE conference in the fall, Dr. Baldys awarded Julia Fallows an outstanding student award and commended her for her persistent pursuit of success and greatness. The details evade my recollection, but I remember feeling as though an older sister was offering her love and admiration and promise of a bright future to a younger sister. The room slowed down and the air went still. It was pure. It was infinite.  Dr. Baldys and Dr. Mando are the mastheads of the ENWL department. They are constantly offering their support in both educational and personal matters and strive to turn the department into a community. I have had very personal conversations with both of them that have offered my guidance and support.

(Third Nomination)

As the new chair and assistant chair for the Department of English and World Languages, Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys have demonstrated their exceptional integrity in working together to lead the department. Their teamwork has been instrumental in supporting student endeavors and creating fantastic opportunities through the sponsorship of unique events that blend tradition and transformation. This past semester, Dr. Mando connected with the MU Office of Sustainability to bring local eco-poet Michael Garrigan to our campus to share his poetry and discuss the power of humanities-based environmentalism. Dr. Baldys initiated the creation of the Student Leadership Council for the Department of English and World Languages to better represent students in the direction of the department. Through this Council, we were able to create multiple student-centered events throughout the year including the department’s first ever “book crawl” event that featured a tour of Lancaster city’s downtown historic and literary sites with 30+ faculty and students in attendance.  By involving students in aspects of leading the department through the creation of the Student Leadership Council, Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys have affirmed their integrity by creating a culture of trust and collaboration through their transparency and collaboration with those they are leading. It is empowering for students to be recognized and respected by those with such power in the department, creating opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience on how to lead effectively with integrity and compassion. They are continuing to transform our department through their efforts to communicate clearly with students, taking the initiative to reach out and connect with many different groups with the recognition that they serve many different students with many different needs.  Both professors have shown time and again through their participation and leadership that they are dedicated to making this department the best it can be. Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys have both presented at our internal speaker series Faculty Focus: Research Talks, attended multiple club events throughout the year, and continually ask students what they want to see for the department and how they can make it happen. Their openness to new ideas is grounded in their experience and practical knowledge, guiding students to facilitate events for the department that are strategic investments to develop and heighten the student experience. They are truly dependable for enthusiastic responses to student ideas and carry through initiatives presented by the Student Leadership Council and others with timely and effective planning. Without their support, students would have missed out on fantastic events like game nights, speakers, open-mic nights, and more.  Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys are always ready to champion the successes of the department’s students through direct communication, commendations in the annual newsletter, and events like the End of Year celebration for the department that makes time to recognize student achievement. They also recognize the value of celebrating the smaller accomplishments, with Dr. Baldys in particular taking time to check-in on students via email and in person demonstrating her awareness of and pride in slow and steady progress.  It is satisfying and encouraging to know that these incredible faculty are rooting for you and will really go above and beyond to invest in meaningful opportunities to help you attain your goals.                                                                

(Fourth Nomination)

The ENWL department has shown again and again that they are community based. From game nights with professors and students to the opening of the English lounge, the department has done a great job of creating a positive, accepting, and engaging culture.  During the course of the year, we were promised a lounge and a Lancaster City Book Store Crawl, both of which came into fruition. The lounge is such a great place to study and relax between classes and the book crawl was the most fun university related activity I have ever participated in. They brought these great ideas to the table and made them a reality for us this year.  The ENWL Department is generous in giving awards to well-deserved students at the End of Year Celebration and each member of the department is encouraging in smaller ways on a daily basis. I genuinely have never felt more safe, included, or heard in a class more so than in Dr. Baldys. She is always ready to encourage students and acknowledge the great things going on around campus, whether they are English related or not.

(Fifth Nomination)                                                                                

As the new chair and assistant chair for the Department of English and World Languages, Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys have demonstrated their exceptional integrity in working together to lead the department. Their teamwork has been instrumental in supporting student endeavors and creating fantastic opportunities through the sponsorship of unique events that blend tradition and transformation. This past semester, Dr. Mando connected with the MU Office of Sustainability to bring local eco-poet Michael Garrigan to our campus to share his poetry and discuss the power of humanities based environmentalism. Dr. Baldys initiated the creation of the Student Leadership Council for the Department of English and World Languages to better represent students in the direction of the department. Through this Council, we were able to create multiple student-centered events throughout the year including the department’s first ever “book crawl” event that featured a tour of Lancaster city’s downtown historic and literary sites with 30+ faculty and students in attendance.  Both professors have shown time and again through their participation and leadership that they are dedicated to making this department the best it can be. Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys have both presented at our internal speaker series Faculty Focus: Research Talks, attended multiple club events throughout the year, and continually ask students what they want to see for the department and how they can make it happen. Their openness to new ideas is grounded in their experience and practical knowledge, guiding students to facilitate events for the department that are strategic investments to develop and heighten the student experience.  By involving students in aspects of leading the department through the creation of the Student Leadership Council, Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys have affirmed their integrity by creating a culture of trust and collaboration through their transparency and collaboration with those they are leading. It is empowering for students to be recognized and respected by those with such power in the department, creating opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience on how to lead effectively with integrity and compassion. They are continuing to transform our department through their efforts to communicate clearly with students, taking the initiative to reach out and connect with many different groups with the recognition that they serve many different students with many different needs.  Dr. Mando and Dr. Baldys are always ready to champion the successes of the department’s students through direct communication, commendations in the annual newsletter, and events like the End of Year celebration for the department that makes time to recognize student achievement. They also recognize the value of celebrating the smaller accomplishments, with Dr. Baldys in particular taking time to check-in on students via email and in person demonstrating her recognition and pride in slow and steady progress.  It is satisfying and encouraging to know that these incredible faculty are rooting for you.

Members of the Facilities Management - Electrical Shop team at Millersville University must be versatile, flexible, and committed to their jobs. They must be able to troubleshoot one job as they are being called to another, make quick decisions, accommodate requests, assist other maintenance personnel, and practically leap over tall buildings in a single bound!  The Electrical shop specifically exemplifies the EPPIIC quality of Integrity. Members of this team are most often the first ones called on to resolve a multitude of issues related to anything from fire alarms to power outages and other urgent events where they are required to make quick, resourceful, and professional decisions. Team members routinely respond to events during non-work hours such as holidays, weekends and throughout the night. They are even known to answer calls, give advice or help another maintenance person with a task by phone while on vacation!  The Electrical shop is a team of seasoned professionals possessing a wealth of knowledge and a combined 92 years of service to the university. They are one-of-a-kind at MU, repairing just about anything and everything! The electricians not only process and fulfil daily work orders pertaining to traditional electric repairs for lighting, outlets, panel boxes, and wiring, but they are also responsible for overseeing the Building Automation Systems, Fire Alarm Systems, ADA door access, and even elevators.  When it comes to MU’s large, esteemed events such as Homecoming, Commencement, concerts, and the Garden Supper they are the first to lend a hand. They help with set up, tear down, assist in creating a seamless experience for visitors and the campus community, and stay on site to respond to emergency situations as quickly as possible. During weather related events, they are out shoveling and plowing snow, hanging holiday lights, and mowing grass after work hours to ensure the campus not only stays well-manicured and beautiful but also safe for our campus community.  In other words, they are superheroes in jeans instead of capes!  This group is a strong, committed team who takes considerable pride in delivering a job well done, on time and as promised...or even better! Team members collaborate with other campus groups by offering insight for new construction, building renovations and unusual needs. They are constantly challenging each other to “find a way” to make a repair happen, or to find the best, most effective solution, searching for the absolute best prices for parts to remain economically responsible stewards of Commonwealth funds. They enjoy exploring new and innovative options for electrical solutions and breaking free of the traditional methods, opting instead for safer, more economical, or environmentally friendly options when possible. The most recent evidence of this is their conscientious effort to convert campus lighting from halogen and incandescent to LED bulbs for more efficient, less costly lighting and by adding color changing lights to the bell tower to add festive accents for special occasions. Their mantra is, “Oh, we can make it work...,” and they do!  Finally, this team shows Integrity in their loyalty to each other and leadership within the department. The Electric shop is also the most unique group within the shops.  It is diverse in its gender and ethnic diversity, includes the longest and shortest tenured members within the shops, and includes highly technically trained individuals alongside those who were trained on-the-job.  They readily take new members under their collective “wings,” showing them how things work at MU and include them in the comradery of the Electric shop family. A couple of members organize a yearly holiday meal to honor retired maintenance personnel and to acknowledge current employees’ hard work throughout the year. The Electric shop supervisor demonstrates genuine care for each member, which in turn emanates throughout the team, and even though there is no shortage of teasing and inside jokes, there is also a genuine respect and care that is unparalleled within the shops.  For all these reasons, and many more, the Millersville University Electrical Team deserves the EPPIIC award for Integrity!  MU electricians take their role as service providers to the entire campus very seriously. They understand that they can make a dramatic difference in our students’ Marauder experience simply by being kind and respectful and listening to the students’ needs while repairing or upgrading items that make everyday life safer and more comfortable.  This EPPIIC nomination is supported by the comments submitted to the Facilities Management Department – Brightly Survey. (Our Work Order Management Software)  Comments such as (paraphrased): 

