Chancellor Honors Staff For Their Service to the University, Community

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher has announced the winners of the 2015 Chancellor’s Awards for Staff Excellence in Service to the University and to the Community. 

Each awardee received a $2,500 cash prize and was recognized during Pitt’s annual Honors Convocation on Feb. 28. In addition, awardees will be honored during a May 5 reception at the chancellor’s residence, and their names will be inscribed on plaques displayed in the William Pitt Union.

The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the Community recognizes staff members whose work in the community surpasses the expectations of the organizations they serve and whose commitment and effort have made a significant impact on the community. This year’s awards honor three staff members: Tami J. Haslett, Sharie M. Radzavich, and Brian K. Root.

The Chancellor’s Awards for Staff Excellence in Service to the University recognize staff members who not only exceed job standards and expectations in performing their duties but also make a significant impact on the University through their commitment and performance. This year’s awards honor two staff members: Philippa K. Carter and Barbara J. Early.

Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the Community

Tami J. Haslett

Pre-Press Technician, Department of Communication Services, Pittsburgh campus

Tami J. Haslett is praised for her service to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, the American Cancer Society, Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, and the National Aviary. Haslett offers diverse talents in her volunteering. She uses her artistic skills to draw caricatures of people and animals, in exchange for donations, at fundraising events for Animal Protectors and the American Cancer Society. She is an educational volunteer at the National Aviary and serves as media relations chair for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. “Ms. Haslett is a pillar, not only in her local community, but as a standout volunteer within the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network,” wrote Faith See, the network’s public relations specialist.

Sharie M. Radzavich

Administrative Assistant, Division of Communication and the Arts, Pitt-Bradford 

Sharie M. Radzavich’s dedication to community service is showcased in her longstanding involvement with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and The Friendship Table, the local soup kitchen, as well as several campus-related organizations, including the Women’s History Month Committee and the Empty Bowls and Baskets Committee. Five years ago, she began a monthly donation drive of food and personal items for the YWCA Domestic Violence Center in Bradford through the AAUW. A former student wrote in a recommendation letter, “I know, without a doubt, that I owe who I am today to Sharie, whose passion for what she does is simply contagious. She taught me how to lead with compassion, communicate with care, and strive for excellence in service to others.” 

Brian K. Root

Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life, Pitt-Greensburg

Brian K. Root is commended for his involvement in the local Kiwanis Club, Habitat for Humanity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure, and the United Way. Root leads the Greensburg campus’ primary Alternative Spring Break Trip, where students travel to various locales for building projects through Habitat for Humanity. Participation in the trip has grown from roughly eight students a year to 30. In a recommendation for the award, Charles R. Boyer, Greensburg Kiwanis Club president, wrote, “I can truly say that Brian is one of the most sincere and biggest advocates for making our local community and the larger world a better place.” 

Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University

Barbara J. Early

Clinical Research Coordinator Director for the Multidisciplinary Acute Care Research Organization (MACRO), Pitt Clinical Translational Science Institute 

Barbara J. Early has enhanced the processes for initiating research studies—a key mission for MACRO, which assists researchers in finding qualified study participants in the acute-care setting. The award letter cited a program, created by Early that enlists undergraduate students to screen and enroll ER patients in research studies. The practice affords students a clinical-research opportunity while helping research programs obtain appropriate, well-advised participants. In a letter of support for Early, one student research assistant wrote, “… I will always credit Barbara Early and MACRO for providing me with an extremely positive first experience in both clinical and lab research.” 

Philippa K. Carter

Manager of Diversity Initiatives, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences Graduate Studies

“She is like the Swiss Army knife: She does it all, and everyone goes to her for help,” noted one committee member about the selection of Philippa K. Carter for the service award. Carter has worked at Pitt for 27 years in various capacities, including coordinator of student services in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and as manager of diversity initiatives since 2010. She has played a key role in retention initiatives and has been involved with programs such as the Concern for At-Risk Students Team. The award letter also commends Carter’s work in growing the Hot Metal Bridge fellowship program, which helps college grads—often from underrepresented populations— prepare for success before entering graduate school.