Summer 2024 Newsletter - Issue 4

NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 4 - SUMMER 2024

Career-Palooza Encourages Greensburg Salem Seventh Graders to “Find Their Spark”

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg’s Office of Community Outreach (OCO) hosted its second year of summer academies for student workforce development. Through an ongoing partnership with Greensburg Salem School District, 151 seventh-grade students arrived on campus Friday, May 17, 2004, for a day of workshops known as Career-Palooza Utilizing industry experts to help students in their career development path, the OCO provided fourteen workshop choices for students Each student participated in two workshops, which were designed to fuel their passions and “find their spark ”

Workshop topics included the following focus areas and hosts:

John Staydon from River Artworks“Drones”

Matt Lockmer from River Artworks - “3D Printing”

Emily Druga - “Write Your Own Story”

Dr. Elaine Kelly - “Reading the World Around Us”

Angela Behanna - “Sugary Beverage Showdown”

Dr Jessica McCormick - “Science for Elementary Teachers”

Dr William (Will) Weller - “Chemistry Detectives”

Dr Silvina Orsatti - “Spanish in the Professions”

Alex Velasquez - “Paper Chain Challenge”

Dr. Eric Gaber - "Five Pillars of Entrepreneurship and What Type of Career Opportunities Entrepreneurial Training Can Lead to"

Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell - “Production: Lights, Camera, Action.”

Dr. Tricia Fronczek - “Save a Life: Hands-On CPR”

Danielle White - "Learning to Develop SelfAwareness"

Janet McLaughlin - “Budgeting for Careers”

Students completed an anonymous pre-survey to determine the workshop pairings that they would attend and to analyze their future goals post-high-school graduation A post-survey that students completed at the end of the workshops found that a major highlight of the event was that it allowed participants to focus on taking leadership roles providing opportunities for personal growth, responsibility, and learning valuable skills such as communication, organization, and teamwork. An anonymous middle school student stated that they “enjoy leading group projects in my classes” and the opportunity to do so in new activities during CareerPalooza.

The OCO is grateful for the teachers and community partners who made this event for local school students possible One anonymous workshop chaperone states, “I thought the kids enjoyed seeing the campus interacting with the teachers/professors regarding their future outcomes and interests. I also thought the individual classes my group participated in were very fun and exciting for the students.”

For more photographs and information about each individual workshop, see page two.

Dr Audra Lewis-Hoesch welcomes Greensburg Salem students and teachers

A seventh-grade student catches a ball with career questions for them to ask industry experts

Career-Palooza Encourages Greensburg Salem

Seventh Graders to “Find Their Spark” Continued...

“3D Printing”

“Drones”

Drones are not just toys but also a way for an outdoors person to earn great money! John Staydon with River Artworks presented students with the opportunity to learn about drone technology. Students interested in modern technology-based career paths joined John in this session. He allowed time for students to fly the drone on their own after a short training.

This workshop expanded beyond making small toys. Matt Lockmer of River Artworks taught students how to make new items through 3D printing technologies. Students learned how to make useful items build a career, and earn an excellent wage, with a 3D printer.

“Write

Your Own Story”

Emily Druga, a sophomore studying Applied Mathematics/Actuarial Science and a selfpublished local author, discussed the process of writing your story. She led 20 students in teaching middle school students through the process of story mapping and publication. Each student received a signed copy of her book.

“Reading the World Around Us”

This workshop sought to help its participants learn how to read between the lines of pop-culture influences, such as how advertising affects how we see ourselves and others Students who participated in this workshop watched a 15-minute TEDx Talk on how advertising influences our perception Then, in smaller groups, students found and evaluated popular advertisements that line their social media pages

“Sugary Beverage Showdown”

Have you ever wondered how much sugar is in your favorite soft drink? Well, Nutritionist/Dietitian Dr Angela Behanna wanted to answer this question with Greensburg Salem seventh-graders! Angela hosted a workshop that she strategically entitled “Sugary Beverage Showdown” to demonstrate how much added sugar is in popular drinks such as Prime, Gatorade, Starbucks, Redbull, etc with real sugar cubes Students learned about the content of their drinks and how to implement a healthy diet into their daily routines.

“Science for Elementary Teachers”

Pitt-Greensburg Early Education professor Dr. Jessica McCormick utilized one of her favorite workshops to show students how easy it can be! The activities were hands-on STEM activities. In “Science for Elementary Teachers”, Dr. McCormick had students create hoops and catapults from craft supplies to study the gravitational effects of shooting a basketball. Student participants learned the lesson to teach others in the future!