 “Employees came to work on the electrical system.  My GA notified them of a thesis defense in progress. The workers were kind enough to reschedule the work.  I want to thank them for accommodating their schedule and the importance of the graduate student’s work.  I truly appreciate their thoughtfulness.”

“Our MU electricians put a nice, big light in our very dark and dreary meeting room, and we can actually see!  We really appreciate that they were able to fix the issue.  Thank you so much! You are the BEST!”

“One of our unsung heroes... for all that you do behind the scenes... to keep us safe.  A million thank you’s...!”

“Always a positive experience, very kind and always going the extra mile to make sure everyone is happy with the work performed.”

MU Electrical Team
William Rockey, Dan Trzaska, Glenn Swan, Sam Fonzi, Yousef Lundi, Anthony Hoopes, Corinne Dyer (retired)

Dr. Emily Baldys, a tireless advocate for inclusion on campus, fosters a welcoming community through her persistent thoughtfulness and inclusive leadership. From diversifying faculty to organizing events celebrating diversity, she validates and values every individual. Through her roles as Chair of the Literature Committee, Interim Coordinator of the Women and Gender Studies Minor, and Co-Chair of various committees, she spearheads initiatives to diversify curricula and promote inclusivity.  Dr. Baldys' dedication extends to advising students with disabilities, teaching courses on disability in literature, and organizing Disability Pride Day events. Her exemplary commitment to inclusion, evident in her myriad service activities and grant-funded research, embodies the institution's values. As she aptly states, 'we as an institution should be continually asking ourselves what more we can do to live up to our inclusive values and advance that belonging.' Emily Baldys epitomizes inclusive leadership and richly deserves recognition for her unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive campus community.  Dr. Baldys' dedication to inclusivity extends beyond academic initiatives. She has served as a faculty advisor for various student clubs, including the American Sign Language Club and the MU ADAPT Club for students with disabilities. Through these roles, she has supported and encouraged students, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Furthermore, Dr. Baldys has utilized research resources to study efforts at inclusion, contributing valuable insights to the ongoing development of inclusive practices on campus. Her commitment to continuous improvement is evident in her statement urging the institution to strive for greater inclusivity.  Moreover, as Interim Coordinator of the Women and Gender Studies Minor and through her involvement in various committees and advisory assemblies, Dr. Baldys has played a crucial role in shaping curricula and advancing inclusive practices. By co-chairing committees such as the Latinx Literature Search Committee, she has worked to diversify course offerings and ensure the representation of different perspectives in the curriculum. Dr. Emily Baldys has developed and utilized a wide range of resources to enhance faculty, staff, and student experiences through her dedication to fostering inclusivity and diversity on campus. From diversifying faculty to organizing events, shaping curricula, advising student clubs, and conducting research, her efforts have significantly contributed to creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for all university community members."  Dr. Emily Baldys has demonstrated unwavering support for Inclusive Excellence through her multifaceted efforts to embrace diversity in thought, learning, and personal characteristics within the university's working, living, and learning environments. In her role as the assistant chair of the English department, she leads the student leadership council. A large group of student leaders who work to create events and cultivate an inclusive community within the department. She has allowed us the tools to create an ENWL lounge, a book crawl, open mic nights, and more ideas for the next academic year. She invites all students to participate and help out in making the department more like a home. In her various roles and initiatives, Dr. Baldys has consistently advocated for the recognition and celebration of diverse perspectives.  As a student, I wholeheartedly support Dr. Emily Baldys' nomination for her exceptional commitment to inclusion at our university. Dr. Baldys has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that every student feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity. One of the things I appreciate most about Dr. Baldys is her genuine dedication to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of students. Whether through her involvement in committees, organizing inclusive events, or advising student clubs, she always prioritizes creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and respected.

Health Services is a place on campus that truly values the diverse Millersville student community. In Witmer Hall, differences are welcomed, all dialogue is respectful, and every individual student who walks in feels a sense of belonging. Millersville students are valued and equal in Health Services.  The nurses in Health Services actively reach out to student groups and other offices on campus to broaden their scope of practice and work within the community in order to serve the community. There is rarely an event where they don't have a presence and/or a table that will help them meet new students and help students understand how approachable and adaptable they are. No medical issue is too much for them to help and assist a student.  As the medical world continues to change post COVID, our Health Services staff has also adapted to provide care that is wholistic and centered on not only physical but also mental health of our students. They work hand in hand with Counseling Services to provide psychiatric care for students who can benefit from it.  Health Services supports students who are on journeys whether they are physical, psychological, or a combination of the two. All students are seen as someone who needs their help, and whatever help that is, they will find a way to support it on campus and in the greater community if warranted.  Health Services is a place where all students are seen and treated as unique and special. Students are welcomed for who whoever they are and whatever they need to move forward as successful students on campus.

Health Services Team
Lauren Blevins, Randi Gordner, Ana Hess, Kelsi Rodriguez, Ashley Zook

Rachel is bilingual and has used her ability to write in Spanish to create inclusive materials for our students.  One example is the translation of the application and recruitment materials for our NSF-Funded LSAMP program which specifically targets marginalized students to encourage them to get a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics degree. Additionally, she translates all of the Commencement speeches into Spanish so that family members and friends can follow what is being said in their native language.  Both of these things are outside of her job description, and she gladly will work with anyone to make our students and their families feel welcome, included and valued. Rachel ensures that all new Administrative Assistants are supported when they start a new position within Academic Affairs.  On their first day she always makes sure to bring them flowers or a plant and goes to welcome them personally. As mentioned above, Rachel uses her personal skills and resources to support student success, staff retention, and family inclusion in commencement.  The examples listed convey how Rachel is actively engaged in Inclusive Excellence on campus with a focus on faculty, student and staff through her translation work, her support of staff, and her support in the coordination of celebratory events for faculty scholar and pedagogy.  Rachel is the main contact for anyone who reaches out to the Provost's office or Academic Affairs.  She is always helpful, supportive, responsive, and ensures that all people feel heard and have their issues addressed in a professional and timely manner.

