December 2013

Vol: 2013-2014, No: 5

Quick Links to Articles

FEATURES

NEWS

Holiday Greetings
From Pitt-Greensburg to you and your family

Residence of the Month!
Bookstore Specials

Cash for books and Holiday Discounts
Pitt-Greensburg Chorale and Chamber Singers

Fall Concert: Sing Noel!

Elevator Pitch Competition
Pitt-Greensburg Student takes second place
Counseling Corner
Tips for helping your student adjust

 

Finals Fix
Let your student know you're thinking of them during finals
Winter Recess
December 15-January 5

PGAA Holiday Wine-Tasting Event
Dec. 6: Pitt-Greensburg alumni invited
Weather Closures & Delays
Check these information sources
Emergency Notification System
Sign up today
Winter Home Athletic Events

Support the Bobcat Teams!
Calendar of Events
What's happening at Pitt-Greensburg

Important Links for your convenience:

Blue & Gold Newsletter
Campus Calendar
Faculty/Staff Directory
Dining Services
Intercom
The Learning Resources Center
Previous E-Connection Newsletters
Pitt-Greensburg Web Site

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

GIVE TO PITT

Holiday Greetings

 

Wishing you a
beautiful holiday season
and a new year
of peace and happiness!

                        The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

 

Elevator Pitch Competition
Three students from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg will compete for a $1,000 top prize when they participate in Seton Hill University’s Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities third annual Elevator Pitch Competition.

More than 50 students from Seton Hill University and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg are expected to participate in the event to be held Monday, November 11, at 6 p.m. in Seton Hill’s Cecilian Hall. While the event was started in 2011, this is the first year that students from Pitt-Greensburg will be competing.

Much like ABC’s popular reality TV show, “Shark Tank,” Seton Hill’s Elevator Pitch Competition gives contestants a small window of opportunity to impress a panel of judges with their business idea. In addition to the top prize of $1,000, students can win a $500 second prize or $250 third prize. The Elevator Pitch process is designed to help the students to distill their dream, vision, and passion down to its purest essence. It helps them to articulate what really matters to them and to focus.

Erin Frey, a senior double majoring in accounting and business management, will pitch her idea for a new wine bar that would be located outside of Pittsburgh. A graduate of Hempfield Area High School, she is the daughter of Donald and Paula Frey of Jeannette, PA.

Anthony J. Lembo is a senior accounting major from Connellsville, PA. He opted not to share his idea, and instead noted, “I felt it would be interesting and fun to come up with an idea to enhance a product or service that affects this area.”

Scott Szypulski, a senior majoring in accounting with a double minor in actuarial science and visual and performing arts (theatre), will pitch his idea for a drive-in movie theater in the Greensburg area. A graduate of Penn Trafford High School, he is the son of Robert and Linda Szypulski of Irwin.

Competitors will deliver their best 90-second pitch and wow the judges with why their idea is “the next big thing.” Students must convey all the essential information in a clear and concise manner, communication in a tone that is likeable, passionate, compelling, and credible. The 90-second time frame is meant to mimic the time someone would have if pitching an idea during an elevator ride. The elevator pitch is not designed to take the place of a solid business plan but is simply intended to capture the attention of a potential investor. Participants will be judged on the content of their pitch as well as their delivery.

Students participated in a first round of competition on October 28 with the final round to be held November 11. The event was open to all undergraduate and graduate students at the two universities.

The contest is sponsored by the Seton Hill University Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities. It is financed in part by a grant from the Westmoreland Keystone Innovation Zone (WKIZ) and the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland County.
Seton Hill University created The Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities in 2009 as a result of a $2 million leadership commitment by Daniel J. Wukich, the founder of Quest Healthcare Development, Inc., to enhance the University’s Signature Degree Programs in Business and the Health Sciences. The Wukich Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunities equips students with the entrepreneurial skills needed to address the challenges of an evolving global market – whether a student’s career path includes running his or her own business or serving as a leader within an existing one. The Wukich Center supports students through the creation of the Wukich Scholars and Wukich Interns Programs; through the initiation of The Wukich Venture Fund; and through collaborative efforts that align with E-Magnify, Seton Hill’s Women’s Business Center, and the University’s Career and Professional Development Center. The Wukich Center also supports research and curriculum development for Seton Hill faculty.
Fall Concert: Sing Noel!

The Pitt-Greensburg Chorale and Chamber Singers present their Fall Concert Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center. Selections include JS Bach: Choral selections from Cantata 61, PDQ Bach: A Consort of Christmas Carols, And Victoria: O Magnum Mysterium. This event is free and open to the public.