“Spanish in the Professions”

“Chemistry Detectives”

Titrations are a fundamental chemistry skill that is used in all disciplines of the field. Titrations are a versatile way to teach many concepts simultaneously Professor of Chemistry Dr William (Will) Weller supervised exciting chemical experiments Students covered lab safety, concentration, solution making, and solving for the identity of an unknown

Learning multiple languages is a vital skill that makes future employees stand out from the rest with their ability to communicate across multiple cultures The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg has extensive language programs, including the Spanish track Instructor of Spanish Dr. Silvinia M. Orsatti led students in practicing the vocabulary and phrases used to act out simple dialogues for professionals interacting with Spanishspeaking community members. “Spanish in the Professions” gave students a first look at the benefits of bilingualism.

Career-Palooza Encourages Greensburg Salem

Seventh Graders to “Find Their Spark” Continued...

"Five

“Paper Chain Challenge”

This challenge required students to use critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Using the same limited resources, students were challenged to create the longest chain possible in five minutes! First-year Business Finance Major Alex Velasquez led the activity for middle-school students. After the activity, the team debriefed to discuss how these competencies play a pivotal role in the classroom and as an essential skill demanded to be college or career-ready.

Pillars of Entrepreneurship and What Type of Career Opportunities

Entrepreneurial Training Can Lead to”

Executive Chair of the Entrepreneurial Leadership Council (ELC) and Director of the Westminster Entrepreneurial Center (WEC) Eric Gaber came to campus to present on entrepreneurship The workshop objective was for students to understand that entrepreneurship is more than just inventing a new technology Aspiring business owners learned about the processes needed to make it in the field Additionally, they learned how going through an entrepreneurial work process can lead to exciting ventures and opportunities

“Save a Life: Hands-On CPR”

“Production: Lights, Camera, Action!”

The objective of the production workshop for middle-school students was to introduce them to the fundamental concepts of production, including roles within a production team, the process of storyboarding, and the significance of pursuing studies in communication The Director of the OCO and Assistant Professor of Public Policy and Communication Dr Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell hosted the workshop By the end of the workshop, students were equipped with the knowledge and confidence to express their creativity through storytelling and media production Students learned to understand the value of effective communication in various personal and professional contexts

This workshop explored the roles of nursing. A hands-on CPR lesson helped students see the relationship between knowledge, patient care, and the skills needed for day-today life. Nursing faculty Dr. Trisha Fronczek led students through the rundown of skills needed in the field. Students utilized medical equipment in the Life Sciences Building’s new nursing wing.

“Budgeting

for Careers”

“Learning to Develop Self-Awareness”

Danielle White of the Sara Heinz House had students identify their unique strengths and weaknesses to understand how to best contribute to a team and interact with others in her workshop. Students completed self-assessments to make their determinations. Danielle taught students the importance of teamwork, as it is a vital skill across all career fields. Attendees learned more about themselves introspectively to continue growth both professionally and personally.

Budgeting is a key way of knowing where your money is. When using a budget, it is important to remember that one size does not fit all. In the “Budgeting for Careers” workshop, Janet McLaughlin, Associate Director of the Financial Wellness Center at the University of Pittsburgh, helped Greensburg Salem students develop the best budget for them by discussing earnings and the forms that they will encounter when employed in her workshop. Students planned for their futures by creating achievable and strategic goals.

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found a major takeaway from the 2024 Social Innovation Challenge prompt: "Most students are dissatisfied with their food provider ”

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg offers four free Food Pantries across the campus to directly address institutional food insecurities. Donated items to the pantries include non-perishable food items and personal care products. Students and members of the PittGreensburg community alike have accessed these discreetly located pantries to address issues of hunger and economic inequality across the region

From left to right: Devarsh Shah, Alexander Velasquez, Dr Audra LewisHoesch, Eve Carter, and Nikayla Jones at the 2024 ELC Social Innovation Challenge.

Cross-institutional Pittsburgh region students work together on presentations to tackle the issue of food insecurities on campuses

This graphic image depciting the mission of the Social Innovation Challenge is credited to the Entrepeunerial Leadership Council (ELC)

Alumni Learn to “Make Work Fun” with Dr. Christie McMullen

“Fun at work isn't novel, but it is imperative! People quit things that aren't fun, so we need to make sure we are all making it fun to be at work,” says bestselling author and 24-year seasoned educator turned entrepreneur Dr. Christie McMullen. Employees quite often soft-quit early on in their careers because the work that they do has become unexciting and passionless. Pitt-Greensburg’s Office of Community Outreach (OCO) and Alumni Association (PGAA) have dedicated themselves to offering post-college leadership and development experiences through an exciting new Toolbox Series, “Make Work Fun,” featuring Dr. McMullen this past March

As a coach, networking specialist, and compelling keynote speaker, Dr. McMullen offered our Alumni more than just guidance; she provided a transformative experience for individuals looking to elevate their interactions from ordinary to extraordinary. Using her AIM approach, she taught Pitt-Greensburg alumni via Zoom to Analyze current interactions, Improve upon them, and Move towards building extraordinary relationships Additionally, Dr McMullen’s coaching extends beyond

conventional boundaries, allowing a personalized touch to the diverse needs of our alumni even through a remote platform!