Nikki has always been a strong advocate of our LGBTQIA students and programming at Millersville.  She participates in campus and local community outreach and assists at PRIDE events.  Her office in the Registrar's Office is a welcoming space to students needing support and she inspires the whole office to consider inclusion in our daily activities and procedures.  Nikki has always participated in conversations surrounding support of inclusion for students and has provided a link between students and policy-making.  This stems from her previous work in the offices of social justice and equity as well as SASS before joining the Registrar's Office.  Lately she has been working directly with students in the organization, Paws On Deck, which focuses on another aspect of inclusion: assisting those with disabilities.  The volunteer work that she does on campus makes students feel heard and important.  People who feel like they are on the outside find a place in these groups when they might not feel that they fit in otherwise.  In the past few years Nikki has dedicated much time and effort as volunteer advisor to the student organization, Paws On Deck, a Susquehanna Service Dogs Campus Puppy Raising Program.  She works closely with the students to help raise and train dogs that will eventually go on to provide assistance to adults and children with disabilities.  These dogs change lives and allow their handlers to experience more in life no matter if their disability is physical, medical, or psychological.  They bring people out of isolation and sometimes save lives.   She helps the student group fundraise for SSD and provide activities on campus for students that normalize and promote the presence of assistant dogs in our environment.  If respite care is needed when a trainer might have a situation in which they cannot take a dog, Nikki takes a dog for a day or a weekend. We have had the joy of having these dogs visit the Registrar's Office where they learn valuable skills in a business setting.  Nikki has always been dedicated to providing a safe space for all students, whether they are navigating an unwelcoming environment or one that could be physically dangerous.  Whether it be her office filled with rainbows or the event that brings in puppies to de-stress students (or Registrars) during finals week, it is her personal goal to make a safe campus for everyone.

Ruth has an unwavering commitment to inclusivity at MU. She demonstrates it not only in her professional interactions, but also her personal ones. Professionally, you see Ruth all over campus - making sure your Ricohs are working in top-notch fashion and that you have support for all of your IT needs. She's friendly and approachable whether you're new or a veteran like her, she makes everyone feel welcome.  Ruth and a coworker, Miranda Sweetman, came up with the idea of gathering donated food and non-food items for the HUB on campus for the Christmas season, and for a second go-round. The enthusiasm she shows for getting much-needed help for this mission is genuine and rare, and truly inspirational. Staff and students alike were involved in December food drive. As a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Ruth embodies the principles of Inclusive Excellence through her actions and interactions. She demonstrates a deep understanding of the importance of inclusivity and openness in all her engagements, recognizing and respecting the diverse perspectives and attributes that individuals bring to our community. Ruth skillfully navigates the complexities of human interaction, acknowledging both strengths and areas for growth in others, thus fostering lasting and positive relationships.  Her exceptional ability to infuse humor into her interactions is a testament to her inclusive approach, seamlessly blending the teaching of IT concepts with everyday encounters with faculty, staff, and students. This adept combination of professionalism and warmth creates an inviting atmosphere where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and included, contributing to the rich tapestry of diversity that defines our university's environment of learning, living, and working.  Ruth has been privately recognized by various individuals on campus over the years because she regularly goes "above and beyond" in her service. I'd like to see her formally recognized as the hero she is in IT.

The Ware Center team is the absolute embodiment of a "welcoming community" for all! Our middle name is 'Diversity'! Our mission every day is to provide a welcoming cultural cornucopia of visual and performing arts programming for our diverse local Lancaster community and our Millersville family/students. From our Performing Arts Series to our live panel documentary series, and all the community events we host-- each one is carefully planned and selected to share the beauty of inclusivity and individuality. Here at Ware, we celebrate differences. Our very own MU student workers are each as unique and diverse as the famous shows that travel from all over the world to play on our stage.  The Ware Center takes to heart the motto of the disability community, “Not about us, without us”. This means, when planning and implementing programming, we collaborate closely with the communities that we will be representing on our stages and in our workshops.  The most recent example was the First Friday in April, in which we presented our annual "Acts of Welcome" event. We worked from the start with CWS (Church World Service) and many of its refugee clients to design and present the performance, which was emceed by Rwamucyo Karekezi, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He introduced fellow refugee artists from China, Nepal, Mexico, Ukraine and even his native land. Next month, for First Friday May, the Lancaster Asian American Pacific Islander (LAAPI) coalition has fully planned an evening presentation of Asian cuisine with our facilitation. We provide the space, the tech, and marketing support, and we trust our diverse collaborative community partners to create meaningful and successful events.  Additionally, our MU students are no exception when it comes to playing a role in The Ware Team inclusivity! The "Traveling While Black" event we hosted, and our youth "Arts Smarts Camps" are just two examples of programs in which our MU students workers are an integral part of the planning process.  Along with interfacing with the local BIPOC community, the Ware Center staff members themselves each bring to the table a new and unique perspective to these programs. From our maintenance staff to our top management-- we all sit together to discuss work issues and ideas, and everyone's voice is heard when it comes to being sensitive towards our diverse community patrons as well as our diverse MU students. It is no surprise to learn that our 14 person staff (as well as our MU student workers!) encompass folk from various religions, LGBTQ+ identities, races and ethnicities, differing abilities, and certainly span the age spectrum.  When planning programming, we are sure to reference the Lancaster County Community Foundation’s “Racial Equity profile” conveying the composition and needs of various demographics which make up our Lancaster community so that we can best serve Lancaster’s diverse residents.  We also value as an important resource the online compliance training provided by Millersville.  Yet, perhaps the most important resource would be our partnerships which we have established with over fifty community benefit organizations, local school districts, and various other arts agencies in Lancaster and beyond.  Each day, our Ware Center staff is devoted to maximizing any resources we have available to us to help make the visual & performing arts accessible to our students and our Lancaster community.  At any point, someone on our team is more than happy to make connections within their own personal communities, to enhance the programs we offer here. Reaching out to our local Lancaster merchant friends, our amazing Lancaster Public Library team, our neighbors at LGBTQ+ The Loop, patrons and fans from all our surrounding houses of worship, and the refugee population –which includes our buddies at CWS (just to name a few)– no community is left behind.  The very purpose of the arts is to honor and celebrate “diversity in thought, learning, and personal characteristics”.   When The Ware staff comes to work each day, we strive to open all minds to new perspectives and create new pathways to critical and creative thinking about those who are different from us. It is our desire to build awareness, understanding and empathy, be it in the MU classroom or on our stages.  Our small Ware Center staff of 14 fully recognizes every day how exposure to our differences can bring humanity closer together. Our MU student workers happily teach us new things with each shift they spend with us, opening our eyes to how a world of inclusion is their norm --and we are all better for it! We fully embrace that here! When holding any event or program, we make it our practice to look at it through the needs and feelings of all our patrons and artists.  We purposefully reach out to invite our diverse downtown and MU student families and remain sensitive (often learned through the previously mentioned MU sponsored trainings) to our friends with disabilities by providing ASL interpretations, audio descriptions and sensory-friendly activities. We also offer arts learning opportunities for people living with cognitive, sensory and/or physical disabilities. Our Arts Smarts camps and M-Uth Theater program are perfect examples of such programs that our MU students and our staff together make happen year after year.  Additionally, we invite to our stage professional artists with disabilities, such as this season’s Ali Stroker. Artists like Ali demonstrate that disability is not an obstacle to art, but rather a catalyst for creativity! We also recognize and plan for programming that brings the diverse communities who make up our sanctuary city of Lancaster to our stage, through our FREE "We the People" series.  It is a rare occurrence these days to find a group of people with diverse backgrounds and lifestyles that can come together each day in peace and harmony to make their differences their superpower.  It is even more rare that such a group then turns its sights towards its surrounding community to share the message that "all are welcome here", we are you– and you are us.  Here at The Ware Center, our team happily comes to work each day to make INCLUSION our #1 priority.  Everyone in Lancaster County knows that The Ware Center is Millersville University, and Millersville represents and showcases inclusivity!

