By SUSAN JONES
The ranks of employees who came to Pitt as students and never left range from deans and administrators to faculty and staff at every level.
We asked those who are “Pitt for Life” to send us their stories and the response was overwhelming, from retirees to recent grads who are looking ahead to a full career at the University. A few left Pitt for a couple years, but quickly came back, and some started as employees and then got their degrees.
Not surprisingly, those who wrote in are some of Pitt’s biggest cheerleaders, both as a place to work and as somewhere that’s making a difference in the world. While most credited their friends, colleagues and students as the best part about Pitt, several cited that every-present problem of parking as the worst part of their time in Oakland.
“Pitt is a wonderful place to work,” said David Vorp, who has two degrees from Pitt and teaches in the Swanson School of Engineering. “I have seen it from a student’s perspective, a faculty member’s perspective, and (through my wife) a staff member’s perspective. If I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing.”
Barbara Epstein, a 1972 graduate who retired from Pitt in 2021, said she often pointed out to job applicants, “We may not have an end-of-year bonus or stock options like private industry, but the benefits (health care, retirement, tuition, etc.) are terrific. You work with people who are passionate about what they do, and it’s somewhere you can make a difference. And it’s nice to work on a pretty campus that is renewed with new students and faculty every September.”
So settle in for some stories from your co-workers who have the ultimate loyalty to Pitt.
Retirees
Christine Chergi (‘85, College of General Studies). Retired in 2017 as manager of William Pitt Union; hired in 1972 in Student Affairs, Office of Student Activities. Started taking classes and received her degree after nine years from the College of General Studies. 2002-2003 recipient of the Chancellors Award for Distinguished Service.
“Working at Pitt was one of the greatest joys of my life. I loved working with students. They brought energy and new challenges each and every day,” Chergi said, although she was less happy about restructuring, downsizing, low salaries for support staff and the hiring of new staff in key positions who were not loyal to Pitt.
Barbara Epstein (‘72, bachelor’s degree in French and political science). Retired in 2021 as director of the Health Science Library System after a 46-year career at Pitt. Started in a temporary job at Western Psych Library, worked part-time while raising children, eventually became director of HSLS.
“The best part about being at Pitt was working with smart people in a collaborative environment. I was able to expand my horizons and take advantage of opportunities for personal and professional growth. … The worst parts? Well, I’ll keep those to myself!”
Extra credit: Husband Arnold graduated from Pitt in 1969, and served as one of the longest running adjunct professors from 1978-2021. He also served as a board member of Pitt’s alumni association. They met in the old telephone room in the student union.
Nicholas Laudato (‘75, Ph.D., School of Education). Started as a graduate student researcher and intern; became an instructional designer with the University External Studies Program in 1974, eventually rising to associate director. Started teaching CGS courses as an adjunct in 1978, and continues to teach as an adjunct with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Worked at Pitt–Bradford from 1982-89, including as director of information systems. Returned to Oakland in 1989 as a manager in Computing and Information Services. Ended his full-time career as associate director for instructional technology in the newly formed Center for Instructional Development and Distance Education from 1996-2011.
Steve Zupcic (’71, BA, anthropology; ’73, MLS). Retired as assistant director of Community Relations in 2011; won a Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for University Staff Employees in 2000. Also worked in University Libraries and program director in history.
“I had gone two years to Duquesne, but I transferred because I really wanted to be at a large public university. While I was still a student I applied for a staff position. I started on the staff in the University Library System in 1970. I did basic work like shelving and restacking.”
“I am still volunteering with Pitt, promoting public presentations of our faculty’s work. I currently volunteer with Pitt–Bradford in promoting community programming, as well as linking Oakland campus University resources with Jewish and queer community needs.”
1980s graduates
Sue Burke (‘87; BA in English writing). Document delivery department, Health Sciences Library System. First job at Pitt was a brief internship with the University Times in 1987. Began working in Falk Library in 1989 in circulation department.
