NEWSLETTER
ISSUE 5- Fall 2024
Summer Bridge 2024 Cohort’s Success Celebrated on Campus
The Summer Bridge program accepts students into the university under the condition that they participate in courses and training for academic success a month before the semester begins. Bridge faculty and staff Kayla Heffernan, Ph.D., Kelli Maloy, Ph.D., and Kearsten Adams provide resources for students to be successful in the program. The Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach provides funding to the Summer Bridge program The shared mission is to help students find their spark, cultivate their abilities, and provide resources and opportunities for growth outside the classroom.
“Without the Bridge Program, I do not believe I would have been prepared or half the leader I am now,” says junior Javon Brown, one of the student speakers at the Bridge Celebratory Dinner this past August. In his speech to incoming first-year Bridge students, Javon highlighted the foundation that the program provides to build “a successful and fulfilling college career” at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.
Keynote speaker M.E. Yancosek Gamble urged students to not only find their spark but to ignite and fuel their passions, saying, “As you begin this exciting new chapter, remember to find your spark
by understanding your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Ignite your spark by getting involved on campus and taking an active role in your community. Finally, fuel your spark by leveraging campus resources to support your academic and career goals.”
The 2024 Summer Bridge Cohort students found new avenues to success by bonding with one another and their mentors Throughout the monthlong program, students participated in leadership training, tutoring opportunities, and interpersonal development activities to strengthen pre-existing skills and knowledge for their professional and academic ventures.
Oakley Tyger, a senior Secondary Education major and current Bridge Student Mentor, wished Bridge students the best as they officially began their first college semester Oakley shared both his failures and successes, sharing that he “ ... asked more questions, watched videos, and read articles on how to succeed as a college student ” He credits much of his success to Heffernan, Maloy, and Adams who supported and mentored him throughout his college experience. He urged the incoming cohort to lean on them as well Oakley says to fellow Bridge students, “I am confident in each of your abilities to flourish.”
Senior Oakley Tyger provided an opening address
M E Yancosek Gamble’s keynote address joined Bridge students together
Junior Javon Brown shared his experiences as a former Bridge student
Public Policy and Communication Connection Series: Student Experience Edition
The Toolbox Series is a pilot program developed by the Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach (OCO) to provide students with tools, skills, perspectives, and opportunities to be successful.
In the first Toolbox Series of the 2024 Fall semester, sophomores Morgan Fong, a Political Science major, and Zakery Wiles, a double major in Public Policy and Political Science, shared insights from their 2024 Summer internships with The Washington Center (TWC) Their presentations showcased the valuable skills and perspectives gained through the program. TWC's partnership at Pitt-Greensburg began in 2022, and throughout time, this program has been pivotal in expanding student career opportunities. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell, Ph.D., the Campus Liaison and Coordinator for TWC, plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive environment for students to explore and advance their professional aspirations.
Fong acted as a Governmental Affairs Intern for the National Waterways Conference. Main duties included attending virtual meetings with members to discuss their company’s interest in policy, taking notes during House committee hearings, and analyzing policies like the Water Resources Development Act. For other students looking for internships, Fong recommends getting to know other interns and establishing connections with supervisors.
Wiles discussed his experience working with State Representative Oye Owolewa, where one of his duties included writing official press releases that enhanced his understanding of bipartisanship political processes While reflecting on his internship, Wiles claimed, “[i]t doesn’t matter what year you are; it’s always a great experience for both your academic and professional journey.
Zakery Wiles spoke on “A Day to Day Life” regarding his summer internship experience with The Washington Center (TWC)
Interested students posed questions about TWC opportunities for undergraduates to Morgan Fong, Stephanie Kridlo, and Zakery Wiles
OCO Provides Leadership Lessons at Regional School Districts
92 seventh-grade students from Greensburg Salem Middle School and 175 high school students from Jeannette City Senior High School participated in leadership lessons run by the Office of Community Outreach (OCO) in September and October of 2024.