Ware Center Team
Robin Zaremski, Barry Kornhauser, Nathan Cottrell, Cori Jackson, Julie Pyle-Childs, Wes Bullock, Brian Fetterhoff, Chris Jackson, Steph Witman, Abby Imm, Josh Redd, Nita Childs, Sam Kornhauser, Michele Littrell, Emily O’Shea

The athletic trainers (ATs) of Millersville University are responsible for a large amount of athletes, all with individual needs. Through their efforts, they learn about these individuals' unique experiences, whether they are mental or physical, the trainers learn about and learn from their athletes. The dedication and care that goes into the treatment of these athletes often go unseen, but athletes know that their trainers are always there for them. The ATs work together to create a safe and compassionate environment where student-athletes feel safe to pop in and talk about their issues. They also ensure they have the proper equipment that meets student needs and work tirelessly to do inventory.  I have had encounters with almost all the athletic trainers as they are constantly looking out for one another due to only having four people and dealing with hundreds of athletes. Each trainer has shown dedication and commitment to their job and works hard to communicate with one another to ensure they are all on the same page when it comes to athletes. I went to Katie with extreme pain and over-exhaustion several days in a row and she finally sat me down and had a compassionate heart-to-heart with me about physical issues but also my mental exhaustion. She took time out of her busy day to give me her undivided attention and remind me to put my body and health first. Further, she provided me with her phone number so I could reach out with questions and updates on my day-to-day to hold myself accountable. The unwavering compassion and commitment to student-athletes is not lost on me, and with this nomination I want the ATs to get the recognition they deserve.  The AT department puts the health and safety of student-athletes as their utmost priority. With this in mind, they dedicate long hours to ensuring they have the right tape for the right athlete, the right temperature ice bath, the best schedules for all students, and on top of that their personal life including friends, family, children, etc. These individuals attend meetings such as SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee), to hear the issues student-athletes are facing and learn how they can help. Notably, the ATs have ensured water at every single practice, created awareness for mental health org known as The Hidden Opponent, and the athletic trainers at Millersville hold deep relationships with their students. They genuinely care about the well-being of their athletes and work tirelessly to ensure our safety, physically and mentally. They are at every game, match, and meet. They keep up to date on records, accomplishments, and successes. They cheer us on while sporting black and gold. They are so loved and cared about and often underdogs. They work so hard and I, among many others, would love to see them get the recognition they deserve.

Athletic Trainers
Heather Wolfe, Katie Parmer, Ryan McGovern, Wendy Wheeler

Dr Attick's availability and willingness to support students, like myself, knows no bounds. From meeting with students seven days a week to accommodating a late-night meeting at 2 am, he shows a level of dedication that goes above and beyond what other professors have done for me.  Personally, I have dealt with family issues as well as medical which has disrupted my college work. Dr. Atticks has made it possible for me to complete my assignments and still continue on track with my other course work. He has provided assistance to catch up on the curriculum during class time and has also made sure to check in periodically. During the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Atticks also demonstrated empathy and understanding towards many of my colleagues who were struggling with mental health challenges that were disrupting their academic lives.  He prioritized self-care while navigating their academic responsibilities.  Dr. Atticks is constantly supporting the students in their future endeavors. From traveling all the way to Iceland so the students could work an international music festival to keeping consistent contact with Claire Global and other companies as well. The University's mission is to contribute educated citizens into society to work in the field that their degree allows. Through advisement Dr. Atticks makes sure that students have a goal while choosing a concentration as well as classes.  Dr. Atticks’s compassion goes beyond academic boundaries, as evidenced by his involvement with the Manos house, where he actively engages students in supporting young men struggling with substance abuse issues. Through initiatives like working in the recording studio with residents, he instills a sense of empathy and support within his students, empowering them to make a positive impact in their community.  Even on international trips, Dr. Atticks ensures that students have the opportunity to engage in meaningful acts of compassion, such as participating in "pack for a purpose" initiatives to support rural schools in need. His commitment to fostering global citizenship and empathy supports his dedication to contributing compassionate leaders for the tomorrows to come.  In conclusion, Dr. Atticks’s commitment to supporting students' well-being, fostering empathy, and addressing societal challenges epitomizes the essence of compassion. His efforts make him an exceptional candidate for the Compassion Award.

Joshua Belice embodies the essence of compassion in every aspect of his role as the Director of the Office of Alumni Affairs at Millers University. His unwavering dedication to service, advocacy for others, and selfless commitment to supporting the university community make him an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.  In his capacity as Director of the Office of Alumni Affairs, Joshua consistently demonstrates exceptional listening skills, maintaining eye contact, asking pertinent follow-up questions, and above all, refraining from interrupting. He creates a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable confiding in him, knowing that their privacy will be respected. Joshua's empathy is palpable; he endeavors to understand each situation from the perspective of those involved, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.  One remarkable example of Joshua's compassion is his initiative to secure grant funding for early childhood undergraduates working in education and care. Recognizing the importance of supporting aspiring educators in their academic and professional pursuits, Joshua tirelessly sought out resources to ensure their success. His dedication not only benefited the students directly but also extended to the faculty involved in the project. Through his support of faculty members engaged in similar endeavors, Joshua demonstrates a profound commitment to empowering others and fostering a culture of compassion and collaboration within the university community.  Furthermore, Joshua's dedication to learning about and being sensitive to the unique experiences of learners, faculty, staff, and community members exemplifies his commitment to the public good. He recognizes the potential impact of individual experiences on the broader community and actively seeks opportunities to support and uplift those around him.  In conclusion, Joshua Belice's outstanding contributions to the Millersville University community embody the core principles of compassion. His advocacy, support, and unwavering commitment to service make him an exceptional candidate for the Compassion EPPIIC Values Award. Joshua's actions serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the profound impact that compassion can have on individuals and communities alike.  Joshua Belice embodies compassion through his tireless efforts to support students and alumni in their pursuit of higher education and community service. His commitment to helping individuals afford education and serve their communities is evident in his mentorship of multiple students without seeking recognition. One impactful experience was witnessing Joshua's empathy in action as he worked with a student to secure financial assistance, enabling them to continue their education and contribute positively to the community. His selfless dedication to student success and community service exemplifies the values of compassion at Millersville University.  One notable instance of Joshua Belice's advocacy for individuals aligning with Millersville University's mission and vision occurred when he championed the expansion of early childhood resources within the university's curriculum collection. Recognizing the critical importance of providing comprehensive resources to support student learning and faculty research in early childhood education, Joshua tirelessly advocated for the allocation of grant funds to enhance the library's offerings in this area. His efforts directly contributed to enriching the educational experience for students and faculty members alike, aligning with the university's commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.  Furthermore, Joshua's advocacy extends beyond the academic realm to encompass support for campus constituents in various roles. Whether collaborating with student organizations, faculty members, staff, or administrators, Joshua consistently leverages his expertise and resources to empower individuals to advance the university's mission and values. An illustrative example of his dedication to student success is when he went above and beyond his role to assist a student in taking measurements for a tailored suit, enabling them to fulfill a leadership role within the university community with confidence and professionalism.  Joshua's deep-rooted connection to Millersville University as a triple alumnus underscores his genuine commitment to supporting its constituents comprehensively. Through his advocacy efforts, he exemplifies the university's values of inclusivity, service, and excellence, fostering a culture of support and empowerment for all members of the university community, both on campus and beyond.  Josh's insights, commitment and dedication have enabled us to secure close to 1.5 million dollars of student scholarships and campus supports. These endeavors demonstrate that he is well deserving of the Compassion award and is indeed a great representative of this value at MU.

