The Pitt Alumni Association has a long tradition of recognizing its members for their outstanding commitment to Pitt, their community, and their contributions in service and volunteer work. They are the representatives of the thousands of alumni who make a difference every day and are dedicated to making the lives of those around them enriched by their involvement.

Click here to view the Photo Galleries of the award luncheon.

2009 Distinguished Alumni Fellows: Tracey Thomas Travis and Burton M. Tansky

The Pitt Alumni Association has named Tracey Thomas Travis (ENG ’83), senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer at Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, and Burton M. Tansky (A&S ’61), chair and chief executive officer of The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., as Distinguished Alumni Fellows for 2009.

2009 Pitt Alumni Association Award Recipients

The following alumni were recognized during the May 30, 2009 Pitt Alumni Association Board Meeting and Awards Luncheon.

Bill Baierl Distinguished Service Award

J. Roger Glunt, BUS `60

Roger is past president and director emeritus of the Pitt Alumni Association.  As a member of the Board of Visitors and the chair of the Volunteer Advisory Committee for the School of Nursing, he actively elevates loyalty and school spirit within the School of Nursing.  Roger currently serves as an emeritus trustee and has been honored locally and nationally for his service to the University and his community.

Alumni Legislative Network Volunteer of the Year

Will Hoel, BUS `60

Will regularly writes letters and makes phone calls to his legislators to advocate for support of the University of Pittsburgh.  Will travels to Pitt Day in Harrisburg annually to meet with legislators and often serves as a mentor for new Alumni Legislative Network volunteers during legislator visits.  Will is also a member of the Alumni Leadership Council and serves as a leader in the Metro Pittsburgh Pitt Club.

Alumni Recruitment Volunteer of the Year

Mike Ford, A&S `81

Mike has faithfully served as a volunteer with the Alumni Ambassador Program since its 2006 inception.  In his role as an ambassador, Mike links the University of Pittsburgh to the high school staff and students in his community.  He has referred many highly qualified applicants to Pitt and worked with staff to guide prospective students through the application process.  He consistently demonstrates his strong sense of commitment to the program and to our University.

Ivan and Mary Novick Award for Young Alumni Leadership

Joan Snyder, CBA `01

Joan was a student leader on campus and has already become one of our most active volunteer leaders.  She is a life member of the association, actively participates in the New York City and New Jersey Pitt Clubs, recruits outstanding students from the her region via our Pitt Alumni Recruitment Team program, mentors undergraduates, and has been a leader in the development of the Frances Hesselbein Global Leadership Academy.

Volunteer Excellence Award

Herb Dodell, A&S `61

Herb is the founder and president of the Southern California Pitt Club and serves as a regional director on the association board.  His past involvement includes the Pitt Alumni Recruitment Team, the Pitt Career Network, the Alumni Leadership Council, while also serving as a Host for the University on the Road. 

Volunteer Excellence Award

Lou Rusiski III, ENGR `71

Lou volunteers more than 20 hours a week for the Pitt Marching Band, Pep Bands, Symphonic Band, as well as the band sororities and fraternities.  He is a vital part of all band operations, from fitting students for uniforms, coordinating equipment for all home and away games. prepares water coolers, positions conductors ladders, and sometimes even drives the equipment truck.  He also provides vital leadership training and mentorship to undergraduate students.