Six University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg alumni across multiple generations of graduating classes joined the Zoom event to learn how to cultivate greater enjoyment out of their day-to-day working lives Dr McMullen and the OCO recognized that despite a graduate’s age or profession post-degree, everyone strives to find some fun in the work that they do Dr McMullen herself finds that ‘Productive Joy’, as her podcast is called, creates the happiest and most effective balance in the workplace regardless of where a person finds themselves professionally.

To allow those who may have missed this Zoom event on March 26, the OCO recorded the entire event for anyone to watch! The OCO and PGAA determined that a session this impactful to bettering overall work/life attitude was too important to not share The full Toolbox Series video of Dr McMullen’s “Make Work Fun” presentation can be accessed on the Pitt-Greensburg OCO YouTube page

Alumni gather on Zoom for an hour of fun with Dr Christie McMullen to learn her A I M strategy

Pitt-Greensburg Supports the YWCA Westmoreland’s First Racial Justice Challenge Walk

The Office of Community Outreach (OCO) partnered with Westmoreland County’s YWCA to sponsor the Racial Justice Challenge. This community event was formerly known as the Stand Against Racism Challenge or 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, originating in 2019 under the stewardship of the YWCA Greater Cleveland Serving as the action arm of the Until Justice Just Is campaign, held throughout April, its primary objective is to illuminate the pervasive nature of systemic racism and pathways for collective action. This initiative provides a structured platform to cultivate sustainable social justice habits, focusing on issues surrounding race, power dynamics, privilege, and leadership. Central to its ethos is the cultivation of introspection, the nurturing of civic responsibility, and the galvanization of proactive measures to deconstruct racism and all its insidious manifestations This year’s iteration of the Challenge delved into pivotal themes encompassing bodily autonomy, financial empowerment, gun violence, and transportation, championed by a collaborative effort between the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and the YWCA Westmoreland County, orchestrating empowering events across the region.

On April 6, 2024, the YWCA Westmoreland County hosted its first Racial Justice Challenge Walk at its central office in Greensburg, PA. The Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach, OCO, supported the event by supporting the mission across the region, funding, and volunteering throughout the walk Spring 2024 Pitt-Greensburg graduate Rachel O’Neill states that “the YWCA Racial Justice Challenge was one of the most eye-opening experiences in my college career Between the words from speakers, the impactful signage, and the mission itself, it has pushed me forward on my path to advocacy for all.” After the completion of the walk, another recent graduate, Sydney Spino, said that she is “extremely proud of our community for bringing the Racial Justice Challenge to Greensburg. It was an inspirational event to educate us all on the importance of growth and understanding.” The event sparked conversations on important societal issues

Pitt-Greensburg volunteers tabled at the YWCA Westmoreland’s Racial Justice Challenge Walk with ‘Pitt’ vinyl stickers

Participants pass signs about the programs supported by the YWCA as the Racial Justice Challenge Walk commenced at the Westmoreland County office

Pitt-Greensburg volunteers worked with executives at the YWCA Westmoreland on the day of the 2024 Racial Justice Challenge Walk

Pitt-Greensburg Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (PURCS) Grows in Popularity

Yearly

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg held its fourth Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, otherwise known as PURCS The annual conference was co-chaired by Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell and Dr. Pilar Herr and fellow committee members Dr. Jordan Boothe, Dr. Shelia Confer, Dr. Sayre Greenfield, Dr. Logan Johnson, Dr. Sean DiLeonardi, Dr. Natalie Taylor, Kelly Safin, Justin Antoszewski, and Renee Kiner, ask Pitt-Greensburg students to prepare and present their research to experts and fellow students.

Associate Professor of The College of Business and Aviation at Fairmont State University Dr. M.E. Yancosek Gamble provided the 2024 Keynote Address to participating students Her speech explored the unique challenges and opportunities associated with branding in the research domain and was designed to empower researchers and academics with the knowledge and strategies to strategically position themselves, amplify their impact, and build a strong and recognizable personal brand within the field. Dr. Yancosek Gamble’s keynote address can be accessed on the PittGreensburg OCO YouTube channel.

