June 14th SOAR Soup & Salad Lunch
Chartwells sponsored the annual Soup & Salad Lunch for staff again this year. Chartwells catered the Hempfield Room exclusively for staff and provided a fantastic array of salads with fixins, soup, desserts & drinks...all served on white linen tablecloths for the bargain cost of $4. The Staff Association netted a cool $95; which is a most-helpful addition to the orginazations budget. The next SOAR lunch will be Friday, June 28th.
June 5th Staff Association Picnic
The second summer Staff Association picnic was held on a beautiful, sunny day at the Alumni Pavillion. Food was plentiful and we had much fun in the sun.
Chef Richard McMahon and his crew from Chartwells prepared hamburgers, veggie burgers, hotdogs, potato salad, drinks and picnic supplies while staff brought a variety of side-dishes & desserts.
A Corn Hole tournament took place during the picnic. Eight teams squared-off in a hotly contested double-elimination round contest. The final two teams of Jeff Antal and Jim Turkovich vs. Matt Blair and Brad Graham went head-to-head in the championship round. At one point during one round of the heated contest, there were (6) 3-pointers in a row; both teams eliminating each others points. The final victors were the team of Jeff Antal and Jim Turkovich.
About 30 staff members joined in the festivities and a good time was had by all.
Windows 8 Information Sessions Begin
As a part of the Campus Technology Upgrade Project, which will include upgrading staff PC's to the new Windows 8 operating system, the office of Technology Services is offering information sessions to show you some of the basics and the exciting features of Windows 8. Sessions will be offered throughout the summer, so choose one that is convenient to your schedule.
May 14th Staff Association Picnic
Over 22 staff members gathered in the Hempfield Room due to cool weather for the first picnic of the summer. We celebrated National Chocolate Chip Day by having willing participants bring-in chocolate chip cookies made from their favorite recipies. Chartwells sponsored the event by providing us with baked beans, cole slaw, buns, drinks, picnic supplies and most importantly, their help. The main course was pulled-pork sandwiches. We played several rounds of BINGO with president Karen Ricco calling the numbers. Prizes were given to the lucky individual game winners. A good time was had by all.
Annual Spring Flower Sale
Many thanks to Linda Soltis, Spring Flower Sale chairman, who once again assumed the responsibility for the Staff Association's annual spring flower sale. Linda did all of the ordering and distribution of the beautiful hanging baskets this year. Her efforts netted the Staff Association a profit of $148.50. For an organization with no regular income, this is a valuable contribution to our financial coffers. Thanks again from all members of the Staff Association Linda!
Staff Association Picnic Dates Set
Mark your calendars!
Wednesday, June 5th - Summer Picnic & Corn Hole competition. We will provide hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks & potato salad. You bring a side dish of summer picnic food, desert or $5. Sign-up you and your corn-hole partner in advance with Valerie Kubenko @ 836-9868.
Thursday July 11th - Hawaiian Luau Picnic. We will provide the main dish (yet to be determined), drinks and pineapple upside down cake. Get a prize for dressing in your Hawaiian best and bring a fun dish to share! We will award a prize to the best-dressed Hawaiian-themed outfit. You can always come last-minute; hungry & dressed as you are if you'd rather and make a $5 contribution to the event.
Endowed Student Resource Fund Update
The Staff Association has made its final contribution of $642.27 to fully-fund the endowment to $10,000. We will discuss how to proceed in awarding funds from this endowment. Thanks for all of your assistance in reaching our goal.
Windows 8 Is Coming To A PC Near You
The Pitt-Greensburg Technology Team will be upgrading staff PC's to the latest and greatest Microsoft operating system in the near future. Your department will be contacted well in advance of the upgrade.
There will be training and information sessions on Windows 8 in advance of the upgrade as well, so watch for the announcement of these sessions in the near future.
Staff Recognized in the University Times
Four staff members were recognized in the "PEOPLE OF THE TIMES" article in the The April 4, 2013 edition of the University Times. Lori Moore was noted as receiving the President's Distinguished Service Award for Staff. The award recognizes staff members who have demonstrated a consistent pattern of extraordinary dedication to the University above and beyond the candidates job responsibilities.
