Simon honored with staff Excellence Award

University Park, Pa. -- Kathleen Simon, administrative assistant II in the Office of Graduate Studies at Penn State's College of Medicine, has been selected to receive the 2008 Staff Excellence Award.

Established in 1993, this award recognizes the consistently outstanding performance of a staff member who has demonstrated and practiced the philosophy of continuous quality improvement, team spirit, managerial excellence in the performance of assigned duties and leadership in establishing a quality service orientation, so as to benefit his or her unit and the University.

A Penn State employee for 25 years, Simon has spent 12 of those years interacting with every student who passes through the Office of Graduate Studies, from the initial e-mail inquiring more information on the program, all the way through their academic program and into their lives as alumni. She plays an integral role in graduate development.

In addition to her everyday support of graduate education, Simon coordinates key events within the College, including Career Day and the Graduate Research Forum. The Graduate Student Association credits Simon's consideration for their various commitments and studies in alleviating their workload through her own organizational endeavors for their events.

One faculty member who works with Simon illustrated her commitment to her job, noting, "There are numerous times when I have called Kathy's office late in the evening  -- 7 p.m. or later -- prior to the start of a semester expecting to leave a message for her to deal with something the next day. Instead, Kathy answers the phone because she is working very late to make sure things let go to the last minute by instructors are finalized and prepared in time for the students. Kathy is extremely proactive in reminding faculty and students of deadlines that need to be met and making certain that everything is in perfect order when things are finalized."