In his work Rac(e)ing to class: confronting poverty and race in schools and classrooms, H. Richard Milner states, "Educational Experiences that build on students' assets pique their curiosity and interest in learning and cultivate mindsets and practices to improve community ” The PittGreensburg OCO staff works to provide essential resources and training to students in grades 6-12 for their career development
Former OCO Engagement Manager and educator Audra Lewis-Hoesch, Ed.D., created leadership lessons on three major topics (SWOT Analysis, S.M.A.R.T. Goals, and 16 Personalities) to enhance students’ ability to flourish upon graduation. Melissa Crookston, Community Engagement Leader, and Madison Spahr, Community Engagement Coordinator, continue to provide these leadership lessons to students in the region on behalf of the OCO
The lessons highlighted the importance of personal growth through various assessments Students explored strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats as part of a SWOT analysis. School leaders provided options for students to complete either a SWOT analysis or the 16 Personalities assessment, with Crookston and Spahr demonstrating how to carry out both.
Students who created a SWOT analysis now have access to Canva Premium, allowing them to upload their projects to Padlet for display This approach encouraged students to identify similarities and differences in their classmates' answers The OCO extends its appreciation to teachers Alaine Nativio, Ph.D., from Greensburg-Salem Middle School, and Rachelle Abel from Jeannette City Junior/Senior High School for their support and willingness to implement these leadership lessons in their classrooms.
Check out the next newsletter, which will feature more insights on leadership lessons with other partnering school districts!
Melissa Crookston and Madison Spahr taught Leadership Lessons to middle school students at Greensburg Salem School District
Spahr and Crookston created an example of SWOT Analysis for students in one of their two-day lessons
Middle school students at Jeannette City Schools benefited from Leadership Lessons presented by Spahr (left) and Crookston.
What to Do When the Product Is You: Brand Identity & Online Presence
Staff at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg showcased their creative workshop to provide students with information on digital professional presence (DDP) and the correlation with differences in compensation. Marcy Yonkey, Assistant Director of Career Services, hosted this event for current college students and received support from the Office of Community Outreach
Yonkey utilized LinkedIn as a major component to create the presence necessary for online networking. Our students enjoyed themselves by gaining knowledge of real-life skills and modern technology for joining the workforce. “Brand Identity & Online Presence” focuses on showing students the impact that they individually have on how others perceive them in a professional setting and to adapt their strengths to future employers
One student’s feedback found that the most valuable takeaway from the workshop was recognizing your carbon footprint. Another student agreed and stressed the importance of being “cautious about posting online.”
Essential skills for students have been ever-changing with the implementation of daily utilization of online platforms. Pitt-Greensburg has once again found that giving students access to learning 21st-century skills can better prepare those who enter the world outside of college Regardless of the field that a student goes into, their need for real-world experience has remained imperative
To truly make a difference and help students, the OCO, Career Services Office, and the Office of Institutional Advancement are working to create spaces for students to continue their branding journeys. As an additional portion of the ongoing effort to provide students with opportunities to show themselves in the best light for future careers, students will have the opportunity to receive free professional headshots from Director of Media Relations Susan Isola! The headshot event will allow students to have self-images to use for all of their professional profiles
Marcy Yonkey presented about how to professionally brand yourself for careers to students
LinkedIn logo from Google.
Student workers Devarsh Shah and Faith Ellis took professional photos as part of last year’s Brand Identity & Online Presence event to use on their LinkedIn profiles
Make it Matter!
Have you ever wanted to make a difference in your community or collaborate with talented minds to change the business world? Let’s rewind to September 19 and 20 at Live! Casino, where the Make it Matter regional conference, organized by the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition, focused on workforce development to build strong teams and businesses.
The conference featured national strategists sharing their successes in business, while workshops hosted by various companies provided career insights for attendees.
The event aimed to raise awareness of the importance of diverse and inclusive workspaces, offering actionable strategies to apply in organizations and communities The conference also emphasized sustainable economic growth and equitable opportunities for all.
At the event, Roland Woods, Assistant Dean of Students; Courtney DeCarlucci, Manager of Foundation and Corporate Relations; Melissa Crookston, Community Engagement Leader; and Madison Spahr, Community Engagement Coordinator, attended workshops on topics like web accessibility, unconscious bias, generational divides, and mental health in the workplace Woods delivered closing remarks and thanked sponsors for supporting the event.
This year’s Make it Matter Regional Conference was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended As organizers look toward next year’s event, they are thrilled to continue to make an even bigger impact in the Greensburg and Westmoreland County communities.
