UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS) honored staff for dedicated service and accomplishments at its annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon, held Friday, Dec. 11, at the Nittany Lion Inn on the University Park campus.

Each December, as part of the college’s Staff Recognition Awards program, EMS recognizes staff for their outstanding contributions to the success of the college. Award recipients are chosen from a pool of applications submitted by the college’s faculty, staff and students. The Staff Recognition Awards program consists of three different awards: Circle of Excellence, EMS Ambassador and the Future Star Award. Staff members are also recognized for years of service to the University.

Circle of Excellence Award

The Circle of Excellence Award honors a staff member who motivates and inspires others while fostering excellence in achievement and performance; encourages the growth of others; promotes diversity; and provides superior customer service.

Sylvia Deng, academic adviser in the Office of Undergraduate Education’s Ryan Family Student Center, was selected as the recipient of the 2015 Circle of Excellence Award.

EMS Ambassador Award

The EMS Ambassador Award honors a staff member who promotes a positive work environment within their unit, the college and the University; performs duties beyond those included in their job description; exhibits innovation; and fosters creativity and process improvement.

Lindsay Wells, IT support specialist in the Office of the Dean, was selected as the recipient of the 2015 EMS Ambassador Award.

Future Star Award

The Future Star Award is awarded to a staff member who has been employed in the college for less than two years. This award honors a staff member who demonstrates initiative and commitment to their unit and has made a significant impact within their short employment.

Alisha Simon, academic adviser in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, was selected as the recipient of the 2015 Future Star Award.

Years of service

Seven employees were recognized for five years of service:

• Megan Abplanalp
• Jennifer Babb
• James Guyton
• Bradley King
• Barbara Peragine
• Lindsay Wells
• David Yoxtheimer

Ten employees were recognized for 10 years of service:

• Diane Ault
• Jaime Harter
• Angelita Johnson
• Krista Kahler
• Sonya Miller
• Jennifer Gilbert Renoe
• Patryk Soika
• Scott Varrassa
• Jodi Vender
• Susan Yetter       

Seven employees were recognized for 15 years of service:

• Melissa Bailey
• Katina Bartley-Posney
• Ryan Baxter       
• Noelle Capparelle
• Sarah Chamberlain
• Patricia Craig
• Linda Shope

Six employees were recognized for 20 years of service:

• Frank Driscoll
• Debbie Lambert
• Scott Henninger
• Jeff Brendle
• Laura Tetrault
• Linda Spangler

Sixteen employees were recognized for 100 percent on the job:

• Eric Aitala
• Tracy Bernier
• Jeff Buechler
• Stephanie Chambers
• Elizabeth Daye
• Marnie Deibler
• Frank Driscoll
• Robert Hibbert
• Ginger Kowalchuk
• Sue Lavan
• Rosie Long
• Kelley Rhoades
• Sue Spaugh
• Laura Tetrault
• Mark Wherley
• Robert Ziegler

For more information about the 2015 Staff Appreciation Luncheon see http://www.ems.psu.edu/faculty_staff/human_resources/sac/events/luncheon_2015.