Sandi Herman, health and wellness educator at Student Health Service at the University of Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly September 12. She was 65.

Ms. Herman was born in Philadelphia. She received a BA from Temple University and an MSW from St. Joseph’s University. She was a health educator for more than 30 years, developing an expertise in holistic approaches to stress reduction. Working as a longtime temporary employee at Student Health Service, she provided smoking cessation counseling and workshops to help individuals and groups. She taught countless members of the Penn community—students, faculty, and staff—about guided imagery, self-massage, and mindful movement.

Ms. Herman helped thousands of students over the years find ways to tame stress and practice self-care. She had an especially devoted following for her guided meditation sessions. Some doctoral students practiced mindfulness with her for the entire seven years they were on campus researching and writing their dissertations.

“Sandi was such a pleasant, upbeat, positive energy in our office,” noted Vanessa Stoloff, medical director of Student Health Service. “After every single interaction I had with her, both personally and professionally, I left feeling a little bit better. She had that effect on me, all of the staff at SHS, and most of all, Penn students, who were so lucky to have access to her counseling. She will be dearly missed.”

Ms. Herman also maintained a private consulting practice with individuals and organizations, where she shared her varied methods for increasing calm and balance in facing life’s many challenges.

“Sandi was ahead of her time, using a holistic approach to wellness,” noted Ashlee Halbritter, director of Campus Health, the public health arm of SHS. “Her insight into student experiences was invaluable—both to her as a wellness educator, but also to me in developing wellness programming. She always wore a smile and had a great go-with-the-flow spirit.”

Ms. Herman is survived by her husband, Don Krobokin.

--

To Report A Death

Almanac appreciates being informed of the deaths of current and former faculty and staff members, students and other members of the University community. Call (215) 898-5274 or email almanac@upenn.edu

However, notices of alumni deaths should be directed to the Alumni Records Office at Suite 300, 2929 Walnut St., (215) 898-8136 or email record@ben.dev.upenn.edu