“Pitt Greensburg has a long and proud history of partnership with the Westmoreland Diversity Coalition. We share a commitment to the work of enhancing our communities by celebrating the positive impact of diversity, promoting inclusion, and fostering a deeper understanding of how the differences among us are a source of strength for all in Westmoreland County and beyond”, says Pitt-Greensburg President Robert Gregerso Ph D
Mastering Money: Financial Literacy Workshop Series
Joel Philistin, Director of Financial Wellness, and Janet McLaughlin, Associate Director of Financial Wellness, offer workshops for students across all University of Pittsburgh campuses. The Office of Community Outreach (OCO) brings awareness of these events to the Greensburg campus and creates additional flyers for their students
There have been a total of six financial literacy events hosted for students to attend as of October 2024. Events have included: “Budgeting: Your Financial Plan,” “Sports Betting Responsibility,” “Understanding Credit,” “Money Moves for Moving Off Campus,” “Grocery Shopping on a Budget,” and “Navigating Student Loan Repayment ”
This series is a partnership between the OCO and the Financial Wellness Division to offer students the financial lessons they need to navigate through college and beyond.
Brian J. Beighley, Director of Financial Aid, and BJ Sarneso, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, at the Greensburg campus, continue to provide guidance with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to school stakeholders across the region.
The OCO is looking forward to a continued partnership with the Financial Wellness Division and the Greensburg campus’s Financial Aid Office in offering virtual and in-person workshops to students.
At the conference (from left to right): Roland Woods, Courtney DeCarlucci, Melissa Crookston, and Madison Spahr.
Vibrant Roots: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage on Campus
The annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at PittGreensburg occurred on Thursday, October 10, from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the Wagner Dining Hall Students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the diverse cultures of Hispanic heritage Community members were also invited to enjoy the festivities! 175 students joined together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15 annually. Participants enjoyed multiple stations featuring activities, traditional decor, musical instruments, and raffle prizes. Diners enjoyed delicious Hispanic cuisine prepared by Chartwells Dining Services that included Spanish potato omelet, shrimp paella bowl, yellow rice, chicken empanadas, cheese and bean enchiladas, ropa vieja (braised beef), non-alcoholic sangria, and other delicious cuisines offered to guests coordinated by Chartwells’ dining services
Featured student speaker, Sophomore Debany Renovato, says, “[w]here we come from will always be in our hearts, but where we go that’s up to us.
As a 200 percenter, as a Latina, a proud Mexican American, as someone who prides herself in loving two languages, speaking in two languages, and studying in two languages, representing two flags, I want to say to other Latin students and people here that it may be a lonely road to pursue things that we were never taught, some of our own might even make us feel bad for wanting more, our mind might even tell us that we have no place of belonging because we've been told que no somos de Aqui ni de alla, but que si vale la pena, push through it, it's all worth it because without fear there is no courage, we can make impacts ”
With the support of faculty and staff Silvina Orsatti, Ph.D., Stacey Triplette, Ph.D., Benjamin Espinoza, Ph.D., Pilar Herr, Ph.D., Elizabeth Contreras, Instructor of Spanish, Troy Ross, Director of Housing and Residence Life, and Roland Woods, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Title IX Liasion, students like Debany and other individuals can continue the growth of the Spanish Club and Multicultural Student Coalition The Office of Community Outreach (OCO) was honored to partner and assist with this event.
OCO Community Engagement Leader Melissa Crookston says, “We are thankful to everyone who attended this event and made this celebration possible for our community who identify as Hispanic or Latinx.”
Silvina Orsatti and sophomore Debany Renovato pose at the selfie station
Silvina Orsatti, Spanish Club, and MSC hosted the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Festival
Silvina Orsatti and senior Neo Miller celebrating a raffle sombrero
Melissa Crookston talked about the importance of community building
Vibrant Roots: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage on Campus
Students and faculty watch the pinata celebration
Students of Spanish and MCS club announce the raffle prize winners.
Seniors Alec Jackson and Aurora Arena preparing the MSC information table for the festival
Associate Professor of Spanish and French Stacey Triplette, speaks on upcoming course offerings
Students introduce themselves in Spanish
Junior Marisa Lee wins a shirt
Christopher Bartley, Instructor of Music, wins a pair of socks.