Since meeting Dr. Jill Craven in my second semester, she has continually displayed compassion which includes an eagerness to learn about my and my peers' experiences of being transgender, as well as ways to fight for the betterment of our experience here at Millersville. Jill's drive to help others is extremely appreciated. One example of ways that she helps my community is that she often pushes harder than anyone I know to make events for us occur. This means that she takes our interests or ideas and works hard to make it happen. An example of this can be seen in the Millersville community Women's Gender and Sexuality training that will now be occurring on May 10th. Jill also fights for us when discrimination happens on campus, without being asked. Millersville is a safer and more inclusive environment for transgender and queer people and women because Dr. Jill Craven is here. When the protestors arrived on campus in March, Jill was headstrong in confronting them and fighting for my community. Allies like her are one factor than help transgender students succeed. We talked afterward and she was incredibly interested in my feelings about the event. This led to her creating a training on May 10th that will provide many things to the community. One thing is that willing faculty will be trained on how to be silent witnesses during hateful protests. Another plan of the training is that students will share their experiences about attending Millersville as queer individuals. Jill is often fast to point students to leadership opportunities. This allows traditionally marginalized students to grow the skills of sharing their voice and of being leaders.  Dr. Jill Craven has not only demonstrated the EPPIIC values, herself, but has aided students to do the same, and reach brighter potentials. A major draw of Millersville is its dedication to inclusivity, drawing from its strong Integrated Studies and Learning Services programs. To my knowledge, there are at least two students that Jill was able to guide to accessing disability accommodations, allowing the university to grow more inclusive, and those students to shine even brighter. Jill has helped these students to access world forums, including the national women's conference at the UN headquarters in New York City. Jill really wants the most for her students.  Dr. Jill Craven is acutely aware of the issues facing a multitude of her students, and I can tell that she does a lot in her power to better their lives.             

She made me feel very welcomed when I met her for the first time. She was very involved in our conversation and seemed like she actually cared what I was saying. She also asked me about my life, which I really appreciated. Finally, she always had a smile on her face and a look like she was having fun.  When I was walking through the hallway, I got lost and she showed me the way and reassured me that everything was going to be OK. After that, my day was amazing.  She is very deserving of this nomination.

Mrs.Garber always supports me when I need help and is very kind. She is always willing to help. If she doesn't have office hours, she is willing to Zoom call to help you.  She is always supportive.

(First Nomination)

Dr. H has shown nothing but compassion to me throughout my time in his class. There were multiple times I fell ill or had family issues and I could not attend class. No matter what it was Dr. H never failed to reach out to me individually to catch me up on what was missed, check in on my well-being and more.  Dr. H has nothing but love and respect for his students he is kind-hearted and will do whatever is needed to help them succeed.

(Second Nomination)

In class Himmele always brought in real life examples of his impact on others through TPTs. He implements his research into volunteer work with others. He creates a community/family in every environment he enters himself into.  Himmele always supported me and my fellow classmates throughout this semester. He offered grace and flexibility when students’ lives got in the way and we couldn’t submit work on time. He was always a short email away and offered a helpful hand when I asked. Himmele advocated for ELLs everyday. He helps support the community of immigrant students who come into Lancaster looking for an education. With this TPTs and Chats framework he educates the future generations of America. His mission to advocate for students who struggle with English will never stop.  Himmele is the most positive professor I have ever had. He tells us every day we are superheroes. Teachers are superheroes. And if that’s true, he is the best superhero of all.

(Third Nomination)

From day one of class, Dr. Himmele made it clear that the students we will have as future educators matter and we must remember why we chose the profession, especially on hard days. To select a specific time, I would have to say the day he made us all write down "this is why I'll use TPTs in my future classroom" and discussed the power and importance of making someone feel seen.  Dr. Himmele is one of the few who says things and seems to truly mean it. I have previous work experience in the medical field, and we talked and laughed about all sorts of things for several minutes when I stopped by his office. Despite the jokes, he made it clear the respect he had for me, again with "being seen" as in the previous question, but also took time to just talk to me. He never leaves the classroom as long as someone is hanging out waiting to chat and doesn't hesitate to ask how you're doing, even expecting and wanting a real answer! Dr. Himmele makes sure he listens to and supports all his students as best as he is able. Anytime someone comes to him with an issue, he doesn't let them leave without a solution. More than once, I saw people go with concerns to him, and he explained or offered help, even if it was the third time in just that class period.  We are lucky to have Dr. Himmele.

(Fourth Nomination)

Dr. Himmele is deeply committed to learning about and being sensitive to the unique experiences of diverse learners and community members. This professor was an expert in creating inclusive learning environments and was always looking for ways to help students connect their learning to the public good. He made sure we understood everything in class and understood if there were any emergencies outside of class. He respected and cared for all of his students and made sure we were ready to become the best teachers we could be.  When I told my professor that my uncle had passed away and could not come to the next class meeting, he was very understanding and sympathetic. He sat me down in his office and asked me if I was okay or if there was anything that I wanted to talk about with him; after sharing my uncle's experience and the kind and encouraging words from Dr. Himmele, I felt much better, and was in a lighter mood. He shared his empathy and compassion, two of his best qualities that make him a favorite teacher for all his students.  Dr. Himmele provided a productive and collaborative education for all his students. We have learned a lot of useful information that will be used in our journey of becoming teachers. He prepares his students to be responsible, engaged, successful; compassionate, and successful members of society. He advocates for ELLs and helps all of his students prepare for the future, such as interviewing and being ready for a real-world classroom.  Dr. William Himmele is someone who is compassionate, kind, empathetic, and caring for all of his students. He recognizes all our talents and builds on them to make us become great future educators. He gives others the confidence to achieve their dreams. He has made a positive impact on all his students. He is generous, patient, kind, understanding, fun, willing to help others, and able to put other's needs before his own. He maintains a positive and fun environment for students to work in and makes everyone feel safe and supported to answer questions and participate in his class.

(Fifth Nomination)

On behalf of myself, and the current organization of NMTA (National Minority Teachers Association) we would love to have the honor in nominating Dr. William Himmele for one of our EPPIIC values. Although he radiates all of our EPPIIC values, Dr. Himmele is the best fit for Mr. Compassionate!  Having an insiders’ look at how Bill cares for his students, I can honestly agree that yes, Bill is the best fit for “Mr. Compassionate.” In fact, Bill is the kindest man I know. As his former student said in his first nomination, Bill is “Mr. Compassionate”.  Bill cares about helping to enhance students' feelings of belonging while in college. Because of that, he has been the faculty advisor for numerous clubs during his tenure at MU. In fact, he has never declined an invitation to be a faculty advisor for a club. A few years back, word got around that Dr. Himmele would say “yes” to a faculty advisor role, so he was approached by a student from a different department who asked if he would like to be the advisor to “The Pokémon Club,” and, of course, Bill said, “Cool! Count me in!” Bill had never played Pokémon in his life!  When one of his advisees, a young working mom, emailed Bill Himmele to tell him she was considering dropping out of MU, Bill called her on that very Sunday, at her home, to tell her in no uncertain terms that no, she would not be dropping out of MU, and she would be completing the program, with stellar grades, and that she needed to come to his office on Monday to make a plan to make it happen. Bill knew that this student was a strong student who had faced one frustration after another, and he knew that she could finish well. The student graduated with honors, was featured in MU’s social media page, and wrote, in a letter of appreciation, “He is the reason I walked the stage at graduation”.  While it is true that I am Bill’s wife, I am also his colleague, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. For the last past 21 years, I have seen, close-up, how he goes above and beyond in his care for, and interactions with, his students and advisees. Additionally, I’ve heard him incessantly remind me of how lucky he is to get to do what he loves, and how good MU has been to him and to our family (both of our children graduated from MU, and I am a faculty member at MU). It’s true, MU has been our bread and butter, but Bill lives and breathes MU, and he truly cares for his students. He is also an outstanding teacher. When a student is struggling, he sees it as his responsibility to make sure that the student learns. He meets one-on-one, often delaying our ride home together, and coaches students until they understand the content they’re missing. He’s good at what he does, and the students love him for it. When I go visit student teachers in K-8 schools, I am often greeted with “How’s the other Dr. Himmele? He was my favorite professor.  Or something like, “Let me show you my binder from your husband’s class. I still use it in my teaching”. 

