Student Leadership Recognition

Recognizes the student organization that has demonstrated spirit for its organization and Pitt-Greensburg during the 2021-2022 academic year.

"Phi Eta Sigma has held events throughout the year that have shown our school spirit and pride. One event that came to mind was the Campus Cleanup where members helped to clean up the creek on campus. They held events such as the Veterans Day Luncheon and Sock Drive for Veterans…. members took pride in doing events that showed the schools excellence in helping the community and the environment. Phi Eta Sigma is a very active chapter and they take pride in all that they do by submitting a summary of events to the national office that was ultimately published in this years national Phi Eta Sigma magazine. From local to national and on-campus to off Phi Eta Sigma is what we should all strive to be as Bobcats."

Recognizes a student leader who has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving cultural understanding and has bridged cultures on campus.

"Shannon became involved with our campus GSA during their first year on campus, and it was an organization much in need of new life…I watched as Shannon interacted in such a kind, mature, and productive way with everyone in the group no matter how challenging they were. I was absolutely thrilled when Shannon took on the role of president, and their leadership has been nothing less than transformational. The GSA membership and visibility on campus has increased significantly under Shannon's leadership. Shannon's excellent communication and organizational skills have allowed GSA to collaborate with other organizations such as La Femme, BSU, and the Creative Writing Club. Shannon also serves as the GSA representative to the President's Committee for Diversity and Inclusion…..When I think about students who have effectively and intentionally built relationships and cooperation among different people and groups, Shannon is the first person who comes to my mind."

Recognizes a sophomore or junior student leader who has demonstrated outstanding leadership to the campus community. Ideally this student is a member and/or officer of a student organization.

"Autumn started at Pitt-Greensburg last spring as a transfer student. She was excited to become an active member of our community from the start, and in the year since has taken on numerous leadership roles with great energy and enthusiasm. She is currently a Commuter Mentor and the house representative and incoming vice president for Circle K. She is an active member of Student Government Association (and incoming Treasurer), and also involved with Tri-Beta, and Phi Eta Sigma. In her role as a Commuter Mentor, I have witnessed her enthusiasm and passion for Pitt-Greensburg as well as her encouragement to others to get involved and engage with our community. While balancing her leadership and involvement, she also maintains a perfect grade point average. I look forward to Autumn's continuing contributions to our campus."

Recognizes a student organization for planning and implementing a program or event that had a positive impact on campus during the 2021-2022 academic year. This program or event should have also contributed to student life in a positive and social way.

"Oktoberfest was extremely successful, even despite being mostly indoors this year. Phi Eta Sigma worked with a variety of clubs including Pitt Fight, Science Club, and others to run the event. They also worked with History Club, the Academic Village, and OACS to provide free t-shirts, as well as the popular axe throwing trailer. The event brought the campus community together, and was a great example of clubs working together to bring a successful event to Pitt-Greensburg."

Recognizes a student organization for planning and implementing an educational program or event that has contributed to learning outside of the classroom in an unconventional way during the 2021-2022 academic year.

"Students stayed anonymous in this lights-off Q&A virtual event, while a pair of sex-perts answered their deepest, darkest questions. No question was too simple — or too outrageous. As one nominator stated, “It was great way to address students’ sexual health and relationship concerns with factual answers and empathetic advice.

The presenters excelled at striking the right tone, and infused values of consent, communication, and LGBTQ-inclusiveness throughout answers.There were an estimated 450 students that attended…and the program contributed to student's knowledge to things that we do not learn in classrooms - sex and relationship education that is inclusive. Students were (and still are) curious to ask questions about things that usually go unspoken.

The need for fact based sexual education is well documented, and the impact of this education on sexual health outcomes, risk reduction, understanding of consent, LQBTQIA+ inclusivity, and sexual violence prevention is equally well documented. The students in La Femme took the lead on scheduling and planning, and GSA members jumped in to help promote and moderate the discussion. From the Facilitators "It may very well have been 1/3 of the student body, which is UNHEARD OF for an optional virtual event!"

Recognizes a student leader in their first year on campus (less than 24 credits as of Spring '21) who has demonstrated outstanding leadership to the campus community. Ideally this student is a member and/or officer of a student organization.

New students often say they want to wait a year before joining any clubs. While this is sometimes understandable, Imani has not taken that same approach. Imani immediately became involved with the Black Student Union and has been a key part of its success this year. While most new students would be content to join a club, Imani became a member of the executive board as the club's treasurer. She has learned the position and goes above and beyond to ensure the club is financially prepared for each event. As the year has gone on, she has become one of the people that others go to for help with planning events. She has demonstrated that she has a good head for details and envisioning how an event will come together. And while her work with BSU has been great, she has also been inspired to start a new dance club at Pitt-Greensburg. Imani's first year has build a strong foundation for her to become one of Pitt-Greensburg best and brightest future student leaders.