First-year student Willow Haines wins a flower crown
Walk for “H3O: Hope, Humility & Humanity”
On October 19, the Pitt-Greensburg community gathered for a special DEI walk centered around the theme “H30: Hope, Humility, and Humanity.” This event built upon the success of last year’s walk, “A Garden of Hope”, which reinforced creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. There were 47 community participants united in their commitment to DEI.
Notable student leaders on campus spoke about the three pillars of “H3O ” Senior Alec Jackson emphasized the importance of hope, while senior Aurora Arena explored the concept of humility, and Javon Brown shared insights on the theme of humanity Together, they highlighted how these values can strengthen our community and inspire positive change.
Thanks to the sponsorship of the President’s Committee for DEI, attendees enjoyed light refreshments and won raffle prizes The event created a welcoming space for participants to engage in meaningful conversations about hope, humility, and humanity, further strengthening our community. As participants walked, discussions emerged about the interactive signs posted for attendees Together, everyone explored how these values can shape a more inclusive future for everyone.
It is our mission & goal to create and sustain a welcoming and inclusive environment that embraces diversity and encourages dialog across differences to increase individual intercultural competence. The President’s Committee will be intentional by creating diverse programs that will enhance cultural awareness, social justice, professional development, academic support, and personal upliftment. The Committee of faculty, staff, and students are enthusiastic people who are committed to the unselfish work necessary for the overall development of the Pitt Greensburg Campus, says Roland Woods to the President’s Committee.
Melissa Crookston and Madison Spahr checking in attendees at the registration table for the walk
A close up view of the signatures of people who attended the walk
From left to right: junior Javon Brown, senior Aurora Arena, and senior Alec Jackson speaking on the three pillars of “H3O ”
Walk for “H3O: Hope, Humility & Humanity”
Attendees
Attendees
Madison Spahr and Melissa Crookston standing with the DEI Walk poster
Robert Gregerson, Ph.D., President of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, speaks about the University’s mission of DEI on campus.
read the signs posted along the walk route
Troy Ross, Director of Housing and Residence Life, speaks on his life experiences with hope, humility, and humanity.
Students, staff, and faculty gather at the front of Chambers Hall to take part in the walk
listen to staff and student speakers before the walk begins.
OUR UPCOMING EVENTS
Brand Identity & Online Presence - Headshots
On November 8, the Pitt-Greensburg OCO is holding the second part of our Toolbox Series, “What to Do When the Product is You: Brand Identity and Online Presence.” Students who attended the presentation on enhancing their brand have the opportunity to have a professional photo taken at no cost. The OCO thanks Susan Isola, Director of Media Relations, for offering this service to our students. This will be the second year that the OCO has offered this opportunity to current college students to strengthen their career-based presence online to potential employers
Experience Works+ with the WIB
The Pitt-Greensburg OCO is collaborating with the WestmorelandFayette Workforce Investment Board (WIB) on November 13. The Westmorland-Fayette WIB is a business, education, and community board empowered to lead workforce development activities in Fayette and Westmoreland counties. The WFWIB will highlight its Experience Works+ program to students to promote internship opportunities and lead career readiness training. The focus will be centered around professional skill building Caitlyn Slezak is presenting in person in Powers Hall 110
Collaborate to Elevate: Embracing Your Team
Christie McMullen, Ph.D., is back this Fall with a new and exciting event for Pitt-Greensburg alumni titled “Collaborate to Elevate: Embracing Your Team ” Alumni will join this virtual workshop on November 21 at 6:00 PM to learn the importance of leveraging team member styles and opinions in the workplace. McMullen will expand on this idea from her podcast, Productive Joy, to help alumni in the workforce balance their staff when hiring new members to the task force
Christie McMullen Photo Credits: Christie McMullen
Headshot of Justin Crookston from February’s branding event Photo Credits: DBD Photography
Melissa Crookston
MEET THE TEAM
Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Ph.D.