“I have experienced the evolution of a health sciences library from bound books, journals and card catalogs to vast, phenomenal online resources, efficient services to advance clinical and academic excellence while partnering with the health sciences community both at Pitt and across the country. … The friends I have at HSLS are my inspiration to continue growing by embracing change with open, strong arms.”
Karen Bursic (BS ‘84, MS ‘87, Ph.D. ‘91 — all in industrial engineering). Professor and undergraduate program director, Swanson School of Engineering, Department of Industrial Engineering. Started teaching at Pitt and doing research part time in 1994, became full time in 2004.
“Best part about working here was that I was able to work part time when my three daughters were very young then moved into a full-time position once they were older, but yet I still had the flexibility I needed as a parent. Also the support I’ve had from the industrial engineering department to grow and succeed professionally. Finally, the tuition benefits — all three of my daughters graduated from Pitt debt free. Worst part — the commute and parking expense.”
Extra credit: Husband also has two degrees from Pitt. Three daughters and three sons-in-law all have Pitt degrees.
Michele Elder (‘89, Nursing). Operations manager, Program for Critical Care Nephrology. Started in a liver transplant ICU at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (when it was still part of the University). Worked in the critical care medicine department and assisted in the development and management of the Center for Critical Care Nephrology.
“The high points of my career at Pitt have been getting involved in cutting-edge research in critical care medicine only a few short years after Pitt CCM became the first stand-alone critical care medicine department in the United States. … Working at the University of Pittsburgh has been a wonderfully learned career path and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a diverse experience where the sky is the limit to gaining knowledge and experience, whether you are fresh out of college or have been working for decades.”
Extra credit: Mother started working at Pitt her freshman year, which allowed her to take advantage of the tuition remission benefit. Three of five children have now benefited from Pitt’s tuition remission program.
Richard Henderson (‘87, bachelor’s; ‘91 MBA). associate vice chancellor for finance management, Health Sciences. Started in 1991 in the same office he works in now, SVC Health Sciences.
“We lived in Erie, and when I was a kid Pitt was the only place that I wanted to attend. I loved the city of Pittsburgh and I loved the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt was the only place that I applied to my senior year of high school.” He worked at NCR from 1987-90, but “I left NCR because I missed the city, the school and the state.”
David Hornyak (‘88, BS in biology and psychology as a Provost’s Scholar; MA in school counseling; Ph.D., applied developmental psychology). Assistant dean, Frederick Honors College. Resident assistant as undergrad; graduate resident director while a graduate student; professional resident director (first full-time job at Pitt), then assistant director of residence life; academic advisor at Dietrich School. Joined Honors College in 1998 as director of advising.
“I joke that Pitt kept giving me jobs and giving me degrees. But seriously, what keeps me here has been the sense of fulfillment I get through working with the students to help them achieve their goals and also the collaboration with faculty, staff and administration. The best part has been partnering with the students to help them make the most out of their Pitt experience. I had a student recently reach out to me to thank me for the advice I gave him in 2000 to study abroad in China because that ‘paid dividends’ for him to this day. His comments meant the world to me and paid me dividends for my work at Pitt.”
William Kline (‘82, AS, computer programming; ‘86, BS, computer science, both at Pitt–Bradford; ‘00, MS, information science, Oakland). Director of Computing Telecommunications and Media Services and adjunct instructor of computer information systems & technology, Pitt–Bradford. Started at Bradford in 1984 as computer lab operator.
“The benefits and working environment worked very well for me. Particularly the education benefits. I also liked the small school/small town atmosphere.” His best experience has been “seeing technology move forward at a smaller branch campus. Also getting large university name/recognition/resources when being small.”
Extra credit: Of four children and two stepchildren, one child graduated from Pitt-Bradford and another child and one stepchild are currently attending Pitt-Bradford.
Suzanne Lizik Mannino (‘83, A&S, Pitt Marching band member). Professional student engagement coordinator, School of Pharmacy. Worked in Office of Admissions and Financial Aid as a recruiter and Pitt Pathfinders supervisor, before taking a short break to have children.
