Andrew Harbaugh ' 20 Named Program Manager of the Year for PA Best Buddies
By : Lauren Yancer
GMercyU alum Andrew Harbaugh ' 20 was named Program Manager of the Year for the Pennsylvania division of Best Buddies .
GETTING STARTED WITH BEST BUDDIES As Andrew was finishing his bachelor ’ s degree in English and Secondary Education at GMercyU , he
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Needless to say , Mercy guided me and GMercyU brought me to where I am .
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worked as a substitute teacher at a local public school . During that time , he also served as the Chairperson of GMercyU ’ s chapter of Best Buddies , which led to an internship with the Best Buddies State Office during his senior year .
Little did Andrew know that a Program Manager role would soon open up and he would be offered the opportunity to start part-time while finishing up his degree . After graduation , Andrew started his role full time , and has been in the position for the past two years .
Although his responsibilities within Best Buddies continue to grow , Andrew is still proud to be a Program Manager . Within this role , his main focus is on community engagement and overseeing the organization ’ s regional and local adult friendship program called “ Citizens .” The Citizens Program matches adults with disabilities with a peer from the local community .
PROGRAM MANAGER OF THE YEAR Since joining full-time , Andrew has had the opportunity to work with other program managers across the country . At the Best Buddies ’ staff leadership conference in summer 2018 , Andrew ’ s colleagues nominated him to be Program Manager of the Year . In December 2021 , Andrew was presented the award at their Staff Awards Ceremony . The award was accompanied by a bonus and a plaque . Andrew ’ s boss surprised him with a sweet introduction , and he got the chance to celebrate with his colleagues when the video went live .
“ Needless to say , Mercy guided me and GMercyU brought me to where I am . Having that attitude that embraces always leads you into the direction you are destined to be in ,” Andrew said .
This summer , Andrew was elected to GMercyU ' s Alumni Association Board , where he will serve a two-year term .