Director of Office of Community Outreach
Assistant Professor of Public Policy & Communication
Email: DRM153@pitt.edu
Danielle R Mehlman-Brightwell (Ph D , Indiana University of Pennsylvania) is an assistant professor of Public Policy and Communication at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and teaches courses in argument, interpersonal communication, rhetoric and public policy, policy practicum, theories of persuasion, and public speaking. She serves as the public policy major advisor for Pitt-Greensburg Mehlman-Brightwell is the supervisor for the Office of Community Outreach and the Principal Investigator for the Richard King Mellon grant.
Community Engagement Leader
Email: MRC292@pitt.edu
Melissa Crookston employs her professional background in Student Affairs in Higher Education as the Office of Community Outreach's Community Engagement Leader. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg with a Bachelor's degree in history and minors in both education and psychology. Crookston served as the Engagement Coordinator before transitioning into this role as the primary contact for the Office of Community Outreach. Crookston's combined exposure as a Graduate Area Coordinator, Orientation Peer Leader, and advising work study culminates in her passion for educational equity. Within her role in the office, Crookston oversees day-to-day operations, supervises all student worker employees, and creates new stakeholder partnerships and events to service local student populations.
Madison Spahr
Community Engagement Coordinator
Email: MCS333@pitt.edu
Madison Spahr serves as the Office of Community Outreach Engagement Coordinator, focusing on enhancing community engagement initiatives through marketing efforts and campus involvement. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, minors in psychology healthcare management, and a certificate in children’s literature Spahr’s valuable experiences as a student worker and intern at Pitt-Greensburg Admissions and as an Orientation Peer Leader have strengthened her commitment to providing resources for all student populations. Passionate about creating opportunities for engagement, Spahr believes in the power of education and is dedicated to advancing student success.
Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell Photo Credit: Pitt-Greensburg Directory
Melissa Crookston Photo Credits: DBD Photography
Madison Spahr Photo Credits: Samantha Miller
MEET THE CURRENT STUDENT
STAFF
Olivia Petry
Dual Enrollment Peer Mentor
Senior, Criminal Justice Major with Psychology Minor
Olivia Petry is passionate about learning to help people gain opportunities to better themselves and their communities while focusing on self-care. She is a David C. Frederick Honors College student at Pitt-Greensburg. Petry is a returning Dual Enrollment Peer Mentor who has served with the Office of Community Outreach (OCO) since Spring 2024 In April, Petry was nominated and awarded the 2024 People’s Choice Leadership Award for her mentorship by dual-enrolled high-school students and Pitt-Greensburg faculty. One of her nominators wrote that “Olivia has gone above and beyond, communicating with her mentees multiple times a week, ensuring they are aware of what is due, helping them learn the basics of college, such as how to craft an email to a professor She serves so many rolescounselor, teacher, advisor, administrative assistant.”
Emily Druga
Office of Community Outreach Work Study Assistant
Junior, Applied Mathematics and Actuarial Science Major
Emily Druga, under the pseudonym Lady Deception, is a self-published local author. She penned several fan fiction works for online communities that have gained thousands of reads. Druga is also the founder and editor-inchief of Psychos Magazine and a founder of Pitt-Greensburg’s Book Club. Druga began her time with the OCO, volunteering at “Make Careers Stick” and Career Palooza events in 2024 At Career Palooza, she discussed the process of writing one’s story by teaching 20 middle school students the process of story mapping and publication. Druga serves as the Work Study Assistant for the Office of Community Outreach and is the major editor for office publications.
The OCO is excited to announce the onboarding of Dual Enrollment Peer Mentors Devarsh Shah and Alan Maeroff and Bridge Mentor Maya Naponic! The four new student staff members will begin working with the office during the middle of the Fall 2024 semester.
The OCO would like to extend its gratitude to Audra Lewis-Hoesch, Ed.D., for her assistance during the Fall 2024 semester. The office wishes her well in her new position as Project Manager and Government Liason at Pitt’s McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine.
Olivia Petry addressed Pitt staff, faculty, and students at the dedication event introducing the David C Frederick Honors College at the Greensburg campus
Emily Druga posed for her book author photo on her book.
The University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg is utilizing support from the Richard King Mellon Foundation's Postsecondary Educational Attainment Grant under Economic Mobility. The initiative is to increase young adults aged 14-24 years old access to college-ready, career-related, and leadership development activities.
