WNEP-TV meets Poppy

Friday, March 6, 2026

photos by Tom Speicher, writer/video producer

In Penn College's Hudock Center for Academic Excellence, a small dog sits on an end table, a wom sits on a comfortable chair next to the dog. A reporter sits in a chair opposite them, and a man with a camera stands next to the reporter.

Poppy, director of GoodVibes, and Tanya Berfield, director of student advocacy & Title IX coordinator, are ready for their joint interview with WNEP-TV reporter Mackenzie Aucker and photojournalist Tom Durant.

WNEP-TV reporter Mackenzie Aucker and photojournalist Tom Durant visited the Michael J. Hudock Sr. Center for Academic Excellence for a feature on its “director of GoodVibes,” Poppy, the facility dog belonging to Tanya Berfield, director of student advocacy & Title IX coordinator.

The WNEP duo witnessed Poppy in action when she visited students in the Major General Fred F. Marty Veterans & Military Resource Center. As her official job title implies, Poppy’s role is to bring comfort and joy to students who may be facing challenges.

In addition to Poppy and Berfield, Aucker interviewed Keanu Bunting, a biomedical sciences student and a veteran service assistant.

Watch Aucker's story, "Facility dog at Penn College helps spread joy to staff and students."