The Penn State Alumni Association will honor Mike Herr, more affectionately known as Mike the Mailman, with the Honorary Alumni Award for significant work toward bettering the university without actually graduating from Penn State.

Mike the Mailman retired last spring after 48 years working with the United States Postal Service. When he transferred from downtown State College to the Penn State campus post office, Herr quickly made a name for himself with his positive personality and love for cookies.

Even though you won’t see Mike the Mailman if you walk into the Penn State post office, you’ve probably seen him around town since his retirement — judging a contest, making a guest appearance, or just enjoying a beautiful day in State College. Herr and his wife even opened a bed and breakfast.

Honorary Alumni receive a lifetime membership in the Alumni Association and a commemorative award, which will be presented on June 2 along with the 2017 Distinguished Alumni and Philanthropist of the Year awards.

Other honorees for 2017 include Penn State chemistry professor Stephen Benkovic, Dean Emeritus of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences John Dutton, College of Medicine emeritus professor Edwards Schwentker, and former OPP Director of Campus Planning and Design Gordon Turow.