Without a doubt, 2020 has been an extraordinarily challenging year across the University. Yet, as I reflect on everything we faced this year, these very challenges have revealed just how adaptable, supportive, and resilient our teams are. I am amazed at how Team HR came together.
I have the privilege of leading a positive and resilient team, made up of individuals who turn adversity into innovation, isolation to connection, and problems into opportunities on a daily basis. We began our remote work period by rapidly responding to the many impacts the pandemic has had on our community, from the complete shift to remote work, the extensive planning for a safe return to work on campus, the closing and reopening of our child care centers, and much more. Team HR (human resources) navigated these crises while still providing all our usual services in a remote environment. With an increase in internal communications to keep Team HR connected and informed, we kept moving forward. My deepest gratitude goes out to every member of Team HR for helping us do our part in continuing the work of the University and supporting our fellow employees.
HR begins 2021 guided by a new mission and vision and united in dedication to our customers under our 2021-25 strategic plan. With the excellent work of this past year as our foundation, we are excited to get started on new, high-impact initiatives to better establish the University as a top employer. Charting our course for the next five years in the context of this unprecedented year has been a great achievement, and I want to thank everyone who contributed to this process.
My thanks also goes out to the entire Penn State community. We look forward to serving you in 2021!
-- Lorraine Goffe, vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer at Penn State