“Even when I was away, Pitt always remained part of my life, whether it was staying connected with my ‘BFF’ from OAFA or attending football and basketball games; I always had a voice in the back of my mind telling me that I wanted to be a part of the University again. I missed my second home. It was time to think about going back to work for Pitt, and my desire to be a part of Pitt once more led me to my new journey with the School of Pharmacy.
Extra credit: Husband is a two-time Pitt graduate; youngest daughter graduated from the School of Engineering this past April and was a Pitt Pathfinders for OAFA and other daughter will graduate from the School of Pharmacy in the spring of 2025.
Amy Tuttle (‘89, BA; ‘94, MBA, Katz). Director of faculty affairs, Office of the Provost. Started as an administrative assistant in the University Center for International Studies, for tuition benefits to get her MBA. Worked at Western Psych, while it was part of Pitt and then part of UPMC, then the School of Medicine. Transferred to provost’s office in 2016.
“The best parts of working at Pitt include the very generous benefits (the tuition benefit, in particular, which I’ve taken advantage of for myself and all of my family members), the stability and focus on work-life balance, and the amazing, brilliant people that I have met and worked with over the years. I can’t really think of anything that’s the ‘worst,’ although parking has always been a challenge.”
Extra credit: Husband (whom she met as an undergrad) has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Pitt. Son received a bachelor’s degree from Pitt–Johnstown and is currently a Ph.D. student in the School of Public Health. Daughter just received her bachelor’s degree from Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences in April and is now pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Education.
David Vorp (‘86 and ‘92, BS and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering). Professor of bioengineering and senior associate dean for research & facilities in the Swanson School of Engineering. Started as research assistant professor of vascular search and rose to professor by 2008. Switched to bioengineering in 2011.
“I didn’t have much career or educational guidance being a first-generation college attendee from a rural area. I applied to three schools and didn’t really consider one of them since it was out of state. I chose Pitt simply because it was close to home and I wanted a city experience. Having a No. 1 ranked football program at the time (Dan Marino was a senior my freshman year!) no doubt had something to do with it as well. … While I have had several opportunities during my career to move and take a position elsewhere, it was always most attractive for me to stay here at Pitt. It is home, and I can’t help but bleed blue and gold after being here continuously for 42 years this fall.”
Extra credit: “Across 42 years of many, many fond lifelong memories — of experiences, friends, peers, instructors, staff, and students — the best of them all is meeting my now wife, Allison, here on campus. We love this university and do not hide our allegiance to the blue and gold. We both walked in the door as freshmen in our respective years and never left. Incidentally, if we add up all of our continuous years at Pitt, this year is a combined 75 years between us!”
1990s graduates
Amy (Niceswanger) Anderson (‘98, A&S, business and communications; ‘03, MBA, Katz). Associate athletic director for special projects & external initiatives. Has worked in the Athletic department since 1998, including as marketing coordinator, assistant director of development, director of development, assistant athletic director-major gifts, and assistant athletic director-annual fund.
“The best parts of my job are the relationships and people I have the privilege of interacting with every single day. From the students to the student-athletes to the staff around campus and to my colleagues in Athletics. We have formed our own Pitt family with the goal to make Pitt a better place every single day. Additionally, the best part of my day is when I see an amazing victory whether on the fields of play or simply behind the scenes when a student-athlete succeeds in their academics or community service.”
Barbara Barnhart (‘91, BS in biological sciences, Pitt–Greensburg; ‘10, M.Ed., School of Education). Started immediately as a biological laboratory instructor and is now program coordinator of biological sciences at Pitt–Greensburg.
“Pitt has been the place where I have been able to thrive. I started as an undergraduate, learned and grew. Pitt provided me those opportunities to excel professionally through a culture that was encouraging and supportive. … The best parts of my time here are each of those times that a student is full of glee when they burst into your office to inform you that they got accepted into a graduate program or an internship or a summer undergraduate research program, etc. Their successes. Seeing their happiness when their hard work is paying off.”
