Sandler, left, is known for her personal warmth and genuine interest in others. Abington baseball player Dustin Kology and two teammates missed commencement due to a tournament, so Sandler and Assistant Dean Samir Ouzomgi invited the men and their families to her office for photos a few days later.
Sandler's longtime friendship with faculty member Mel Seesholtz included his beloved companion, Harry. When it came time to say goodbye to the terminally ill dog, she comforted them and stayed until the end. Seesholtz called it "a real bonding day ... and it says a lot about Karen as a person."
Rabbi Robert Leib, student Charlena Frank, Chancellor Karen Wiley Sandler, Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses Madlyn Hanes, and Abington Township Commissioners Steven Kline and Benjamin Sanchez.
Penn State Abington elementary education majors sort books for a community partnership school. The schools receive donations of time and materials, and the student teach mini-lessons and assist students and their teachers.
Pierre LaRocco, a guidance counselor at South Philadelphia High School, explains the process his school adopted to help students receive social service supports they need. Without addressing these other needs, he said they cannot effectively teach.
Shane White, Abington THON, and Charlena Frank, president of the Penn State Abington Student Government Association, at the groundbreaking for the campus' first residence hall.