Residence of the Month
The Community Assistants from each residential area select the Residents of the Month. When selecting the Residents of the Month, we ask the CAs to consider our departments three main learning goals: community, engagement and respect. When we want to showcase residents that have been a positive influence the community, have become engaged on campus and show respect to their fellow residents and the residence halls. The CAs are asked to select residents that have demonstrated a commitment to these goals.

Below are the November Residents of the Month:

Apollo House: Hannah Hohman
• Hanna has made a huge effort in getting to know people in the building. In November, she came up with the idea
of co-planning a Make-Your-Own-Dreamcatcher program with her CA. During the program, her CA noted that she really
bonded with the residents of Apollo House and took the lead by teaching others how to create a dreamcatcher.

Athena House: Toni Gockley
• Toni’s CA says that Toni has tried to bond with everyone in her building. She has helped with and attended all of
the programs in her house. “Overall, Toni is a great influence on the building,” says her CA, Alisa.

Franklin House: Nick DeFranco
• Nick’s CA chose him not just because he is involved not just on campus, but also in his house. “Whether he is
playing ping pong or just messing around in the lobby, Nick is always a good guy to have around.” His CA said he is always
available and helps build a positive community in his house.

Marshall House: Cassie Foradori
• Cassie’s CA chose her as ROM because she is constantly contributing to the positive community in Marshall
House. Cassie decorates her apartment door for the holidays and interacts with other residents. She is also an active
member of Resident Student Council and does a great job at taking residents’ opinions to RSC meetings. In addition, she
regularly attends house programs and even served as an Overnight Host during the November Overnight Host admissions
event.

Mead House: Annie Fiffick
• Annie recently moved to Mead House but has already made an “extremely positive impact on the community,”
according to her CA. Annie attends house programs regularly, even though she has already fulfilled her Village
requirements for the semester. Her CA added that Annie has really made an effort to get to know her new roommates
and others in the house. Annie also participated in the recent Roommate Appreciation Week by submitting Shoutouts to
her new roommates.

Selene House: Katie Byers
• Katie’s CA says she’s a “very positive person. She always has a smile on her face and never has a mean thing to
say about anyone.” He added that she is friendly towards everyone in the house and does a lot to contribute to the
positive community that exists there.

College Hall: Shannon McAdoo & Brandon Soellner
• Shannon has put others above herself. She can also be found socializing with others throughout College Hall.

• Brandon takes the time to get to know people throughout College Hall and campus. He also encouraged others
to participate and donate in the Food Drive.

Robertshaw Hall: Elias Bardis & Jake Giffen
• Elias has participated in most programs, and can always be found helping others. When he is not doing this, he
can be seen joking with other residents. He has been making an effort to talk to people in the lobby when he sees them
sitting there, and he tutors Calc to a lot of people in Robertshaw. Since participating in HVZ, he states he wants to do more
things on campus. He has also given me multiple program ideas for next semester.

• Jake is very involved in the community and has helped co plan a program. Jake takes an interest in others and
has intervened to help other residents in the building. He interacts with people in other hallways as well and is always
inviting friends to join him for lunch and dinner.

University Court: Emily Lawson & Tom Duch
• Emily’s CAs note that she is very visible and active in the community. Not only is she always utilizing the Rec
Room to socialize and get her work done, but she continually attends programs that her CAs offer, too.

• Tom’s CAs explain that he is always willing to help. He is also very active in the community by attending
programs and utilizing the Rec Room on a regular basis.

Westmoreland Hall: Caroline Staiger & David Spencer
• Caroline is welcoming of not only people in OACS, but of other WH residents and their guests. She is nice to
everyone and does not play favorites. Caroline not only attends programs, but she encourages others in the building to
do the same. Lastly, Caroline is graduating at the end of this semester and has not turned off her enthusiasm for WH and
its community regardless of how far into Senioritis she has gotten.

• David has attended most if not all of the programs presented to him in the WH community. Furthermore, he has
helped planned one of the most successful programs on the third floor. He has been seen sitting with CAs while they are
on duty and is respectful of not only them but other residents. His CA states, “He is a well know face within the WH
community.”

Regards,
Troy W. Ross
Director of Housing and Residence Life
Pitt-Greensburg
150 Finoli Dr
219 Chambers Hall
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724.836.9953
Fax: 724.836.7134
Email: twr@pitt.edu
 
December Bookstore Specials

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bookstore will be open on Saturday, December 14 from 9-1 for the Open House.

Stop in and pick up some gifts for holiday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please stop by and see if any of those books gathering dust on your shelves are worth some $$$$$

Counselors Corner
Welcome to the “Counseling Corner” section of the Families E-Connection.  Counseling staff regularly contribute to this newsletter, providing information on common stressful times for students and important college mental health topics.
 