(Sixth Nomination)

Dr. Himmele made ample amounts of connections to those in his past student body, current student body, local teachers, faculty of MU, and his children. These connections shared wonderful success stories that gave us future teachers hope and satisfaction that we will be successful individuals and that we are on the right path. He always talked so highly about education and showed great empathy for his students.  Through in class discussion, emails, and office hours, Dr. Himmele shared consistent signs of empathy towards his students. As a student in his class, I felt like I belonged, I felt cared for, and I felt appreciated. His thorough empathy went a long way and myself along with peers always voiced to one another how much we loved Dr. Himmele's class because of his caring, compassionate, and enthusiastic nature.  This could be seen when he shared stories about his student teachers being successful regarding their origin. He shared a story with us about a particular student teacher of his who lives in Africa and owns her own childcare center there. Due to the African local law, this woman was not allowed to run her own childcare center without a degree. Hence why she traveled to the US to take classes at Millersville University to get a degree in education. Dr. Himmele referred to this story many times throughout the course and connected it to the universities EPPIIC values.  Dr. Himmele made learning inclusive, interactive, and fun in this course (485).

(Seventh Nomination)

I attended his office hours one day to go over an assignment. Next thing I know we were talking for over an hour about my military experience. We were on the topic about my father being excited about me being in the military, getting out, and then being in college. I told him how he wasn't happy with any of that and did not think I would stick to my degree and graduate. Dr. Himmele asked if my father would be at graduation. I said most likely no, and he told me that it is okay, he (Dr. Himmele) would be there cheering me on and clapping and yelling the loudest when my name got called. This is just one of the many instances that he made me feel seen and appreciated, and he does that with all his students.  When the class turned in the final binder for him, we received it back with a paper inside on the front page. If I had the binder with me, I would write here what he said. He just goes above and beyond with every student of his. He sends out multiple emails throughout the semester to EACH student individually. Whenever I needed help with anything advisor related but my advisor wasn't there, Dr. Himmele would help me.  Dr. Himmele truly deserves this award. I have never filled out anything like this for any other professor because it was not important to me like this. He is what Millersville should be all about. He TRULY cares about his students even after they graduate. He loves when we send him emails or stop in during office hours. He has such a big heart for all of us, and just wants to see us succeed. There is no one else that deserves this award more and I 100% believe this and would write a whole speech for anyone to hear on why he deserves this.                    

(Eighth Nomination)

Bill Himmele is a consummate student of his students. He was the first person that students for whom English is not their first language went to this semester, when they were struggling with their classes. He listened to their concerns, their frustrations about not being able to receive learning services, and then offered actionable steps for them to take to get the support and attention they needed. They saw him as both an expert in their need as well as a compassionate listener to their concerns. He was also compassionate about the systems in place at the university and guided them to be able to receive real solutions to their problems, which in some cases made the difference between their remaining and succeeding at Millersville or leaving the institution and abandoning their dreams of becoming an educator.  Bill Himmele is the light of the Early, Middle, and Exceptional Education Department. There is not a single student, faculty member, or staff member who walks by his office who he does not greet genuinely. Interacting with Dr. Himmele means that you feel seen and heard. When I lost my father this past year, he was both compassionate and empathetic to how I was feeling. He offered to help in any way that he could (from filling in for a class to other tasks I needed to complete). He treats everyone the same way. His advisees talk about how welcoming he is to them early on in their time at Millersville. Numerous students have emailed me to share that he has changed how they teach and how they interact with their students (at the end of the graduate program in which he teaches). There is never a no from Dr. Himmele when it comes to adding an additional student into his class or helping with a department requirement. He is genuine and always positive and supportive. There's no one who brightens my day more than Bill Himmele.  Bill Himmele advocates for all students. First, he is constantly evolving his own teaching practice in researching and staying up to date with how to teach English as a Second Language. Through his teaching he encourages his students to foster intellectual curiosity, engagement, collaboration and creativity. Dr. Himmele serves as a mentor for students of color at the university, as well as in the education department, exhibiting both professionalism as well as inclusion. He gives back to the local community, the national, and internationally as well through his scholarship and research. He has been asked to train teachers in South Africa, Texas, and Ghana most recently. There is not a professor on campus with more integrity than Dr. Himmele. He is always on campus, unless called away to present at conferences or provide professional learning to educators. His door is always open, and students and colleagues see him as a sounding board of excellent and positive advice. There is no one on campus living out the university's mission and vision of providing diverse, dynamic, meaningful experiences to inspire learners to grow both intellectually and personally to enable them to contribute positively to local and global communities. He has single-handedly informed every EMEE student about the needs of ESL students, as well as inspired so many to become ESL teachers, or teach ESL students in their classrooms with more intentionality and compassion for all that they are facing in learning and learning an additional language. He stretches his students beyond the initial understandings with which they first came to Millersville University.  When I was hired to work at Millersville University, I honestly could not believe I was so fortunate to work with Bill Himmele. He brightens every room into which he walks. His compassion and pure joy at working with students and colleagues makes each day coming to work inspiring. I aspire to be more like him, in my interactions with students, in my daily work, and in the legacy that I hope to leave on the field of education. Bill Himmele has embraced his entire career and does more now than when I first worked with him 7 years ago, to support his students, our department, the college, and the university, by being one of the most compassionate and beloved professors the university has ever known.                                                                    

(Ninth Nomination)

He introduced scenarios specific to certain cultures, taught us how to be aware and inclusive which I truly appreciated and I respected so much.  He is so emphatic towards students when speaking of personal situations. He cares truly if you are okay and does everything he can to help. He helps students get jobs and connect with people in the education world. He spent a whole class helping us all know what we need to do to get a job right out of college. I know to reach out to him if I ever need help. I felt comfortable going to his office hours because I knew he was going to help me no matter what.  Dr. Himmele cares so much about his students. This is evident every class period we spent with him. He gave us a note on the last day of class and it brought me to tears. The note said we are life changers and we are so important. I know I am going to look back on that note in my hard days and it is going to get me through my teaching career.

(Tenth Nomination)

Dr. Himmele is the kindest professor I've ever had. Every time he graded one of my assignments, he would leave good feedback and encouraging words. On our final assignment, he emailed me my final grade and told me that I would make Millersville proud. This comment moved me to tears and I think Dr. Himmele has made a positive impact on all of his student's lives, who will then go on to be kind to our students in the same way he was to us.  A friend of mine was going through a difficult situation with someone else in class. Dr. Himmele was always checking in with my friend and making sure she was doing okay and made adjustments to her assignments so she had more time to work on them. This immensely helped my friend succeed in his class.  There isn't enough I can say about Dr. Himmele. He is seriously the sweetest and most compassionate professor I've ever had. He genuinely cares about all of his students and wants them to succeed, and he is willing to work with them to help them succeed.                              

