By SARAH McMULLEN  

The University of Pittsburgh Staff Council proudly honored this year’s staff award recipients at the 2025 Chancellor’s Staff Recognition Ceremony on June 13. These awards celebrate staff who exemplify mentorship, growth and support for academic success. 

Staff Council Mentor Award 

The Staff Council Mentor Award honors individuals whose mentorship extends beyond the workplace, recognizing those who make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others. Mentors play a vital role in both personal and professional development — serving as trusted guides, sound boards, and sources of encouragement during critical moments.

Of the unprecedented 41 nominations, the staff member who received the award were selected the best and brightest among those who are truly making a difference.

• Kyoungah Lee, inclusion and belonging, Division of Student Affairs

• RJ Thompson, strategic communications, Health Sciences

View past awardees: Staff Council Mentor Award

Ronald W. Frisch Staff Professional Development Award 

This award supports Pitt staff in boosting their engagement and growth through professional development, including conferences, workshops or training. 

• Adrienne Urban, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

• Lauren DelSignore, David C. Frederick Honors College

• Lindsay McCord, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, undergraduate studies

• Samantha Varela, Office of Engagement and Community Affairs

• Sera Mathew, University Center for Teaching and Learning

• Sharon Guttman, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine

View past awardees: Staff Professional Development Award winners in honor of Ronald W. Frisch

Staff Council Endowed Book Fund Award

This annual scholarship, established in 2001, aims to reduce the financial burden of purchasing textbooks for eligible undergraduate students enrolled at any of the Pitt campuses whose parent or guardian is a staff member. This ongoing support allows these students to access essential academic resources without the stress of buying costly materials, reinforcing the University’s commitment to fostering student success.  

• Alexis Byrom, School of Nursing

• Siheng Chao, double major in Statistics and Biology, minoring in Chemistry

• Steve Duchi, pre-Pharmacy student, minoring in Economics

• Piper Gillespie, majoring in Biology, minoring in Chemistry

• Sophia McAllen, Communication Science

• Andrew McLaughlin, History major, minoring in Economics

• Mia Skeel, majoring in Philosophy, minoring in Political Science

• Chelsea Staroschuck, majoring in Psychology, minoring in Law, Criminal Justice and Society

• Allie Voss, Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences

 Learn more about this year’s awardees and view past awardees: Staff Council Endowed Book Fund Winners

Staff Council extends its congratulations to this year’s awardees and gratitude to all nominators, committee members, and supporters for helping make this recognition possible. 

Nominations for 2026 awardees will open in late winter/early spring 2026.

Staff Council would also like to thank the selection committees for the awards for their service:  

• Staff Council Mentor Award: Chair: Audrey Portis. Committee members: Marissa Arlet, Scott Szypulski, Sarah McMullen, Stacey Williard

• Frisch Staff Professional Development Award: Chair: Kimberly Finch. Committee members: Nancy Augustine, Nancy Briones, Vicki Cabe, Jessica Thomas

• Staff Council Book Fund Award Committee: Chairs: Jocelyn Runyon, Jody Federer, Pam Rikstad. Committee members: Nancy Augustine, Jamie Brian, Nancy Briones, Gwen Buchanan, Angie Byrne, Beth Griffin, EJ Milarski-Veenis, Pam Rikstad, Corinne Seris, Kristin Thomas, Emilie Thompson

Sarah McMullen is Staff Council’s vice president for public relations and Director, Project Management Office, in University Communications and Marketing.