Finals Week and Holiday Stress

The fall semester is almost over, but student stress levels are likely to remain high for the next 2 weeks.  The major cause of stress for students at the end of the term is obviously academics.  Students are worried about completing papers and projects, worried about studying for finals, and worried about their grades.  As a result of all this stress, some may be sleeping less, eating worse, and drinking more caffeine.  Students may feel a sense of panic about everything they have to finish, and some may feel angry with themselves for procrastinating.

 

The other major stressor during this time is feelings related to the holidays and semester break.  Students whose families are experiencing problems or losses can have mixed emotions about coming home.  Students in dating relationships at school can feel sad about being separated over the break or concerned about the strain the separation may cause.  There are feelings of loneliness for some students who are not in relationships but wish they were.   And students whose relationships have recently ended may be hurting more due to the holidays.

 

The best advice for families and loved ones is always to listen, encourage, and remind students of their strengths.  This time of year it’s also easy to remind students of the light at the end of the tunnel – the holiday break will be here soon.

 

Remember that returning to campus in January is another adjustment for many students, especially if living situations have changed.  It’s normal for students and parents to have mixed emotions about returning to campus, and for students to have milder feelings of homesickness.

 

As always, if you are concerned your student is not coping well or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Counseling Center.

Best wishes for a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Gayle Pamerleau, LCSW                                                                       Katie Crain
Director of Counseling                                                                         MSW Intern
724-836-9870                                                                                       724-836-9886
Gaylep@pitt.edu                                                                                  Kmc144@pitt.edu

 

Reminder: Holiday and Winter Recess

The Fall 2014 Term ends December 14. Winter Recess (for students) runs from December 15, 2013, through January 5, 2014.

Offices are closed for the Winter Recess from December 24, 2013, through January 1, 2013. All University offices will reopen January 2, 2014. Residence halls will reopen noon January 5, 2014.

Spring Term classes begin January 6, 2013.
 

Finals Fix

Final exams can be stressful!
Let your student know your are thinking of them!!


Send a “Hug from Home” with a H2P FINALS FIX care package available in a Healthy or Classic version. We will personalize the package banner with your name. Simply call the PITT-Greensburg Bookstore at (724) 836-9928 to order. The students will be contacted to pick up a surprise in the Bookstore or we can text the student when the package is ready and deliver the gift to their location. Finals week is December 9-14, 2013. Order delivery starts on December 1, 2013.
Both styles are $18.00 (price includes delivery)

 Basket Samples:

 

H2P FINALS FIX CLASSIC INCLUDES:

13.7 oz. Starbuck’s Frappuccino chilled, caramel
.55 oz. AirHeads (2), Blueberry, Cherry
1.8 oz. Combos baked Snacks, Cheddar Cheese Pretzel
2 oz. Sour Patch Kids
1.5 oz. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (2)
1.79 oz. Twix Cookie Bars (2)
1.6 oz. Cadbury Carmello, Milk Chocolate & Creamy Caramel
1.86 oz. Snickers Bar
1.5 oz. KitKat (4 wafers)
PITT Wooden #2 Pencil (2)
Pentel Hi-Polymer White Eraser
100 pk 3x5 Ruled Index Cards





 






 

H2P FINALS FIX HEALTHY INCLUDES:

20 oz. SOBE Lifewater, Black & Blueberry
6 oz. Planters Trail Mix, Fruit & Nut
1.5 oz. Blue Diamond Almonds, Roasted Salt
1.94 oz. Kashi GoLean, Peanut Butter & Chocolate
1.3 oz. Kellogg's NutriGrain Cereal Bar, Blueberry
2.4 oz. Clif Bar, Organic Energy Bar, White Chocolate & Macadamia Nut
1.76 oz Belvita Breakfast Biscuit, Blueberry
2.5 oz. Kellogg's Fruity Snacks, Mixed Berry
PITT Wooden #2 Pencil (2)
Pentel Hi-Polymer White Eraser
100 pk 3x5 Ruled Index Cards

New Learning Opportunities for Students

Students at Pitt’s regional campuses (Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville) will be able to “be there without being there” through this new, innovative learning environment called the Interactive Television Network (ITV). The ITV allows students to participate in real time and have simultaneous interaction with multiple locations. Students will connect with their classmates and professor via Course Web. The courses will meet general requirements at the students’ home campus and will offer learning option not available at their own campus.

Each campus to share two to three of its courses using the interactive television network (ITV). Pitt-Greensburg will be offering three courses:

           ** Supernatural Worlds: Anthropology of Religion (ANTH 1705 [26031])
           ** Globalization (ECON 0130 [19558])
           ** Introduction to Theatre Arts-Part 2 (THEA 0806 [16108])

Other courses to be offered include Islam and Social Justice, Cancer Biology, Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice, and Stage Management.

