Image: Patrick Mansell February 26, 2021
As part of our regular We Are! feature, we recognize ten Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what s asked of them in their work at the University. Do you know someone who deserves a shout-out? If you do, consider taking a minute to nominate that person by filling out a short online form.
This week, we d like say thank you on behalf of the entire University community to:
Stephanie Danette Preston, Associate Dean for Graduate Educational Equity, whose nominator wrote: Dr. Preston works overtime to make sure students are treated fairly and have adequate resources. She makes herself available to students and listens to students concerns to find solutions to concerns. She is also the advisor to the Black Graduate Student Association.
Wreaths Across America set for this weekend in Beaufort, Jasper counties
Jasper County Sun Times
Balsam wreaths of green with red bows will adorn graves in Jasper and Beaufort counties Saturday and Sunday as part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America event.
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery started by a Maine businessman in 1992. Wreaths Across America in Ridgeland began to participate in 2017.
“This year’s ceremony will be different due to the need for us to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines, but the wreath-laying is to not only recognize those we’ve lost, but also those who have served or are serving our country,” said Mary Wallace Berry, coordinator of the Ridgeland initiative.
Law enforcement K-9s get new gear
Jasper County Sun Times
Five K-9 officers in Jasper County recently received gifts to help protect them while they are on the job.
Blue Line Tails, an organization established in March by Michael Messer, got a $7,700 donation in August from the group 100+ Sun City Women Who Care that paid for five body armor sets with patrol collars.
Andrea Hoerner, one the Sun City group’s founding members, said it has given away more than $67,000 in donations. At their quarterly meetings, members can nominate any local nonprofit to receive funds. The group votes on which charity will receive the donations.