10 questions with Mike ‘the Mailman’ Herr

Rain. Sleet. Snow.

One has to imagine that in his nearly 50-year career with the United States Postal Service, Mike Herr ( aka Mike the Mailman) has seen it all.

From his perch at Penn State’s on-campus post office, Herr’s affable personality and positive demeanor have made him a beloved figure among the campus’ faculty and students.

Get to know the man behind the counter a little bit better.

Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A: Well, as soon as I grow up, I’ll let you know!

Q: What time does your alarm clock go off in the morning?

A: As I’ve been waking up for this adventure, (that most would call a job), for more than 40-plus years, my internal clock is what wakes me up every morning.

Q: What’s the first thing you like to do when you get to work?

A: As you may or may not know, I am a gifted athlete. And, as all gifted athletes know, you must hydrate. I try to drink a gallon or more of water per day. It keeps me physically and mentally balanced, so I start out the morning drinking my first bottle of water.

Q: How did you end up at Penn State?

A: After college, the closest jobs available were about 200 miles away, and I didn’t want to move that far away from home. As I was looking for other options, I found out that you could take a test to be considered for a position at the Post Office. I took the test and my first day as a USPS employee was at the State College post office on April 1, 1968 — no fooling!

Q: Where’s your favorite spot on campus?

A: Do I have to pick just one? What’s not to like about the entire campus? I have so many favorite spots here at University Park depending on the season or time of day, but my most favorite spot is this small post office area in the basement of the McAllister Building, Monday-Friday from 8:29 a.m.-4:46 p.m.

Q: When you’re having a bad day, what helps you get through it?

A: I’ve never had a bad day! I keep everything in perspective, I am grateful for the many blessings in life, and the love and support from my family.

Q: Where was the last vacation you took?

A: My life is a vacation. Actually, besides the holidays and recent trip to Las Vegas to support the PSU men’s basketball team in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic tournament, the last vacation we enjoyed was in Lancaster, celebrating my older daughter’s wedding.

Q: What’s the best advice that you’ve ever received?

A: To purchase and read the CDT daily — just kidding. My parents and wife, Katie, have offered the best advice over these years, but to recount just one is a challenge.

Q: Over the course of your career, has there been an interaction with a student that has stuck in your memory? Why?

A: Too many memories have stuck with me, that’s why I’m still here. I think that the students, faculty and staff, as well as this community, are so very endearing. The perfect example is an event taking place a little later this month, the Penn State Dance Marathon benefiting the Four Diamonds (Fund). Thon, as it is lovingly referred to by many, is not just a 46-hour dancing event but, it is also a 365-day-a-year commitment of caring and preparing hope, help and happiness. After “mail call,” I go out on the floor and interact with the kids and the students ... In those little moments, my heart just overflows.

Q: You’ve made a big impression on the campus and the surrounding community. What’s your secret?

A: Thank you so much for thinking that. My secret is fairly simple, solid truths: Kindness matters, humor always helps; staying enthusiastic about the big and the little things, and showing compassion to every single person that I meet.

This story was originally published February 5, 2016 at 12:35 PM with the headline "10 questions with Mike ‘the Mailman’ Herr."