Outreach

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two Penn State faculty members and a team from the Penn State College of Health and Human Development are the recipients of the inaugural Commonwealth Commitment Awards recognized through three mission-centered categories: inspiring discovery, preparing students and serving Pennsylvania.

The awards were created by Penn State Outreach to recognize Penn State faculty and staff whose work exemplifies the University’s land-grant mission through meaningful engagement with communities, innovative discovery and transformative student experiences across Pennsylvania. Recipients were selected by the Commonwealth Commitment Awards Selection Committee from a competitive pool of nominees spanning multiple campuses and units.

Larry Terry, vice president for Penn State Outreach, said the awards reflect Penn State’s commitment to engagement, impact and student success across the commonwealth.

“The volume of nominations from multiple colleges and campuses illustrates the passion and diligence of the Penn State community to deliver on its land-grant mission every day,” Terry said. “The recipients of the inaugural Commonwealth Commitment Awards exemplify Penn State Outreach’s mission to work in collaboration with colleagues to deliver educational experiences for students and partner with communities and organizations statewide to generate meaningful, measurable impact throughout Pennsylvania.”

The Inspiring Discovery Award recognizes faculty or staff who create access to learning, enrichment or creative experiences that broaden perspectives and strengthen communities.

Recipient: Robert Speel, associate professor of political science, School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Penn State Behrend

Speel is being recognized for sharing his extensive knowledge of American and Canadian politics, elections and voting behavior by developing public-facing programs and civic engagement opportunities for students and communities in northwest Pennsylvania. Speel’s outreach includes public presentations, serving as an expert source on American politics for local, national and international news media, and facilitating student events and study-away opportunities.

Read more about Speel’s work on the Penn State Outreach website.

The Preparing Students Award celebrates work that poises students for civic and professional success through experiential learning, mentorship and applied engagement.

Recipient: Ryan Hassler, teaching professor of mathematics, Division of Science at Penn State Berks

Hassler is being recognized for his commitment to student success in the Engineering Ahead program at Penn State Berks. Established in 2015, the fully residential summer “bridge” program is designed to prepare incoming engineering students — particularly those from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds — for the academic, professional and personal demands of college. Hassler is hailed for ensuring the program’s long-term sustainability through strategic funding, partnerships and continuous program evolution.

Learn more about Hassler’s work on the Penn State Outreach website.

The Serving Pennsylvania Award recognizes teaching, research and/or service that creates significant impact for Pennsylvania residents, organizations and communities.

Recipients: Staff from the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health:

• Lisa Davis, director
• Sandee Kyler, deputy director and manager of rural health systems
• Lannette Fetzer, coordinator of quality improvement and certified AgriSafe Nurse Scholar
• Kelly Braun, coordinator for rural primary care and integration
• Karen Burke, coordinator for outreach
• Joni Davis, worker protection standard specialist
• Laura Zimmerman, budget and staff assistant
• Ed Tracey, research associate

The Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health was formed in 1991 as a partnership between the federal government, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Penn State. PORH is administratively located within the College of Health and Human Development and serves as the official rural health office for advancing rural health initiatives and improving access to health resources for communities across Pennsylvania.

Take a closer look at the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health on the Penn State Outreach website.

Visit the Penn State Outreach website to learn more about the Commonwealth Commitment Awards.