Penn State Dickinson Law honors University Park faculty and staff at annual employee appreciation luncheon

June 2025—Penn State Dickinson Law recently held its annual employee appreciation luncheon at the University Park location, where faculty and staff were recognized for service milestones and outstanding service to the Law School and School of International Affairs (SIA).

Assistant Director of Stewardship and Development Operations Lisa Reihart received the Patricia Amadure Memorial Award, which honors full-time staff members who have been employed by the law school for at least three years and exemplify qualities of industriousness, good humor, dedication, and loyalty to the law school, its students, and/or alumni.

“Lisa approaches every task in front of her with an attention to detail and level of care that is second to none,” said Josh Trego, director of development and alumni affairs at Penn State Dickinson Law. “She constantly approaches new tasks in the stewardship and donor impact space with energy, vigor, creativity, and a level of sarcastic humor that only she can deliver. She cares immensely about the donor experience and is innovating the ways in which we convey to our donors not just our gratitude but, equally as important, the very real impact that their philanthropy is having on our institution and in the lives of our students. Kudos, Lisa!"

“Lisa is an invaluable member of the Penn State Dickinson Law team,” said nominator Jessica Seretti, Penn State Dickinson Law director of alumni relations. “Her dedication is unmatched, her institutional knowledge is relied upon on a daily (sometimes hourly!) basis, and her genuine care for our students and alumni and representation of Penn State Dickinson Law makes us collectively stronger. Lisa's ever-present gift of humor infuses light into our work and disarms even the most difficult of challenges. She's fiercely protective of our school and always looking for ways to elevate our work through her ideas, passion, and pride in our Penn State Dickinson Law community. She's a wonderful colleague and even better human.”

Faculty and staff members were also recognized for service milestones, including four who have been with the Law School or SIA for 15 years. Those receiving service milestones were:

15 years: Jill C. Engle, clinical professor of law and ADI associate director

Johannes W. Fedderke, professor of international affairs and African studies (SIA)

Adam I. Muchmore, professor of law and affiliate at Center for Health Care and Policy Research and Penn State Initiative on Law, Policy, and Engineering

Julia Y. Lee, professor of law

10 years: Sherry Chaiko, administrative assistant, experiential education

Alison J. Ruckert, information services supervisor

Kierra Drapcho, director of administration (SIA)

Jing Hu, director of Graduate and International Programs

Rebecca A. Mattson, interim director of the Montague Law Library and professor of legal research

Stephen Barnes, assistant dean of Graduate and International Programs

Tom Sharbaugh, professor of practice and director, Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic

Five years: Andrea M. Matwyshyn, professor of law and engineering policy

Lindsey Kurtz, adjunct professor of law and LL.M. legal writing

Brook Duer, staff attorney

The luncheon, held in the Katz Lobby at University Park and catered by Harrison’s, included a delicious lunch, cake, and raffle prizes. Carlisle held its employee luncheon earlier this year.