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Herr started his career with the U.S. Postal Service on April 1, 1968 in the State College post office on Fraser Street. He started as a mail sorter by night and attending Penn State part-time by day.

"A lot of people I work with thought it was ironic that I started on April Fool's Day," Herr said.

After several years of sorting mail, Herr started to work during the day as a window clerk. He loved it, and noticed right away that the time flew by because of all the interaction he was having with so many people. However, he knew only one more change could make his job all the more better; a transfer to the post office on the University Park campus. His wish came true the day his wife gave birth to their second child, who is now in college. That day started his journey as something more than just a window clerk. He became a friend to anyone who stepped through the door.

For Herr, the University Park post office is the "sweetest spot" to work in. He admits to not being a fan of management, so working on the campus gets him far away from them. His wife has even called him the son she never had because he likes to play.

One specific day comes to mind when Herr thinks about the jokes he played on people while working. Several years ago, he recalls the Overall Chair for Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) was under a lot of stress. In order to relieve some of that, Herr planned a trick to play on him. He sent him a notice that he had received an extremely fragile package and needed to come to the post office to pick it up. As soon as the THON Overall reached the counter, Herr went to the back to get a box that had "Fragile" written on it with blue postal service tape wrapping the whole box. Herr pretended to trip and dropped the box. The room went silent as the noise of glass breaking amplified.

The THON Overall did not know this, but the box was actually filled with glass bulbs. It was a package made by Herr specifically for the prank. Finally, Herr told him the truth and the laughter spread. The THON Overall also did not know that the backroom was filled with his friends and a video camera recording the whole thing. It turns out the video was shown at that year's THON and put a smile on more people's faces than just the THON Overall.

"The people in line seemed even more devastated than he was," Herr said. "I still have the box. Every now and then when someone comes in to pick up a fragile package I use it. It works every time."

Among the countless jokes, Herr also takes the time to be involved with students outside of the post office. He recalls attending numerous alumni events, being in the homecoming parade and, of course, his annual "Cheers First Class Tour." Although he refuses to use the word "bar," that is exactly what it is; a bar tour. He estimates this year will be the 39th annual tour. The name refers to the widely known television show "Cheers." So far, he has over 100 students, faculty and staff signed up for this year's tour that will take place on May 14.

"Mike the Mailman," who was given that nickname by a friend in the mid-80s, just wants to brighten people's days. Many students come back after graduating to visit him or bring him cookies for his "Cookie of the Month" contest. On one occasion, he even introduced two former students to each other, which resulted in their marriage. In fact, Herr is the godfather to one of their children.

"My wife thinks I should run a dating service from the post office," Herr said. "I see a lot of guys and gals who might have a need for that."

Herr hopes that what he does has a positive effect on the people he meets everyday, whether it just brightens their day or creates a long-lasting effect. He estimates that in the next two or three years he will retire from the postal service at the same time his wife, an educator, retires.

"I don't really want to leave," Herr said. "I like being connected with the students and faculty. I really am going to miss the atmosphere and the camaraderie and all the youthfulness of all the students."

Postal display controversy
spurred Great Rally of 2000

Mike Herr has accumulated a myriad of posters, pictures and letters during his more than 20 years at the University Park Post Office. Upon entering the post office, students, faculty and staff at Penn State are able to view all of these things that Herr has posted on the wall. He said the wall is "forever changing" because he is always receiving something new to put up. In 2000, this wall, which has become well known at Penn State, was almost abolished for good.

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