Recognizes a student organization for planning and implementing a community service project that benefited the campus and/or local community during the 2021-2022 academic year.

"Pitt Fight is such a huge event that brings our campus and our broader community together to raise money for incredible causes. The amount of work (the group) put into the planning and implementation of this wrestling event is astonishing….Nearly every campus club and organization played some role in this event - from working the ticket tables to corralling wrestlers and donating baskets for the raffles….. It was such a brilliant and unique addition to our campus community and one that makes such a difference in the lives of people who need help most.

With the help of SGA, "Pitt Fight: Graduation" raised an estimated $7000 for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital…. Volunteer opportunities were also available for the event, which gave students the opportunity to come together…..The project made not only a huge impact on the campus community, but the entire Western Pennsylvania professional wrestling community... The event ended up being an unforgettable experience in a variety of ways….Not only did we raise a lot of money….but we also brought a large group of people together. This was a special event in the wrestling community….From the fans, from students, and from the wrestlers backstage, there was only positivity about how well the event went and how happy they were to be a part of it."

Recognizes a student organization for planning and implementing a community service project that benefited the campus and/or local community during the 2021-2022 academic year.

"This year, the Black Student Union has…become one of the most active and important groups on campus. Coming into the academic year, most of the group’s exec board members were no longer students…however, one of the members remained and found two new students, each with the passion to have a BSU…. they got to work by organizing a table at the Activities Fair on the day of the Activities Fair! One of the strengths of BSU has been the space they create for their members within the general meetings. The meetings are a wonderful blend of group bonding and activities that stimulate conversations in a safe space. I have witnessed how importance the club meetings have been for the students in giving them a place to voice their concerns and share their experiences to others who show support, care, and guidance….

In my many years of being an advisor, these have been the most important (and fun) general meetings I have had the pleasure to attend…. BSU also organized several educational events. The Jubilee event gave students a way of exploring their personally held biases without the fear of judgement. The group had attorney Moe Spencer speak about the racist history of marijuana laws in the US, which was very eye opening for many in attendance and has even spurred conversations about how Pitt addresses marijuana on campus. And at the annual Soul Food Dinner, BSU members helped perform a moving poem and had a speaker who provided a glimpse into the early fight for civil rights. And what was a unique educational event, they set up their own an escape room in Smith Hall where participants gained some understanding of how bias in policing impacts the Black community. Providing these educational opportunities helps our campus community become more aware of the concerns our Black students face on and off campus. Beyond event and meetings, what's impressed me most about this group is their grit and determination…. They quickly established the entire exec board and at their first meeting had over 40 students in attendance. After the fall term, the President graduated. A change in leadership can be very disruptive…but instead the group has found a way to thrive. Everybody has rallied together and supported the new President, who in turn has supported every member of BSU. It’s impossible to understate how important both presidents of BSU have been to the success of this club. No matter what the obstacle, this group has overcome and come out better on the other side."

Recognizes a student leader who has exemplified a balance of academic excellence and leadership involvement on campus. This student shall have maintained a cumulative QPA of 3.5 or above.

"Kyle has been involved in leadership roles that have progressively challenged him and that have helped him give back to the community. One of Kyle’s legacies is that he is the founder and driving force behind the Pitt Fight club on campus. ….a club which over the years has raised thousands of dollars towards pediatric cancer research and ….helped to engage dozens of students in campus life, and has attracted the public to discover our University. One new student this year told us that the reason he enrolled at Pitt-Greensburg was because of Pitt Fight!

In addition to being the current president of the Pitt Fight club, Kyle served as a Peer Leader for two years…..Kyle has also been involved in a number of community service experiences through Peer Leading as well as through activities and events sponsored by Pitt Fight, Phi Eta Sigma, and in his role as a Community Assistant (and as the first head CA this past year)….other leadership opportunities Kyle has been involved in include serving as past treasurer and now president of Phi Eta Sigma, president & past vice-president of Academic Village Senate, and past secretary and vice-president of Nerdfighters…..He has been a member of SPSEA, the Writing Club, and written for the Insider….while maintaining an excellent academic record and QPA of 3.8! What I believe really makes Kyle stand out as an outstanding student is his maturity, dependability, and drive. Kyle hasn’t just taken advantage of opportunities, he has created them himself, and he has left his mark on our campus. Kyle is a positive representation of the university and has been a valuable asset to the….community. He represents the epitome of what we hope our students accomplish before they graduate: development of leadership skills, commitment to service, and academic excellence."

