A sign hanging above the counter at the University Park Post Office reads, "No shoes, no shirt, no sweat." This is the philosophy of the dynamic duo, Mike the Mailman and Don the Mailguy.

In addition to several signs, Mike Herr (aka Mike the Mailman) decorated the post office with pictures of students, faculty and staff. He also posted top 10 lists as a humorous way to entertain customers. For instance, his "freshman things to do" list, on which every other rule reads "bring the mailman cookies or pizza."

"The decorations are two-fold; kids can look at the pictures while we're getting our job done," Herr said. "We want the post office to be a part of the students."

Herr has been working in this post office for 18 years. He received his degree in engineering computer science while living in his hometown of Lock Haven. With his father's encouragement, Herr took the postal test and was hired in State College. He has lived here ever since.

Herr said the best part of being a mailman is the camaraderie he has with customers.

"My goal is to make it fun and light for the people who come visit; we try to create a warm atmosphere with our service," he said.

Both Herr and his counterpart, Don the Mailguy (aka Don Plotts), rode through this year's Homecoming parade holding up signs that read "Cheer!"

The two men were certainly not lacking in applause. Herr said riding in the parade was an emotional experience for him.

"We're just the mailmen ... but it's really touching to have so much support," he said.

Plotts also felt honored the duo was asked to participate. Although he has not been working as long as Herr, he said his six years at the post office have been nothing but exciting.

"The post office is a great place; there's nothing like getting a package," Plotts said.

Coincidentally, Plotts also studied engineering computer science in college.

"One day, Mike and I started talking about classes we took in college, and we realized we had taken many of the same courses," he said.

Plotts said he transferred from the Fraser Street Post Office, 237 S. Fraser St., to the University Park office because he wanted to work more closely with students.

He added there is never a dull moment while working with Herr.

"Mike is right up there with Joe Paterno as far as the celebrities go," Plotts said.

Abbey Beresik (junior-architectural engineering) said she thinks the mailmen always go above and beyond their call of duty.

"One day, I was in a big rush and left my physics book at the post office, and when I got home there was a message from Mike the Mailman on my answering machine telling me he had my book," she said.

The mailmen try to go out of their way to accommodate their customers.

"I love to go to the post office," Beresik said. "They are so helpful with finding boxes, and they decorate my packages with lots of cool stamps."

In fact, the mailmen each have personalized stamps, reading "Mike the Mailman" and "Don the Mailguy," respectively.

Not only do the postmen have a detailed stamp collection, but they also have a "Nice Sneakers" sign written in fifteen different languages for those who don't speak English.

Herr said he sees people of all different nationalities and wants them to be welcomed by the nice sneakers sign in their own language.

Postdoctoral fellow, Inder Pal Singh Lall said he has been to the post office about four times, and the mailmen are always friendly.

"When you need something fixed, they'll help you. They are very good, courteous and helpful," Lall said.