John Duska (‘93, BS, electrical engineering; ‘99, MS, telecommunications). Chief information security officer, Pitt IT. Began career in registrar’s office, spent several year in the chief financial officer’s office before transitioning to Pitt IT.
“I am a Pittsburgh native and I wanted to go to college locally. Pitt was the perfect choice for an aspiring engineering student. During my time in school, I worked as a student employee for the University and eventually decided that I wanted to spend my career here. The best parts have been the people I have worked with over the years. The worst part was probably waiting several years to get my parking lease.”
Brian Gregg (‘94, BS, computer science, Pitt-Bradford; ‘00, master’s, information science). Solutions architect, University Library System. Hired in 1994 as systems analyst for ULS.
Extra credit: Both parents attended Pitt–Bradford, and father worked there as a security officer. “My wife also attended Pitt main and obtained her MSLS degree and worked as a library staff member at the Engineering library, where we met, and also at the Health Sciences Library System as a medical librarian until our son was born in 2004.”
Frank Wilson (‘98, Ph.D., sociology). Assistant dean for academic affairs at Pitt–Greensburg, interim associate dean of Pitt-Greensburg’s Frederick Honors College, and sociology professor. Came to Pitt in 1992 as a graduate teaching fellow in sociology. In 1998, got a full-time visiting position for Greensburg’s administration of justice program; hired full-time the next year to teach sociology and administration of justice. Served as University Senate president for three years.
“My ‘calling’ had been to teach undergraduate students, and at Pitt-Greensburg I could do that while still being a part of a major research university. That gave me opportunities to teach students without the filter of teaching assistants and to hold a variety of other positions. … Being able to participate at multiple levels of the University made it possible for me to reach the positions I now hold. … It is truly satisfying to realize that I’ve become a piece of evidence about what truly is ‘possible at Pitt.’
“For me that promise of possibility has meant a career where a non-tenured faculty member could think and work ‘outside the box,’ to offer critiques of the way the University works without being punished, to interact with a range of talented colleagues, and to be surrounded by smart young people anxious to learn.”
2000s GRADUATES
Kimberly Bailey (’03, B.S, business management, Pitt–Bradford; ’07, MLIS, library and information science, Pitt main). Reference/instruction librarian, Hanley Library, Pitt-Bradford. Started taking classes in 1992; got first full-time job at Bradford in 1999 as library and education department secretary, which allowed her to finish her degree.
When a systems librarian position opened, she applied, did not have the credentials needed, so she enrolled in the online MLIS program. “The library couldn’t keep anyone in the position because they were bringing in people from Pittsburgh to a small town. The position changed over three times while I was getting my degree. On the fourth time it came open, I had obtained my master’s in library and information science. Twenty-five years later, I’m still here and still love my job in the library. Now as a librarian with endless educational opportunities. … Pitt is like a small family within the town of Bradford, and it’s like you have this whole other family down at Pitt main too. … I can’t see myself working anywhere else.”
Matt Barry (’10, mechanical engineering and history, certificate in nuclear engineering; ’12 and ’16, MS and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering). Visiting associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science. Taught part-time in the MEMS department in the fall of 2015 and spring and fall of 2016 while working in local industry, and came back for full-time employment in 2017.
“The best parts of my time at Pitt have been meeting truly inspiring faculty members: the late John Metzger who helped start the Nuclear Program at Pitt; Laura Schaefer who taught me thermal-fluid systems and went on to become the chair of the MechE department at Rice; Leslie Hammond who taught me Western Civilization. There is a handful of other professors who truly cared about their students and inspired them to not only be the best academically, but also as a member of the community they lived in. The other best parts of my time were meeting new people and making new friends. Pitt is a very diverse melting pot, and I have made friends from all of the world (Thailand, China, Korea, India, the Netherlands, etc.), and their friendship has helped shape who I am.
