Tucked inside Penn State’s Office of Technology Management, in side-by-side offices, you’ll find Ruth Harpster and Kathy Kresovich, regular walking partners for 18+ years and avid participants in coolBLUE events hosted at Innovation Park.

Kathy, Administrative Support Coordinator, has been with the office for 23 years, and she manages the day-to-day operations and maintains the budget for the office. Right next door is Ruth, a patent manager who does paralegal and docketing work.

“Kathy was here before me,” Ruth said, “so we met when I started working here. We found we have similar interests, have children of similar ages, and both like to exercise.”

When asked how they stay motivated to be active, Kathy said, “I think it’s the buddy system. There are days if I was by myself I wouldn’t walk, but I’m counting on her to walk and she’s counting on me.”

Both are also amateur photographers. They’ve taken tons of photos at the park and other areas around Happy Valley. In fact, they learned most of what they know about photography through a class offered at the park.

Kathy and Ruth have also teamed up for other fitness initiatives in the park, like yoga classes hosted by local instructor Elizabeth Hay this year. They also participated in the Walk to Ohio State University, a 10-week walking challenge in which participants walked the distance from Penn State to Ohio State in time for the football game.

“We participated in the Walk to OSU held a few years ago, and we actually won that one because we walked so regularly,” said Ruth. “The one this fall was fun. The goal was to get people moving, and I think a lot of people who weren’t previously active participated.”

“It’s also a good opportunity for networking, and it’s nice to see people during the day,” Kathy added.

You’ll see Ruth and Kathy at many of the offerings in the park, and they’re grateful for so many opportunities.

“Having the opportunity to participate in programs during the day is great,” Kathy said.

Both Ruth and Kathy have kids, and evenings are busy with sports and other activities, as well as other responsibilities that come with having a family.

“We appreciate the variety of programming that Michelle [the coolBLUE Lady] and Patty, [the previous coolBLUE Lady], bring,” Ruth chimed in. “We have seen many different things because of the coolBLUE opportunities offered.”

Over the past year, the park has offered tours of the Arboretum at Penn State, WPSU, the National Weather Service, and more, all of which were well attended.

“Events are a great way to meet everyone in the park, too,” Kathy said. “You pass people every day, but you don’t know them, so it’s nice to get to know your neighbors and interact with more people.”

Kathy and Ruth suggest that others get out and walk and participate in the activities offered in the park.

“There are always people out walking, so you never feel like you’re alone,” Kathy said. “You can also bike if you prefer that over walking.”