Students should talk to their academic advisor or visit the Registrar’s office for details. Additional information and course descriptions are available at: http://www.greensburg.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/Newly%20Offered%20Courses%20Spring%202014%282144%29_1.pdf.
 
Athletic Teams raising funds to support activities

The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is proud to sponsor 12 NCAA Division III athletic teams because we know that the students who compete on the Division III level do so because they love the sport. There are no athletic scholarships or TV contracts associated with Division III athletics--only hard work, the joy of the game, and the completion of a bachelor's degree that leads to a job or graduate school.

This fall, several of our athletic teams took on the additional task of raising funds to help cover travel and other expenses. They did this through a letter-writing campaign to family, friends, and business associates with whom they had a personal relationship. You may have received a letter or been personally asked by your son or daughter to make a donation to one of these causes.

Like most small colleges, Pitt-Greensburg's team budgets are stretched to cover basic requirements. Anything over and above the basics is not included in our budgets. We have to be creative and find other NCAA-approved ways to augment our funding.

We believe that providing opportunities for students to visit other regions of the country, interact with other top student-athletes, and learn the skills necessary to juggle both academics and athletics can be an important part of the college experience and preparation for future careers.

We thank you, your family, and your friends for the support you all have provided to our student-athletes. You continue to make a difference in the lives of these young men and women.

PGAA Holiday Wine Tasting Event

The Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association will host their annual Holiday Wine Tasting event at 7 p.m. in Cassell Hall. Registration, which can be completed on line at http://www.greensburg.pitt.edu/alumni/events, is $30 per person and $50 per couple.

For additional information, contact the alumni coordinator at 724-836-7496 or upgalum@pitt.edu.
Weather Closures and Delays
If a decision is made to delay or cancel any campus events, the decision will be posted in the following ways:

    1. On the Pitt-Greensburg web site home page.

    2. On the voice recording at 724-836-7780.

    3. On radio channel WTAE-TV Pittsburgh.

    4. KDKA Radio (1020 AM).

    5. WPXI-TV Channel 11.

    6. Email to the campus community.
Emergency Notification System


The Emergency Notification System allows for a text/voice message to be dispatched to all subscribers that contains the type of emergency, locations, and instructions for subscribers.

An example of when this system would be activated is if there were a weather-related disaster that  would affect campus activities. This system is not used for campus closings due to bad roads or holiday schedule. The system is tested once each semester. Questions may be directed to the Campus Police at 724-836-9865.

Encourage your student to sign up for the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg ENS (Emergency Notification System). As a student of Pitt-Greensburg, they will want to be alerted in the event of an emergency. The system does not restrict students from entering the phone number of another person such as a parent or spouse.

Simply go to http://www.my.pitt.edu, select My Resources, Emergency Notification System. Complete the form on-line to register.

Winter Home Athletic Events
 
Date Sport Opponent Time
December 7 Men's Basketball Pitt-Bradford 1 p.m.
  Women's Basketball Pitt-Bradford 3 p.m.
December 11 Men's Basketball Penn State-Altoona 6 p.m.
  Women's Basketball Penn State-Altoona 8 p.m.
  Women's Soccer Pitt-Bradford 3 p.m.
December 14 Men's Basketball Waynesburg University 1 p.m.
December 29 Women's Basketball Westminster College 6 p.m.
December 30 Women's Basketball Grove City College 6 p.m.


Visit the Pitt-Greensburg web site for complete schedules and game results. Let's Go Bobcats!

Calendar of Events

December 6: The Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association will host their annual Holiday Wine Tasting event at 7 p.m. in Lynch Hall. Registration, which can be completed on line at http://www.greensburg.pitt.edu/alumni/events, is $30 per person and $50 per couple.

December 6: The Pitt-Greensburg Chorale and Chamber Singers present their Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center. This event is free and open to the public.

December 14: Pitt-Greensburg’s Saturday Open House is a larger group event that welcomes prospective student and their families to campus. The day consists of an admissions presentation and a walking tour of campus. The program runs from 9:30 a.m. to noon. A $45 fee waiver to Pitt-Greensburg is offered to students who have not yet applied. To register, call 724-836-9880.

Share this newsletter with family and friends.
Simply forward via your e-mail account.

Make your gift
to Pittsburgh-Greensburg today!

  University of Pittsburgh
at Greensburg Official Page
Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association (PGAA) Official Page

To subscribe, unsubscribe,  or for additional information contact:

Christina Guzik
Secretary, University Relations and Institutional Advancement
724-836-7497
uria@pitt.edu

University