“Pitt provides you with a very well-rounded education that prepares you for anything life has to offer. I would say my studies of History and Philosophy prepared me the most for my career as an engineer. These programs taught me how to read massive amounts of material and distill important commanilities, how to effectively write and communicate my ideas, and how to rationalize and argue points. These skills have complemented what I have learned in engineering, and are a testament to what they have allowed me to accomplish.”
Dante R. Bongiorni (’15, bachelor’s, A&S; ’17, master’s of healthcare administration, School of Public Health). Senior facilities manager, Facilities Management.
“The best part would definitely have to be the flexible and collegial working environment, plus the proximity to so many world-class University community members and opportunities. The University’s organizational footprint has become so diverse that there are opportunities everywhere. There seems to be a lot of growth potential here, but with an organizational respect for work-life balance. The worst part — and I’m sure I’m not the only one to mention it — is the stress of finding parking.
“Pitt is a second home and I’m so proud to help to contribute to its upkeep. While the financial rewards may not be as lucrative, the lifestyle rewards are definitely worth it and are one of the primary reasons that I choose to work at Pitt.”
Extra credit: “My mother worked for the University for 40+ years as a research administrator in the School of Medicine and School of Public Health, so you could say that I was brought up at Pitt.”
Zach Brodt (’07, BA, A&S; ’08, MLIS). University archivist & records manager, University Library System. Started working at the archives as a student employee the summer of senior year. Worked at the archives through grad school and after graduation was hired in a few different project-based roles. Joined the permanent ULS staff as University records manager in 2010 and in 2015 became faculty as the University archivist.
Christine M. Burr (’03, BA, English writing; ‘09, certificate in digital media, College of General Studies). Senior Communications Specialist/Scientific Writer, Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine. Started in 1999 at the Human Engineering Research Laboratories. In 2010, started doing communications for anesthesiology and surgery departments, and transitioned to current job in 2022.
“I began my undergraduate studies at Penn State, but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. Several close friends had chosen Pitt, and I frequently visited them during that first year. Through those visits, I fell in love with the campus and the vibrancy of the city. I also explored Pitt’s English Writing program and felt it was a perfect match for my academic interests. That realization led me to transfer to Pitt for my sophomore year, and it’s been the best decision. Pitt has provided not only a welcoming community but also countless opportunities for growth and learning, which is why I’ve stayed. … Pitt especially stands out as a powerhouse in science and research, and it’s thrilling to be part of such a dynamic institution driving forward progress and innovation in so many areas.”
Julia Dahm (’08, Spanish, A&S; ’09, MLIS), assistant director for technology integration and fulfillment services, Health Sciences Library System. Started working as a student employee with HSLS through 2009, and then a temp until hired as a full time librarian in 2010.
“I had developed a deep sense of Pitt pride through my time as a student in the Pitt Band, and being able to stay at my alma mater with a job I love is like a dream come true! …I love being part of a service-oriented team. I constantly admire my colleagues at HSLS, who are all so great at what they do in delivering library services to the Pitt health sciences community. … I feel there’s a lot to love about Pitt! I have some colleagues who have been at Pitt for a very long time. I hope that’s me too, and I get to see my kids go to Pitt.”
Jennifer Dubbs (‘05, psychology). Pitt IT senior personnel administrator. Started as a student in 1991 and as a student worker for what is now known as Pitt IT. “In my third year, my supervisor was planning her first maternity leave and they offered me a full-time position. I accepted. I slowly pursued finishing my degree and finally made it happen in 2005.”
“Pitt was not that far away (grew up in the South Hills suburbs and rural areas) but still felt like I was going away to a ‘city’ environment. I got accepted as a University Scholar (partial academic scholarship). I stayed because my student worker job showed me that I really enjoyed the ‘world of work,’ specifically office/administrative work. … I’ve been mentored and coached by great professional female higher-ups. No one more so than my department’s current chief of staff, Cindy Wertz.”
Elisabeth Estes (’18, CGS; ’22, master’s, GSPIA). Manager of clinical experience placements, School of Education.
