By Megan McGregor ’20 Editor-in-Chief Emeritus
She is known as “the glue that holds the office together,” “the heart of the office,” and “the keeper of the files.”
She is known as “the glue that holds the office together,” “the heart of the office,” and “the keeper of the files.”
With the transition into the 2020-2021 school year, Karla Bingaman, the Administrative Coordinator for the College Counseling Office and to many the face of college counseling at Mercersburg Academy, will transition from her job in the college counseling office to a position in human resources. While she will be severely missed in college counseling, her expertise and support will still be present, and she will continue to be a positive influence on the members of the school community.
Bingaman began working at Mercersburg Academy in 2001 as an administrative assistant for the Office of Summer and Extended Programs but soon transitioned to working in the College Counseling office. During her time at Mercersburg Academy, she has assisted 19 graduating classes, over 2200 students, and nearly every member of the College Counseling office past and present.
Since beginning her position as the Administrative Coordinator for College Counseling, Bingaman’s diligence, organization, and efficiency have been instrumental to the success of students, college counselors, and everyone else in the department. Around the office, she is valued for her attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and remarkable proficiency.
Rachel Mallory, Associate Director of College Counseling, says, “Karla truly keeps our office running. She is our go-to person for information and how-to knowledge with nearly any office task or decision. She is the utmost professional but also has an innate ability to adjust and manage each of our very different personalities with nuance, grace, and compassion.”
Besides her impeccable work ethic, Bingaman’s determination and tenacity are unparalleled. She is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that work is done properly while maintaining her professionalism. Specifically, the greatest example of Bingaman’s dedication to her job coincides with the January 15 college filing deadline and birth of her son, Arlo. Frank Betkowski, English teacher and former college counselor, recalls: “Despite being nine months pregnant, Mrs. Bingaman was determined that we would meet the deadline. Along with the rest of the staff at the time, Mrs. Bingaman stayed late on January 14 (a Friday, if I recall correctly) to be sure everything would be postmarked by the next day. She went home that night, went into labor, and gave birth to Arlo the next day!”
While Bingaman has worked in the college counseling office for almost 20 years, many of her colleagues throughout her tenure have come and gone. Consequently, whether it be having a cup of coffee with a new member of the department or explaining College Board basics, Bingaman has been a supportive and instructional presence in the office, essential to maintaining continuity.
Testing Coordinator Hayley Tyree, who joined the Mercersburg community during the 2019-2020 school year, says, “Karla was my lifeline this first year at Mercersburg. Whenever I had a question, she had the answer or she knew who to contact to get the answer. She went above and beyond to help me transition into my role here. I am so thankful that she was such an amazing support for me.”
Cindy Fowler, Mercersburg Academy’s most recent college counseling addition, says,“She is the complete package of organized, meticulous, warm, friendly, and helpful. She is always willing to support anyone who needs it, always with a genuine kindness that allows coworkers and students alike to become the best versions of themselves.”
Though Bingaman’s methodical approach to any task is incredible, her kindness, patience, and supportiveness are among her most admired traits. Anyone who has had a conversation with Bingaman automatically recognizes the thoughtful yet direct approach she has with her words; there is meaning behind every syllable and wisdom within every sentence.
Students, faculty, and staff alike find her as a source of comfort, especially within an already laborious ordeal. Aidan Ferrin ’20 recalls, “Mrs. Bingaman gave brilliant advice and help regarding the college process, but she was also a kind, lovely, hot-chocolate-offering face to see any time I was in the area.”
Mike Conklin, Director of College Counseling, adds, “She is so wonderfully kind and supportive, without fail. To say that I value her contributions to our office is a major understatement—we’ve leaned on her considerable expertise, leadership, and support for years.”
Additionally, Bingaman’s helpfulness and knowledge are qualities that stick with anyone who has worked with her. College counselor and head swim coach Glenn Neufeld says, “If I need information, I go to Karla. If I need to know how to do something, I go to Karla. If I need to laugh or be made fun of…once again, I go to Karla. She’s a positive presence for all of us at Mercersburg.”
Additionally, Bingaman’s dedication to her work remains in the minds of Mercersburg Academy alumni. Patrice McGloin ’19 recalls, “Mrs. Bingaman was more than happy to answer any questions you had about your process, and she was able to genuinely make sense of the mountains of paperwork associated with the convoluted college shift. She was responsible in large part for taking lots of the stress out of an inherently stressful process.”
Beyond her role as the Administrative Coordinator for College Counseling, Bingaman is a friend to all. Registrar Jyl Hoover, who has worked with Bingaman for almost the entirety of her time at Mercersburg Academy says, “Karla’s great! She’s a wonderful friend and co-worker—kind and caring. She always goes the extra mile to help the students and to do her best for the school, and she does it all with a great attitude and the best sense of humor.”