Barry was at the center of the Arts at MU's TRAVELING WHILE BLACK month-long virtual reality project which was made available for free viewing 4 times a day for the 30 days in October 2024.  Barry compiled, coordinated, and presented eight associated student and community "talk backs" based on this experience - The Green Book Story, Traveling While Black and Queer, Traveling While Disabled, Traveling While Undocumented, Traveling while Black through the Education System, Traveling While Black up the Corporate Ladder, Traveling While Black through the Arts, and Traveling While Black Today and Tomorrow - which included leaders and scholars from the Lancaster Region talking on these relevant issues.  Barry also brought the project WE STILL HERE to campus and community, documentary filmmakers and students who traveled from Puerto Rico to Washington DC to fight for justice after Hurricane Katrina ravished their homeland.  Barry hosts monthly First Friday - We the People performances that provide a stage for the unserved and marginalized communities, including ACTS OF WELCOME (Refugee performers); INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY (female artists and performers); and unique celebrations of Latino, African American, and Asian-Pacific heritage.  He coordinates and hosts the ON SCREEN/IN PERSON series, this year featuring films that addressed relevant topics such as generational addiction, the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, and the unique lives of the disabled. Barry has annually coordinated the Arts Smarts camps for ages 5 - 8, where 60% of the campers come from lower-income families and their camp experience is subsidized by camp scholarships from donations Barry secures.  He also teaches special needs students in theatre as part of the M-Uth Theatre camp held in July and has arranged for these young people to experience a Broadway show, many never having been out of the Lancaster area.  And that is only this year....... Barry works with the Migrant Education Program to ensure those students are able to participate in the arts, both by attending artist talkbacks and workshops as well as offering free tickets to their families to see cultural arts programming.  The Acts of Welcome event, with refugee student performers and disenfranchised young people from Church World Services is an annual special event he hosts, and Barry's family programming performances are offered to economically- challenged schools in the Lancaster School District at no cost to the schools - performances including Zoooom, Poli POP and BAM! - where many of these students would not otherwise participate in the arts.  All schools and MU classes were invited to participate in the Traveling While Black virtual experience at no cost.  Barry arranges for all of the accessibility services and events with all of our Arts at MU performances including reader descript and touch tours for blind patrons, sensory-friendly space for autistic students, and ASL services and non-verbal shows for the hearing impaired.  Barry himself has performed reader description when we weren't able to find a service in time. Barry is on both the Women's Commission and is a coordinator of the annual Holocaust Remembrance event.  The Tree of Life On Screen/In Person panel discussion and post film talk back with the director and two survivors of the Tree of Life massacre was attended by over 350 students and community members and having that brave conversation during the heated tensions between Israel and Palestine was challenging and needed.  Barry speaks for the marginalized and underserved students every day of his time here at the Arts at MU.  It is in his DNA.  I could provide numerous comments made by the MU faculty, local area schoolteachers, and the many nonprofits that Barry is associated with of his compassion for the disenfranchised and his dedication to ensuring all people, young and old, will be able to enrich their lives through the arts regardless of their economic or physical abilities.   We have numerous pictures from all of the events above, artists visits to student classes, and performances of masterclasses from international visiting performers - all at no cost so that there are no barriers to participation.

Dr. Mbindyo has served the Millersville University Campus Community as a faculty member and mentor for students who struggle to overcome social, financial, educational, and personal impediments to academic success over the past two decades.  She began her first Millersville University experience as a temporary faculty member for the former University sponsored Upward Bound Program providing opportunities for a population of high school students from socioeconomically challenged backgrounds to aspire to become first generation college students. She provided the safe space, learning tools, resources, and encouragement necessary for them to continue their academic journey beyond high school. She helped them develop a thirst for learning and a sense of personal resiliency that allowed them to view a university experience as an attainable future goal. She is the co-founder of the Academic Resilience Speaker series which features speakers and panel discussions on topics surrounding how and why students can develop academic resilience; the ability to overcome challenges and grow from them.  The series offers a space to learn and acquire actionable strategies and advice for academic success to support students through difficult times. The series came to be during the pandemic when everything was online. She envisioned a space where students would hear, get encouraged and be motivated by speakers and panels addressing different topics during the pandemic and continued the series after the University returned to face-to-face teaching.  I share the McComsey Academic Advisement and Center for Success Office with Dr. Mbindyo. I have personally witnessed many students return over the years to visit Dr. Mbindyo and let her know that she was the impetus for them to aspire to more academically and to share their achievements with her.  These students understood that Margaret went above and beyond her faculty role to ensure they were properly recognized, mentored, nurtured, celebrated, and appreciated as individuals and valued scholars. Margaret stays after hours to meet with students, listen to their concerns and assure they feel seen and heard in an unhurried manner. She listens attentively to see how she can support them. Being empathetic to the refugee student population who do not qualify to be served under the office of international programs, she established the Millersville University Refugee Scholars Mentoring Program (MU RSMP). This program connects new refugee students to older refugee students for mentorship.  She successfully applied for the Positive Energy Grant, to foster a collaboration between Millersville University, McCaskey High School, and Penn Manor High School to provide refugee advocacy and college readiness.   Additionally, she currently serves on the welcome team of the Millersville University Every Campus a Refuge (ECAR) chapter in association with Church World Services of Lancaster. Millersville University has the honor to be the first PASSHE campus to sign on to this program. Together with other welcome team members, she helped settle the refugee family hosted by Millersville University this past fall. Her dedication and commitment to these activities speak to Dr. Mbindyo’s heart of compassion for those in need.  Dr. Mbindyo has continued her personal advocacy for our student population by serving as the faculty advisor for two student organizations on campus: RIDGE (Refugees and Immigrants Devoted to Growth and Excellence) has a mission to respond to the immediate educational, social, emotional, and economic needs in the community and create a community for social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities.  RIDGE prioritizes service and education within the Refugee and Immigrant communities of Millersville University to create an environment where students are encouraged to share their stories and learn from others.  It provides a space for refugee and immigrant students as well as all students who want to learn more about refugee and immigrant students’ cultures, traditions, and stories.  Bible Campus Ministries is an interdenominational student organization that promotes faith, fellowship, and the Bible through developing missional ministries that serve the student body.  It seeks to create spaces that empower young adults to own their faith by providing positive spiritual outlets that enhance personal, spiritual, and mental growth.  Dr. Mbindyo is the incoming co-chair of the Presidents Commission on Cultural Diversity and Inclusion (PCCDI). She has been a member of PCCDI for slightly over four years where she has advocated for underrepresented students. Compassion allows people to consider the unique individual characteristics of everyone. It is an important component when embedding and nurturing an inclusive culture in any institution.  I believe that is what Dr. Mbindyo hopes to accomplish as the PCCDI Co-chair.  In summary, Dr. Margaret Mbindyo embodies the spirit and letter of the word Compassion.  She walks a compassionate path as a part of her personal values and employs compassion in every part of her professional and personal mission.  She aligns perfectly with the University EPPIIC Value of Compassion.  I can think of no one more deserving of this award.