“I came to Pitt during a career change as a non-traditional student. While none of my immediate family members went to Pitt, I made the decision to attend because I have family in the area and a relative who had gone to Pitt years before was a strong mentor in my life at the time. Through joining the student government board, I ended up making connections with the school and accepted a position at CGS the semester before I graduated with my bachelor's.”
Katie Fike (’12, bachelor’s in communication with a minor in theatre arts, A&S). Communications manager, Office of the Chancellor. Joined Pitt Athletics in August 2012 as a media relations intern. Hired full time a year later at the Office of University Communications and Marketing.
“I like to joke that I knew I wanted to come to Pitt during the campus tour when I saw that there was a Dippin’ Dots stand in the Petersen Events Center, but the truth is that I chose Pitt for its academic reputation and offerings, along with its proximity to opportunities within the city and the fact that it’s not far from where my parents live. It didn’t hurt that I was (and am) essentially a lifelong Pitt fan. … The best part of my time at Pitt has been the work relationships and friendships I’ve developed and the opportunity to help support the mission of a university and community I believe so strongly in.”
Extra credit: Mom and sister also attended Pitt.
Tyler Fleck (’13, BA, business management, Pitt–Johnstown; master’s, higher education management ). Director of research administration, SHRS. Worked four years as a student employee in the Pitt Johnstown Financial Aid office. Joined the Cancer institute in 2013 as a research accountant managing post-award functions, then joined the Department of Surgery on pre-award administration. Since then, has had in numerous positions at SHRS.
“I accepted a position at Pitt immediately after my undergraduate graduation. I was interested in continuing my education and I found higher education to be a challenging, but incredibly rewarding field. During my time at Pitt Johnstown, my supervisor mentored me closely and I am still in touch with her to this day. She encouraged me to stay in the higher education field, and I am incredibly grateful for her passion and commitment to coach and lead me.”
Dave Gau (‘ 11, BPhil, bioengineering and BS, math; ’18, Ph.D., bioengineering). Assistant professor of pathology, School of Medicine, as of this fall. Started as a postdoc in 2018. Former president of the Pitt Postdoctoral Association.
“When I was considering where to go for undergraduates, I had a few criteria in mind. First, I was looking for an institution within driving distance of where I grew up (West Chester, Pa.). Second, I initially planned to go to medical school, but wanted a backup, so I was looking for institutions with a medical center but also with bioengineering program so if I decided not to go to medical school, I could pursue a career in bioengineering. Third, I wanted a school that was strong in research, so it had to be a tier 1 research institution. Based on this criteria, there were a handful of schools around me that fit this, and it was my two visits to Pitt that solidified my choice. … I was always told that it was not a good idea to stay at the same institution if you wanted to pursue a career in academia, but I felt strongly that Pitt was an excellent training ground for academic research and teaching.”
“I would highly recommend Pitt to folks seeking a job. I believe that we have an amazing collaborative community and a strong sense of shared governance. I've felt that I always have a voice here on campus and that I have been able to take part in the shared governance to make positive changes to campus.”
Extra credit: “I met my wife here at Pitt during my undergraduate years. We both think Pitt and Pittsburgh is an amazing environment. Now, with two children aged 3 and 5, we feel strongly that Pittsburgh is a wonderful environment for raising our children as well.”
Sophia Herbert (’17, B.S., pharmaceutical sciences; ’19, Pharm.D., School of Pharmacy). Assistant professor, pharmacy and therapeutics, School of Pharmacy. Did two year fellowship at Pitt before joining the faculty in 2021.
Extra credit: Husband got his bachelor’s from Pitt in 2017, had a brief stint working outside the University, then got his master’s of public health in 2019 and his Ph.D. in epidemiology in 2023. He now works as a data scientist in the School of Public Health.
David Huang (’04, master’s of public health). Professor, critical care medicine, emergency medicine, clinical and translational science; director, MACRO (Multidisciplinary Acute Care Research Organization); co-director, CTSI Clinical Trial Accelerator Core.