Three staff members were noted for receiving the "You Make The Difference" award; Linda Szypulski, Valerie Kubenko and Susan Isola. The program recognizes UPG staff members for special efforts and achievements as noted by their peers. Winners are chosen by the number "You Make The Difference" cards submitted by staff members who witnessed or benefitted from the extra efforts provided by these special staff members.
All awards were presented at the UPG's annual staff recognition luncheon. Congratlations s to all!
2013 Pitt SAC Technology Convention
Bob Smith along with several members of the Pitt-Greensburg Technology Team attended the 2nd annual technology convention entitled "Effectively Using Technology in Your Job 2.0". The convention was sponsored by the Pitt main campus Staff Association Council in partnership with Computing Services and System Development (CSSD). Featured guest speakers were Ronald W. Frisch, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources and Jinx Walton, Chief Information Officer. The keynote address was delivered by Jinx Walton during a brown bag lunch session in which drinks & dessert were provided. 
Six technology workshops were offered in the afternoon that introduced new software applications that staff can use to enhance their efficiency and collaboration in their workplace. If you are interested in ways you can access these new applications, or are just interested in what's available, feel free to contact any member of the Pitt-Greensburg Technology Team.
2013 Pitt Day in Harrisburg
Bob Smith and Josh Gmys from our from our Staff Association went to Harrisburg along with Dr. Smith and 17 students. Josh organized the event and the group had an enjoyable trip. While there, we met with our state representatives Mike Reese, Tim Krieger and George Dunbar as well as Senator Kim Ward. All expressed a positive attitude towards Pitt-Greensburg and the value it provides to its Pennsylvania students. They all said that the education budget was not on the “chopping block” this year; however there would not be an increase in that budget.
There were several photo-op sessions throughout the day. This photo took place at the reception towards the end of the day. Pitt Oakland campus students joined with our Pitt-Greensburg students to take a group photo on the main staircase in the capitol. If you have not seen our state capitol in person, it is well worth a visit sometime. It was voted the most ornate of all state capitols and it is obvious why after seeing it in person. Pitt Day in Harrisburg is an annual event and is a great way to voice your opinion in-person and learn about the history of the state we all live in.
2012 Staff Appreciation Luncheon
Pitt-Greensburg celebrated its annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, December 19th. Richard McMahon outdid himself as usual providing us a tasty variety of delectable dishes; including salad, 2 entrees, side dishes and an endless variety of cookies for dessert. Numerous new staff were welcomed by Dr. Smith and several awards were presented to staff by Dr. Smith. A good time was had by all.
Holiday Candy "Thank You!" From Your Staff Association
The Staff Association presented Sarris chocolate in the form of Christmas trees to staff on Wednesday, December 12th as a recognition of all of your efforts throughout the previous year. The officers of your staff association enjoyed to opportunity to personally thank you and present you with a token of grattitude for all that you do. We wish you a happy Holiday Season and a fantastic New Year!!!
Annual Staff Recognition Luncheon
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 19, 2012 from 12 noon - 2:00 pm for good food and a jolly good time!
Sarris Holiday Candy Sales
Staff Association President Karen Ricco brought forth and executed a money-making idea that netted the Staff Association a cool $150. By organizing Sarris candy sales to the tune of $500+, the Staff Association received a 25% return of the sales. Karen's initiative is extremely appreciated by the organization. Way to go Karen!
Staff Association Helps Sponsor Car Cruise to Celebrate Blue & Gold Weekend.
President Karen Ricco, Treasurer Bob Smith, and Secretary Valerie Kubenko worked with University Relations to host a car cruise as part of the 2012 Blue & Gold Weekend celebration on October 13. The weather was sunny & bright and over 75 antique, classic and hot-rod cars & trucks participated. We had a live DJ playing our favorite oldies, 50/50 raffle, and Peoples- Choice awards for each of the three categories of vehicles.
