By SARAH MCMULLEN
Staff Council’s mission is grounded in a deep sense of community. Community means supporting and lifting those around us, whether it’s encouraging someone to learn something new, celebrating the legacy of Pitt staff and their families, or supporting fellow staff members during a time in need.
For the past decade, Staff Council has championed staff professional development, offering opportunities through the Frisch Staff Professional Development Award.
The Frisch Staff Professional Development Award, named in honor of Ronald W. Frisch, supports eligible Pitt staff members by defraying the costs of approved professional development opportunities that directly contribute to the staff member’s career advancement and professional growth within Pitt.
Over the 10-year life of the award, it has invested over $7,700 in the futures of 19 staff members who pursued degrees and professional certifications, attended conferences and workshops, and completed trainings in the pursuit of advancement and personal growth.
Allison Vorp, the 2024 Frisch Award winner, reflected on her award, sharing:
“I’m deeply grateful to the donors who made the Frisch Award possible. Because of their generosity, I was able to collaborate with colleagues from other leading institutions and take part in a professional publication — two milestones that have profoundly shaped my career and professional growth.”
Staff Council believes it’s essential to invest and reinvest in our staff community to ensure each member has opportunities to evolve and become leaders in their careers, and we hope you do as well.
As part of Pitt’s Day of Giving (PDoG) and the 10th anniversary of this award, we are championing support for this fund to ensure this important resource endures so that our staff have ample opportunities to grow. Gifts of all sizes make an impact, and every dollar will directly benefit award recipients.
Andy Stephany, the vice president of public relations in 2016 when the award was established, said: “Ron had always been a friend, ally and mentor to (Staff Council) through his role leading Pitt’s Office of Human Resources. As an organization, one of our goals has always been to support professional development and advancement of University staff. We wanted to honor Ron’s support of staff and Staff Council by establishing a fund for staff to pursue their career goals. Staff Council has been able to put thousands of dollars back into the hands of Pitt staff in their pursuit of improving their skills and furthering their career.”
We hope you will mark your calendar for PDoG on Feb. 24 and join us in supporting the Frisch Staff Professional Development Award or a department, student group, research area or program that is important to you.
Staff Council also will be holding activities in conjunction with PDoG and would encourage you to meet council members, ask questions, and learn more about the programs and efforts of the council.
Learn more about PDoG, where to find us on Feb. 24, and how to nominate for future Staff council awards below.
What’s Pitt Day of Giving?
For nine incredible years, the Pitt community has come together — alumni, students, faculty, staff, families and friends from around the world, to make a difference that lasts far beyond one day. When you give on Pitt Day of Giving, you join thousands of others who believe in creating a brighter future together for Pitt students and programs.
Come meet Staff Council on Pitt Day of Giving!
Join Staff Council members at Pitt Day of Giving event headquarters in William Pitt Union, from noon to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
As part of our efforts, we’ll be raffling off two fourth-row, center seats to “Annie” on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Byham Theater.
We encourage everyone to stop by, say hello, enter the raffle, donate and connect with us during the event! Our PDoG efforts will support the Frisch Staff Professional Development Award, the Staff Council Endowed Book Fund Award, and the Employee Emergency Fund. Donation is not required to enter the raffle.
2026 Staff Council Award nominations
Watch your inbox this spring and subscribe to the Staff Council Newsletter to nominate for this year’s Staff Council Awards, including the Frisch Staff Professional Development Award and the Staff Council Endowed Book Fund Award.
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 Director, Project Management Office, in University Communications and Marketing.
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