Recent 2024 graduate of Pitt-Greensburg Breanna Tomsey states “PURCS was an amazing opportunity for me to show my research throughout the year and I discovered my enjoyment for presenting During the 2024 Pitt-Greensburg Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (PURCS), I was honored to have been asked by Danielle R. Mehlman-Brightwell, Ph.D. to facilitate a Generative AI at Pitt-Greensburg: Strategies for Students workshop with Sean DiLeonardi. I was very excited to present my

capstone research and knowledge in AI to help current undergraduates learn ethical ways to utilize artificial intelligence in higher education assignments ” A majority of student projects focused on current topics that largely affect their personal social, academic, and political lives

“This past Thursday I presented my capstone ‘We Are a Nation of Survivors’ at The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg’s campus-wide symposium PURCS. This presentation went through the phases of facts on gun control, gun violence, and safe gun storage all while trying to tackle this wicked problem by implementing a new way of thinking systematically/ more logically through a process called systems thinking Thank you to Danielle R MehlmanBrightwell, Ph D for helping me prepare for this day and making me push myself to find the best, most accurate information I could these past couple of months. I am excited to continue advocating for gun control to stop senseless acts of violence that occur every day” said Pitt-Greensburg student Riley Bedner.

Students chose to present their academic, undergraduate research as a part of one of three divisions: the Interdisciplinary Division, the Natural Science Division, and the Social Science Division Breanna Tomsey additionally expressed on her LinkedIn page that “I am also thankful to be awarded second place in the Interdisciplinary Division for my research on Artificial Intelligence Policy in Higher Education! Thank you to the PURCS committee for creating this wonderful event for undergraduate students to present their research.”

Breanna Tomsey presents her capstone project “Generative AI at Pitt-Greensburg: Strategies for Students ”

Aaron Zavatchan presents his history capstone “Hymns to Saint Rita: Music and Its Role in Ethnic Preservation ”

Mikala Ruffin with her group capstone ‘Change in the size of the Drosophila melanogaster eye based on genetic expression ”

Spring 2024 Dual-Enrolled Students are Celebrated at Awards & Accolades

Serving as the cornerstone of this commemorative event, Dual Awards & Accolades, orchestrated by the Pitt-Greensburg Office of Community Outreach on April 26th, stands as a testament to the collective achievements of dual-enrolled high school students, uniting faculty, staff, students, Peer Mentors, and esteemed Westmoreland County school stakeholders in a celebration of academic excellence and shared success Among the countless achievements honored during this momentous occasion, special recognition is reserved for the diligent Dual Enrollment students, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have illuminated the halls of academia throughout the semester.

Greensburg Salem Middle School teacher and school partner to the OCO Dr. Alaine Nativio addressed the award ceremony’s attendees. Dr Nativio’s inspirational and heartfelt speech shed light on the importance and success of the University Preview Online with Mentoring program by the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Such successes include the enrollment of twenty-two students for the Spring 2024 semester and the availability for high-school students to dual-enroll for the Summer 2024 first term. The grandest of celebrations was held for three outstanding individuals who went above and beyond in their role as either a student, faculty, or Peer Mentor for the newly instituted program

“For their perseverance, dedication, and positive contributions to the class, we are pleased to

present the GRIT Award to Peyton White” stated Engagement Manager Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch at the event. An anonymous nominator wrote the following regarding Peyton’s time in the program: “Peyton has consistently excelled in Psych 101 amid the business of his junior year and working two jobs When faced with challenges like receiving a bad test grade after being sick and unable to study, or being locked out of his Pitt account, Peyton reached out for help from his professor, mentor, and team. During and after these challenges, Peyton continued to work hard to excel in this course, with admirable results.”

One faculty member went above and beyond expectations as a teacher for one of the dualenrollment course options for students in the Spring 2024 semester, Instructor of Chemistry Laura Giovannilli, MEd.

An important mission of Pitt-Greensburg’s University Preview Online is providing mentoring to a currently enrolled student of the university to assist in their transition to rigorous coursework and college life. The OCO awarded one student and faculty nominated Peer Mentor for her dedication to supporting the students she oversaw, Olivia Petry. “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 roles - counselor, teacher, advisor, administrative assistant”, says one of her anonymous nominators.

Mount Pleasant Area High School student Peyton White receives the 2024 GRIT Award

Pitt-Greensburg Peer Mentor Olivia Petry receives the 2024 People’s Choice Leadership Award

The Pitt-Greensburg OCO’s staff celebrates with the Spring 2024 dual-enrolled high school student cohort

New Office of Community Outreach Building the Workforce of Tomorrow!