Food and drinks were available for purchase and some were even free, sponsored by several Pitt-Greensburg groups in attendance. Money collected from the $5 per vehicle registration fee will be used to help defray the cost of putting-on the event and to make a monetary donation towards the Staff Association Endowed Student Resource Fund.
Pitt-Greensburg Diversity Affairs Committee receives Affirmative Action Award
The President’s Advisory Committee on Diversity Affairs has earned the 2012 Chancellor’s Affirmative Action Award. The award brings with it a $2500 prize that will be used by the committee to fund additional programming throughout the year.
Pitt-Greensburg’s Staff Association president, Brandi Darr, is a member of the committee. We congratulate Brandi and all those on the committee for their outstanding efforts. For the full story please click here.
Staff Association Raises $176 By Eating Soup & Salad
Chartwells sponsored a Staff Association Soup & Salad lunch following the four SOAR sessions. Staff were able to eat all of the soup, salad, pizza, dessert & drinks they cared to for $4, with Chartwells donating all of the food & drinks and allowing the Staff Association to keep 100% of the money collected. Three cheers for Cartwells! With the Staff Association having no annual budget, this contribution is very important to us as a group. Thanks to all who participated.
Jeans on Fridays Guidelines:
As a result of the Town Hall meeting on February 6, President Smith has agreed to allow staff to wear jeans on Fridays, when appropriate. Jeans mean casual denim materials that are neat and clean with no rips or tears. Wearing jeans on Friday is a privilege.
Meet The Staff Association Council Officers:
Pitt-Greensburg Staff Association Mission Statement
Results of the Staff Activities Survey:
See the voting results and staff comments:
Pitt-Greensburg Staff Association Issues and Concerns
Staff may bring any staff-related issues or concerns they have to the attention of the Staff Association Council. This can be done in person at any Staff Association Council general meeting or by using this form:
Staff Association Council Committees and Volunteer Opportunities:
The Staff Association Committee has formed the sub-committees noted below. A chairperson has been appointed to head-up each committee. Staff Association members are always welcome to volunteer their help with a committee by contacting the appropriate chairperson. New committee suggestions are also welcome and can be brought to the attention of the Staff Association in person, by attending general meetings, or by using the online suggestion/comment form.
Pitt-Greensburg Staff Association By-Laws
The following link will open the official document that describes the internal rules of the Pitt-Greensburg Staff Association Council.
Staff Association Council Bylaws
Pitt-Greensburg Staff Association Meeting Minutes
- February 7, 2013
- September 21st, 2012
- March 30, 2012
- January 27, 2012
- October 10, 2011
- March 9, 2011
- December 16, 2010
- October 8, 2010
- May 18, 2010
- October 7, 2009
- February 6th, 2008
For past news and events click here.
2011 Campus Climate Survey
Pitt-Greensburg Staff Association Giving
Kevin M. DiVecchio Memorial Endowment Fund
Interested in donating ? E-mail Cletus McConville for more information.
Staff Association Endowed Student Resource Fund
In 2008, an anonymous donor pledged $5,000 towards the $10,000 needed to establish an endowed scholarship. The Staff Association agreed to match the $5,000 toward the endowment. Awards can begin being made to students once the fund has been fully funded @ $10,000.
This resource fund will be able to be awarded to any Pitt-Greensburg student who has completed a minimum of 60 credits, 45 of which are from Pitt-Greensburg, with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
The current fund balance (as of 1/1/2012) is $7,397.60. Unfortunately, the contributions from the anonymous donor have stopped, but the Staff Association has diligently continued to make yearly $1,000 contributions. The fund has also received individual staff contributions through the Partners in Excellence Faculty and Staff Campaign.
Interested in donating? Call the URIA office at (724) 836-7039 or email them at pggiving@pitt.edu.
Student Emergency Assistance Fund
In 2011, Beth Tiedeman collected used printer ink cartridges from the campus and sold them to a recycler for a profit of $450. The money was all donated to the Student Emergency Assistance Fund. Please donate any used printer cartridges (both laser and ink jet type cartridges) from home or work. Beth says that the recycler is taking all kinds at this point; no exclusions. Beth can be reached at (724) 836-7182.