This award is open to all student organization advisors. It is designed to honor faculty or staff advisors who have demonstrated progressive guidance and involvement to their student organizations.

"Dr. Long is one of the most active professors on this campus. She consistently puts her students first, always making sure their needs are met. As the advisor of TriBeta, she has helped our club raise money for charities, do various activities, build connections, and more. This year we are hosting the TriBeta national conference and Dr. Long has been amazing with the planning and putting everything together. It is a lot of work but she always makes sure we are prepared…she has taught each of us how to be effective leaders and communicate better with other members. She is always there for us and helps us with our applications to grad school, she gives us advice, and helps us plans meetings accordingly. She does more than any advisor I have met before and should be highly considered for advisor of the year!"

The President’s Distinguished Service Award winner is a student who has an incredible depth of roles to the University while also maintaining the highest of standards in the classroom.

"I am pleased to nominate Hannah...for her strong academic performance, leadership experience, service to the community, and overwhelming desire to provide valuable experiences to the students interested in the field of law. Over the last year, I have been privileged to work with Hannah on locating speakers for the Pre-Law Society and reaching out to local firms given the surge in interest in internships with the start of the student organization…Hannah has demonstrated a strong motivation to both inform other students about opportunities and to perform valuable outreach to the community attorneys. At the height of the pandemic, we saw a decline in internships and experiential opportunities for students in several fields of study…. This motivated Hannah to connect with as many firms as possible this year to promote an increase in student opportunities. In addition…she also focused on outreach and community service by volunteering with the Blackburn Center…in this she showed profound dedication and empathy. Hannah has such a strong sense of advocacy, and this is indicative of the type of attorney she will become someday. Pitt-Greensburg attracts many hardworking leaders to campus. Hannah is a shining example of one of the student leaders who has attempted to grow in different ways and take advantage of the multitude of options available to her. When thinking about nominations, I not only consider how a student has taken advantage of the existing campus, but also how the student has transcended to build new options and endeavors…Hannah is just such a student."

The Jack D. Smith Award was founded as a way to recognize a student leader who has made a significant contribution to raise the level of engagement and spirit of the student body. Ideally, the student has done this through their work in student organizations and other endeavors of service to the institution.

"Over the years, I have watched her grow as a person. She has many admirable qualities. She is reliable, responsible, determined, positive, friendly, compassionate, courageous, and hard-working. When I think of Sam, I think of a very upbeat, positive, and energetic person. But, underneath her sunny disposition are all the above-mentioned characteristics that keep her focused and grounded.

As a member and officer of the Student Alumni Association, Sam was typically the first to volunteer or sign up…. While attending school full-time, she also worked two jobs…She successfully maintained that work-school balance and was able to graduate a semester early. She challenged herself and tried new things often taking advantage of opportunities on campus. She applied and served as a Commuter Mentor…. Community Assistant….and Peer Leader AND completed GEM…I witnessed many times her desire to try something regardless of whether she succeeded…At the new student sendoffs, she answered questions from incoming students and shared her own experiences. Her positivity brings fun and enthusiasm to events and activities…even when others may have struggled or fallen apart, Sam maintained her bright outlook and stayed committed to her obligations and goals…she puts her heart into everything she does. Whether it was pulling never-ending weeds at Clelian Heights or working as an intern at CASA, she cares and wants to make a lasting impact. Samantha not only enjoyed her time on campus but was proud to be a member of the campus community…she is an excellent representation of a Pitt-Greensburg student."

The Lillian Beeson Award was established as a way to recognize an outgoing student leader who has contributed to campus life in and outside of the classroom. This student has been active in academic endeavors, maintained at least a 3.00 QPA, and positively contributed to student organizations as well as social programming and service throughout their time at Pitt-Greensburg.

"Melissa has contributed to campus life by being an active and involved member and leader in the Pitt-Greenburg community. At some point during her college career, she has been a member of History Club, GSA, Circle K, SPSEA, DSC, and RHA. She finished the GEM program and serves our campus as a former Peer Leader, a current Community Assistant, and as Speaker of the House for SGA. She has made a positive impact on our campus while serving and leading in these capacities and by encouraging others to do the same. Melissa did all this even while sometimes struggling to find her appropriate major and career path, but ultimately discovering her passion for student affairs and still managing to maintain a respectable GPA, which she worked hard to attain. Her impact on the various areas of student life at Pitt-Greensburg has been obvious, and she should be proud of her commitment to this."