Reprinted with Permission from the Office of University Relations and Institutional Advancement

Providing young adults (ages 14 to 24) increased access to college-ready, career-related, and leadership development activities is an important component of Pitt-Greensburg’s Office of Community Outreach (OCO). This grant-supported program partners with school districts in western Pennsylvania to design workshops and activities to assist marginalized students in preparing for college and careers after graduation.

Since its inception in 2023, the OCO’s activities have been many and varied:

Students at Jeannette Area High School and Greensburg Salem Middle School participated in Career Cluster Academies designed to help them determine their career and academic interests.

Pitt-Greensburg faculty-led on-campus CareerFocused Workshops for students from Jeannette Area High School and Greensburg Salem Middle School, which provided experiential learning to further explore career and academic interests

Select first-year students participated in a weeklong Leadership Workshop that focused on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) self-analysis.

Area high school students are enrolling in PittGreensburg’s redesigned dual-enrollment program Pitt Preview Online. More userfriendly and accessible. Pitt Preview Online offers asynchronous college-level classes at a reduced cost per credit and assigns peer mentors who meet weekly via Zoom enrolled students to ensure success.

High school students enrolled in the Pitt Preview Online were invited to campus to meet their peer mentors, meet their online classmates, and participate in a collegereadiness training.

College-aged students were invited to participate in the Toolbox Series faculty-led workshops designed to showcase career possibilities and how to prepare for them. Subject areas included the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and self-branding via an online presence

Middle-school students from PPS K-8 participated in the OCO’s newest program, Tomorrow’s Leaders, which facilitates experiential learning and teamwork while enhancing students’ self-awareness and exposing them to post-high school opportunities in higher education and the workforce.

The OCO’s other activities include being part of the University of Pittsburgh’s Community Engaged Scholarship Forum where it partners with the Greensburg Salem School District and collaborates with the Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board to promote paid internship opportunities to students

Engagement Manager Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch and Engagement Coordinator Melissa Crookston staff the program. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell, PhD, assistant professor of public policy and communication, supervises the new OCO and is the principal investigator for its grant.

To learn more about the Office of Community Outreach and its programs, visit their website

Greensburg Salem Middle School students participated in Career-Palooza!

Jeannette students untie each other in a team building exercise

MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell

Director of Office of Community Outreach

Assistant Professor of Public Policy & Communication

Dr 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.

Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch

Engagement Manager

Dr. Audra Lewis-Hoesch epitomizes agency, leveraging her robust character and leadership skills both in her professional endeavors and in service to her community. Her overarching mission is to bridge the gap between the educational realm and the workforce, aiming to enhance economic mobility for all individuals. Central to Lewis-Hoesch's approach is her prioritization of people and relationships above all else. As a volunteer Girl Scout leader, her drive to serve stems from a profound desire to effect positive change in the world. Additionally, as a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, her ultimate aim is to empower others, thereby contributing to creating a more promising future for society As a Lettuce Turnip, the Beet Sustainability Collective board member, Lewis-Hoesch dedicates herself to solving food insecurity through education programming

With nearly two decades dedicated to transforming the educational landscape within the nation's seventh-largest school district, Lewis-Hoesch has served as an instructional leader, impacting the lives of countless learners. Presently, she is the Engagement Manager of the Office of Community Outreach at the University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg campus, where she spearheads initiatives in workforce development and champions experiential learning. Lewis-Hoesch ardently believes in the principle of equitable access to education for all learners, regardless of their zip code. She advocates for providing high-quality experiences, resources, and instruction, firmly asserting that zip codes should not serve as determinants of access

Melissa Crookston Engagement Coordinator

Melissa Crookston provides her professional background in student affairs in higher education as the Office of Community Outreach's Engagement Coordinator 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's combined exposure as a Graduate Area Coordinator, Orientation Peer Leader, and advising work study culminates her passion for educational equity. Within her role in the office, Crookston assists in the creation of marketing tools and strategies to promote students' post-secondary goals

Dr Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell

Photo Credit: Pitt-Greensburg Directory

Dr Audra Lewis-Hoesch Photo Credits: DBD Photography

Melissa Crookston Photo Credits: DBD Photography

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.

The University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg’s Office of Community Outreach is located on campus in Lynch Hall 207. To contact our team, reach out to Engagement Manager Dr. Audra LewisHoesch at aul35@pitt.edu or Engagement Coordinator Melissa Crookston at mrc292@pitt.edu.

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