Mallory, says “[Karla] and I have had countless conversations discussing decisions, venting frustrations, and simply sharing thoughts and ideas,” and summing up how so many in the Mercersburg Academy community feel about Bingaman, she adds, “Her listening ear and friendship have meant the world to me.”
With the transition into the 2020-2021 school year, Karla Bingaman, the Administrative Coordinator for the College Counseling Office, and to many the face of college counseling at Mercersburg Academy, will transition from her job in the college counseling office to a position in human resources. While she will be severely missed in college counseling, her expertise and support will still be present, and she will continue to be a positive influence on the members of the school community.
Bingaman began working at Mercersburg Academy in 2001 as an administrative assistant for the Office of Summer and Extended Programs and soon transitioned to working in the College Counseling office. During her time at Mercersburg Academy, she has worked with 19 graduating classes, over 2200 students, and nearly every member of the College Counseling office past and present.
Since beginning her position as the Administrative Coordinator for College Counseling, Bingaman’s diligence, organization, and efficiency have been instrumental to the success of students, college counselors, and everyone else in the department. Around the office, she is known for her attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and remarkable assistance.
Rachel Mallory, an Associate Director of College Counseling, says, “Karla truly keeps our office running. She is our go-to person for information and how-to knowledge with nearly any office task or decision. She is the utmost professional but also has an innate ability to adjust and manage each of our very different personalities with nuance, grace, and compassion.”
Besides her impeccable work ethic, Bingaman’s determination and tenacity are unparalleled. She is willing to go to great lengths to ensure that things are done the proper way while maintaining her professionalism. Specifically, the greatest example of Bingaman’s dedication to her job coincides with the January 15 college filing deadline and birth of her son, Arlo. Frank Betkowski, English teacher and former college counselor, recalls: “…despite being nine months pregnant, Mrs. Bingaman was determined that we would meet the deadline. Along with the rest of the staff at the time, Mrs. Bingaman stayed late on January 14 (a Friday, if I recall correctly) to be sure everything would be postmarked by the next day. She went home that night, went into labor, and gave birth to Arlo the next day!”
While Bingaman has worked in the college counseling office for almost 20 years, many of her colleagues throughout her tenure have come and gone. Whether it be having a cup of coffee with a new member of the department or explaining College Board basics, Bingaman has been a supportive and instructional presence in the office.
Testing Coordinator Hayley Tyree, who joined the Mercersburg community during the 2019-2020 school year, says, “Karla was my lifeline this first year at Mercersburg. Whenever I had a question, she had the answer or she knew who to contact to get the answer. She went above and beyond to help me transition into my role here. I am so thankful that she was such an amazing support for me.”
Cindy Fowler, Mercersburg Academy’s most recent college counselor, adds: “She is the complete package of organized, meticulous, warm, friendly, and helpful. She is always willing to support anyone who needs it, always with a genuine kindness that allows coworkers and students alike to become the best versions of themselves.”
Though Bingaman’s methodical approach to any task is incredible, her kindness, patience, and supportiveness are among her most admired traits. Anyone who has had a conversation with Bingaman automatically recognizes the thoughtful yet direct approach she has with her words; there is meaning behind every syllable and wisdom within every sentence.
Students, faculty, and staff alike find her as a source of comfort, especially with an already stressful process. Aidan Ferrin ’20 recalls, “Mrs. Bingaman gave brilliant advice and help regarding the college process, but she was also a kind, lovely, hot-chocolate-offering face to see any time I was in the area.”
Mike Conklin, Director of College Counseling, adds, “…she is so wonderfully kind and supportive, without fail. To say that I value her contributions to our office is a major understatement—we’ve leaned on her considerable expertise, leadership, and support for years.”
Additionally, Bingaman’s helpfulness and knowledge are qualities that stick with anyone who has worked with her. College counselor and head swim coach Glenn Neufeld says, “If I need information, I go to Karla. If I need to know how to do something, I go to Karla. If I need to laugh or be made fun of…once again, I go to Karla. She’s a positive presence for all of us at Mercersburg.”
Additionally, Bingaman’s dedication to her work remains in the minds of Mercersburg Academy alumni. Patrice McGloin ’19 recalls: “Mrs. Bingaman was more than happy to answer any questions you had about your process, and she was able to genuinely make sense of the mountains of paperwork associated with the convoluted college shift. She was responsible in large part for taking lots of the stress out of an inherently stressful process.”
Beyond her role as the Administrative Coordinator for College Counseling, Bingaman is a friend to all. Registrar Jyl Hoover, who has worked with Bingaman for almost the entirety of her time at Mercersburg Academy, says, “Karla’s great! She’s a wonderful friend and co-worker—kind and caring. She always goes the extra mile to help the students and to do her best for the school, and she does it all with a great attitude and the best sense of humor.”
Mallory, says “[Karla] and I have had countless conversations discussing decisions, venting frustrations, and simply sharing thoughts and ideas,” and summing up how so many in the Mercersburg Academy community feel about Bingaman, she adds, “Her listening ear and friendship have meant the world to me.”