I initially came here just for my critical care medicine fellowship, which I then expanded to a research fellowship and a master’s of public health. I unexpectedly decided to stay at Pitt (vs. going back home to NYC) when I was asked to consider staying by my then-chair, and when I came to realize that for what I wanted to do — randomized clinical trials in emergency and critical care — Pitt was the best place for me.
Extra credit: Wife got a master’s in information science at Pitt and worked here for several years before leaving for other jobs, but returned to Pitt last year. Kids go to or went to Falk School.
Jen Marco (’15, sociology, A&S; ’19, higher education management, School of Education). Project manager for student success and leader of Pitt PRSSIM Project, Office of the Provost. Worked in the registrar’s office before moving to a joint role with the provost’s office and Pitt IT.
“The best time of year for me is usually Welcome Week. While it can be nice to walk around Oakland a bit more smoothly and order lunch without much wait in summer, I love the energy on campus when the students return every August. I felt the same way as a student, and really my only unfavorable time here was during the bomb threats in 2012. Now working in student success, I have a new and special appreciation for surviving that time as a student.”
Extra credit: “I decided to come to Pitt, because I'd basically grown up on campus. My mom received her degrees from Pitt in and started working here as a faculty member in the '90s. It wasn't much of a question where I would go to college.”
Lauren Panetti (’06, bachelor's, anthropology; ’10, M.Ed in higher education management). Director of admissions, SHRS
“I chose Pitt for my undergraduate degree because I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to study and Pitt had a lot of degree options. Growing up in a Philadelphia suburb, I knew I wanted to go to college in a city. Pittsburgh was a new city to explore, far enough away from home but still in the state, so it was a perfect choice. After starting at Pitt, I soon became a student tour guide which led me to my career in admissions. I had such a great undergraduate and graduate experience at Pitt and wanted to share that with prospective students.”
Jocelyn Runyon (’02, BS, psychology and women’s studies certificate). Research project manager, Department of Plastic Surgery. Started as a research assistant and data manager in Department of Psychology’s Pitt Early Steps Project / Pitt Mother & Child Project. Has also worked as research coordinator in SHRS and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
“The best parts of working for Pitt have been the many opportunities for mentorship. With each department I’ve worked in, there’s always been several staff and faculty who have provided opportunity for growth, challenges, and support. Every day I learn something new and it’s uplifting to support cutting edge research. I love working at a place that feels like home. While some people may complain about the commute, I enjoy the beauty of the city and campus landscapes and am in awe each time I round the corner of I279 and then take Forbes Avenue and look at the Cathedral. I have many great memories and many friendships from my time at Pitt. In the second half of my career, I’ve found a wonderful group of people in Staff Council. They are the top-notch employees who volunteer effort and time to better the staff experience for the whole.
Michelle Schein (’06, BS, rehabilitation sciences; ’08, MS, rehabilitation counseling; and ’13, Ph.D., rehabilitation sciences, all from SHRS). Clinical coordinator, program director and associate professor, clinical mental health counseling; vice chair for education, Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health, SHRS.
“Pitt is an amazing community. I’m impressed by the students and the faculty/staff and the amazing accomplishments folks at Pitt have achieved. Pitt also has such rich opportunities for both personal and professional development. … As a faculty member, the best part of my job is working with students and watching them grow into professionals. I also appreciate the opportunities for collaboration with the faculty and staff across SHRS and the larger University.”
Dan Stump (’11, BA, social sciences). Personnel administrator, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health.
“I came to Pitt as an undergraduate transfer student (from CCAC) in the fall of 2006. I also accepted a full-time staff position with Pitt (June 2006), a few months prior to starting my undergraduate career with the university. … I continue to work at the University today, with no intention of leaving until I retire (likely as a member of the staff with the 40+ year club — if I am fortunate enough). While none of my five children are yet of college-attending age (14, 12, 10, 8 and 6), my wife and I definitely have high hopes that they will be accepted to Pitt for their collegiate career. This is where they want to be.”
Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.
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