ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State Altoona recognized outstanding employee contributions with the 2021 faculty and staff awards. Nominated by the college community, and selected by various award committees, several faculty and staff members received awards. A ceremony honoring recipients from both 2020 and 2021 will be held during the fall 2021 semester.
Award recipients included:
Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award
- Kelly Munly, assistant professor of human development and family studies
The Athleen J. Stere Teaching Award recognizes dedication to students, passion and enthusiasm for teaching, innovative teaching methods, and demonstrated, sustained excellence in teaching. The award honors Athleen J. Stere, who offered nearly four decades of distinguished teaching and service to Penn State Altoona.
Outstanding Lecturer Award
- Patricia Sauka, part-time instructor in human development and family studies
The Outstanding Lecturer Award recognizes excellent teaching by members of the Penn State Altoona adjunct faculty.
Fred Allen Womack and Frances Sue Zimmerman Womack Book Award
- John Eicher, assistant professor of history
This award was made possible by contributions from Steve Sheetz and Kenneth Womack. Each year, Penn State Altoona seeks to recognize and honor distinguished contributions of the faculty through presentation of the Fred Allen Womack and Frances Sue Zimmerman Womack Book Awards.
Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creative Activity
- Shihu Shen, professor of rail transportation engineering
Rather than a career achievement award, the Outstanding Achievement in Research and Creativity Award recognizes distinctive research, scholarship, or creative activity of a faculty member in any field or discipline achieved in the recent past, i.e., during the prior two to three years.
Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award
- Bonnie Cutsforth-Huber, professor of music
The Grace D. Long Faculty Excellence Award was created to recognize two faculty members who, by their performance as teachers and their work in the areas of advising, scholarship, research and service, demonstrate excellence in their profession.
Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Awards
- Tammy Carter, facilities and operations janitorial worker
- Mark Oswalt, biology laboratory research technician
- Gina Baird, registrar
The Ted J. Long Staff Excellence Award was created to recognize three members of the Penn State Altoona staff who, by their job performance, exhibit outstanding professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm in support of the college.
Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Awards
- Linda Govere, assistant teaching professor of nursing
- Melanie Kattouf, physician assistant in the health and wellness center
The Barbara Long Beck Endowed Excellence Award was created in 2006 to honor and recognize outstanding achievement by a faculty member and staff member of Penn State Altoona who represent the field of nursing. The award was established by Kimberly M. Kennedy in memory of her mother, Barbara Long Beck, who was a loyal friend and devoted supporter of Penn State Altoona. The award celebrates Beck’s commitment to higher education and the nursing profession.