Dr. Primus teaches in the Online Early Childhood program. This program draws in students who are hoping to complete a bachelor's degree. Almost all of them are first-generation students. In this specific instance, a student failed her class in the fall and had to re-take it. Dr. Primus has supported this student academically, and more recently, she is driving out to visit the student to observe her teach, so that she can get a full picture of why the student wants to become a teacher. This is NOT a part of the course and the student lives 2.5 hours away from Millersville, as most of our Online students do. Dr. Primus could have just failed the student again, but she consistently puts the student's hopes and dreams first, and works with her, so that she can stay in the program, one day graduate, and be able to call herself a Millersville University graduate.  It is extremely empathetic to this student's situation, where they lost their housing, which caused them to lose their internet service, are working a full-time job, and are working to meet the expectations of a 4-year college versus the community college they came from.  Dr. Primus has chosen to work with this student throughout this year, instead of just allowing their obstacles to define their student experience with Millersville. She is not giving up on this student and wants what's best for her, even when that comes at a cost to Dr. Primus: she has spent many extra hours interacting and supporting this student that is typically required. Again, taking her own time to drive to the student's school to complete a visit that is not required is a pure reflection of Dr. Primus living the University's mission and vision, in that she is putting student and community needs above her own. This student's dream is to become a lead teacher who is well trained, for her preschool students.  It is compassionate that Dr. Primus would not just allow the student to fail again, although, on paper, this is what should happen. She is a role model for this student, a mentor, and a life preserver in the student's most difficult times. 

Coach Probst (Jennifer Probst) has helped me through a tough battle. As her player, she depends on me to do my best and dominate on and off the field. While having this challenging battle, it is very difficult to be physically and mentally strong for your team. Coach has put her own time aside to check in with me and made sure I was getting the resources that I needed so that I can become stronger. After hearing my story, Coach Probst worked with me to create a safe and supportive environment within the team. With her motivation towards my battle, she altered my mentality into a growth mindset to overcome my challenges. This effect made me who I am today. I now am a mental health and NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) advocate and speak to younger girls in sports about these topics. If I did not have this experience with Coach Probst, I would have never been able to overcome this battle the way that I did.  Millersville Softball has done so much for me and it all starts with Coach Probst. She has taken the time out of her day to help me with heavy issues. She has provided resources and empathy to ensure that I had gotten better for myself. Not only has she helped shape me for the future, but she has changed lives of many girls through our program. Coach Probst has always made it clear to prioritize her players’ mental health and make sure we are ready to be successful leaders in the future. On our team we have core values that are the foundation of our team which are selflessness, perseverance, commitment, and trust. I believe that Coach Probst demonstrates these core values every day. She is selfless by putting her players first, she perseveres by spending time figuring out what is best for the team comradery, she is committed to this program to ensure her players are growing on and off the field, and she has put trust into each of her players during practices or games and believes in us.  Coach Probst has not only personally made a difference in my life, but all of my teammates’ lives. This year especially, we are graduating 10 girls who are ready to take on careers that could be a struggle for women competing with men in specific fields. Most of the girls are in sports marketing or sports administration fields that do not shed light on female athletes like they should. Coach Probst has motivated her players to take job internships and go out for interviews that some girls may not think they are cut out for, simply being a women. She has given us the skills to fight for what we want, become our own leaders, and has allowed us to have our own experiences. Coach Probst’s goal is to prepare us for the outside world, and with her compassion and support, we will be.  I can speak for my team when I say that Coach Probst is compassionate. My freshman year I was struggling in the classroom and it was very difficult to balance athletics and academics. Coach Probst was always there when I needed help with organization, scheduling, and even a shoulder to cry on in times of stress. Rather than dismissing my struggles or offering quick solutions, Coach Probst listened attentively and validates my feelings. She even has shared her own struggles when she was a student athlete to ensure that I wasn't alone. I can proudly say that with her compassion, suggestions, and help, I have boosted my GPA and am now helping underclassmen with struggles I have gone through. I have also been able to tell underclassmen to go to Coach Probst with similar issues, because I understand how much she has helped me work through mine. 

Tom leads the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Millersville which means he is the first to receive messages from faculty, staff, and students who are gravely concerned about the behavior of others on campus. He holds this heavy responsibility with grace and a level head. No matter how difficult the situation may be, he takes in the information, shares it with the appropriate folks on campus, and creates a plan of action to respond and support the individual in the situation. Most often, these situations are never known by the greater community and handled well within the Team under his leadership. He never asks for or wants recognition for this work, but his compassion for folks on our campus makes a huge difference and often is the connection that is needed to keep the student in our community.  I have seen students literally cross the street to say to Tom, "hey, you know how you said you would help me if I ever decided to go to counseling? Well, I'm ready, and I need you." His response is always, "absolutely. Let's go together." He'll drop everything and take the student to the resource they need or just meet with them in his office as they cry and decide whether or not they are ready to take the next step for help. He sits, he waits, he listens, and that makes all the difference.  Tom sees his life as one of advocacy; it is just the way he lives. His calendar is filled with students who need and want to talk. It's filled with faculty who don't know who else to ask when a student behavior or conversation has gone to a point where they are unsure of the path. One staff member recently described a time when he sent a student over for a "Tom Talk" because the student needed to sit with an empathic ear and with someone who had the skill to truly listen to their story.  When I think of compassion, I think of Tom Richardson and the calm, kind way he sits with students who are in the mud of life. He sits with them until they are ready to walk forward.

Jeri's been at Millersville a long time and could easily coast until retirement, but has instead taken on key roles on campus like faculty senate president and has used compassion to make sure key initiatives are seen through. The role of faculty senate president comes with many meetings, multiple levels of communication and is very time-consuming.  Jeri is one of the best advisors to students on campus. She probably has the most advisees in the Art and Design department. Her door is always open for students to talk to her. Many times, students just want to chat with her regardless of their academic needs because they know she will listen and be compassionate. Jeri often advises students who weren't even her official advisees. She is empathic to their needs, goals, and general health as a person.  There are plenty of examples of Jeri advocating for others (students and staff), but one of the biggest examples of her advocating is in her role as coordinator for the online Design degree completion program. She spearheaded the creation of the online program and makes sure those students are properly represented and have their needs met like all other Millersville students.  The Art and Design department naturally has a strong LGBTQ community and Jeri is always in strong support of those students’ needs.

During class, Dr. Smith's passion for teaching is extremely admirable. She never fails to make her students laugh even at 9am. She makes every student feel acknowledged and heard.

I went through a terrible time this semester with surgery recovery and Dr. Spicer was very understanding and willing to work with me to tailor assignments and due dates to my specific needs.  The above example, as well as how he always makes class very interesting and personally engaging because he understands how college life can be and that we sometimes just really need a laugh during such a stressful time. In the beginning of this semester there were times when his humor during class was the only thing that made me smile that day.  He has always pushed me to be the best I could be and took my very serious situation into account this semester. If I hadn’t had understanding professors like him, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this semester. I’m so grateful that he did what he could to help me excel through my courses this semester and stay on track to graduate.

Samantha interviewed student staff managers and has been working with us all year. She holds weekly leadership meetings as well as discussion meetings about the rec center. She is very personable with solving problems and asks thought provoking questions to help us learn.  Samantha is involved in Special Olympics.  She volunteers many hours per week to help the Special Olympics here in Millersville. She organized Bocce Ball each week for the team, including set up of the court, and traveled with the team to their championship. She volunteered her time, because she is very compassionate. She loves sports and treating everyone equal.  After a student worker voiced concerns to Sam, we discussed the situation at our next weekly manager meeting. Sam did an excellent job of not sharing details of the situation but advocating for the concerns of the student worker. As managers we discussed what we could do better, what we could try, and what changes we could make. This was very helpful not only for the student workers, but also our leadership skills as managers.  Samantha has done a great job of connecting with the student body at Millersville. She is very involved in making sure things run smoothly at campus recreation. She is very compassionate towards everyone on campus.

Professor O’Connell exemplifies outstanding teaching and genuine student engagement. Not only is she an exceptional educator, but she also makes a point to connect personally with each of her students. For example, she regularly inquires about the athletes' competitions and shows genuine interest in our teams' experiences. Her innovative approach to teaching ensured that every class was unique and engaging, with varied formats that kept us actively involved. What truly sets Professor O’Connell apart is her deep commitment to her students' success, which is evident in everything she does.