By SARAH McMULLEN

The University of Pittsburgh Staff Council proudly honored this year’s staff award recipients at the 2026 Chancellor’s Staff Recognition Ceremony on June 11. They were presented by EJ Milarski-Veenis, Staff Council chair of the Mentor Award committee. 

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.

The staff members recognized by this award were selected from among an exceptional group of nominees who are truly making an impact.

• Ratna Jain — assistant director of data analytics, Health Sciences Information Technology

• Lila Rose — chief administrative strategist, External Relations

Learn more about this year’s honorees and view past winners.

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.  

• Akiliann Bray – Music (Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences)

• Katherine Green – double major in Politics and Philosophy and Communication and Rhetoric (Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences)

• Jadeyn Lieu – Pre-med, Biological Sciences (Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences)

• Camryn Palikaras – Social Work (Pitt–Greensburg)

• Brett Rikstad – Mechanical Engineering (Pitt–Johnstown)

• Jack Schiffhauer — Undeclared (Pitt–Greensburg)  

• Allie Voss – Rehabilitation Science (School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences)

Learn more about this year’s awardees and view past awardees.

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. 

Staff Council award committees

Staff Council is incredibly thankful to the selection committees for their time and dedication.   

2026 Book Fund Award Committee:

Committee Chairs: Marissa Arlet and Beth Griffin

Committee Members: Nancy Augustine, Jamie Brian, Stephanie Fedro-Byrom, Matt Freidhoff, Esther Hylva, Christine McClure, T. Faith Milazzo, Tiwanda Taylor and Emilie Thompson.

2026 Mentor Award Committee:

Committee Chair: EJ Milarski-Veenis

Committee Members: Nancy Briones, Anna Conboy, Tricia Connell, Shannon Fink, Jamie Katz and Mark Kotzin.

Nominate for the 2026 Frisch Staff Professional Development Award

The Frisch Staff Professional Development Award is designed to assist Pitt staff members in covering expenses related to approved professional development endeavors that benefit their career and advancement within the University.

Awards of up to $1,000 are available to benefits-eligible, part-time or full-time professional employees across any of the University of Pittsburgh’s five campuses.
Potential uses include University of Pittsburgh tuition, attendance at professional conferences, workshops, courses, training sessions, and more.

Apply now: Frisch Staff Professional Award Application

Application Deadline: Monday, July 13

For Eligibility Requirements and More information: Visit Staff Professional Development Award

Award recipients will be announced in August 2026.

2027 Nominations: Nominations for 2027 awardees in each category will open in late winter/early spring 2027.

Staff Council serves as a center for input and dissemination of information, provides a means of communication between staff and other members of the Pitt community, and provides opportunities for professional development.  

Staff Council has historically represented the interests of Pitt staff not covered under a collective bargaining agreement and continues to participate in shared governance on campus to advocate for the interests of staff members on issues not addressed by collective bargaining. Additionally, the Council continues its mission to advocate for unrepresented staff members.   

Stay Informed with the Staff Council Newsletter: View past issues and subscribe  

Stay Connected:    

• Instagram: @upstaffcouncil   

• Facebook: @upstaffcouncil   

• LinkedIn: Pitt Staff Council   

For more information about Staff Council, visit the Staff Council website.  

Sarah McMullen is Staff Council’s vice president for public relations and senior director for campaign initiatives in the Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement.