Rhonda L. Reynolds of Millcreek Township, a Housing & Foods Services employee at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, was honored by the Penn State Commission for Women with a 2013 Achieving Women Award.
The Commission for Women annually recognizes women from the university community who have shown notable leadership and accomplishment in their fields, have supported Penn State’s diversity efforts and promoted equal opportunity, or have contributed to human causes and public service activities.
Reynolds was lauded for leading an effort to build team morale among the college’s Housing & Food Services staff and student employees through shared community service. Under her direction, staff and student workers have used themed dress-down days to raise money for the St. Martin’s Center Shining Star program, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the Wounded Warriors Project, and hosted a used-book sale that raised $600 for Books for Kids. She also organizes a Housing & Foods Services employee team that participates in off-campus charity events, including local beach clean-ups and the Harborcreek Relay for Life.
“(The employee service group) has strengthened our team and allowed us to make an impact in our community,” the nominator for Reynolds’ award wrote. “More importantly, it allowed our staff to feel empowered and become leaders in the workplace.”
Reynolds has worked for the college for eight years.