University Times

Pitt’s regional campuses were in the spotlight as the University’s Board of Trustees wrapped up several days of meetings on the Greensburg campus with an Oct. 23 public session in Smith Hall.

Sharon Smith, president of Pitt-Greensburg, and Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Titusville, made presentations highlighting their campuses.

Pitt-Johnstown was featured in a video presentation narrated by President Jem Spectar, who was unable to attend the trustees meeting.

Pitt’s Board of Trustees honored Mary Lou Rosborough, the board’s executive associate secretary, with a resolution of respect and gratitude in recognition of her 44-year career at Pitt. She will retire Oct. 30.
“In all that she has done, Mary Lou Rosborough has worked to advance the University, and in doing so, she has made immeasurable contributions to the progress of the institution whose history she has chronicled for more than four decades,” the Oct. 23 resolution stated. “Rosborough has earned the admiration and respect of the board and the University community for her commitment, dedication and integrity.”
The resolution noted that Rosborough has planned, attended and recorded minutes for more than 160 board meetings and “countless” committee meetings. She has served the board under four chancellors, six board secretaries and 10 board chairs.
Rosborough started her career at Pitt in 1971 as a staffer in the College of General Studies, joining the Office of the Secretary three years later. In 1981, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education here.
She was elected assistant secretary in 1986, associate secretary in 1992 and assumed her current title in 2002.

The board formally endorsed the University’s strategic plan for 2016-20 with a resolution affirming its support as the plan’s implementation stage advances.

“It’s very important that the board, its committees and the administration work hand in hand” in order to achieve the University’s “overarching goal to be among the best in all that we do,” said board chairperson Eva Tansky Blum.

In other business:

• The board updated its list of University officers and elected Cynthia C. Moore an officer of the University. Moore has served as deputy secretary of the corporation and of the Board of Trustees since Sept. 1.

She came to the University as associate general counsel in 2001. She continues in that role in addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Secretary.

The board also confirmed Blum as chairperson of the Board of Trustees; Patrick Gallagher as chancellor and chief executive officer; Patricia E. Beeson as provost and senior vice chancellor; Arthur S. Levine as senior vice chancellor for Health Sciences; Geovette E. Washington as senior vice chancellor and chief legal officer; Arthur G. Ramicone as senior vice chancellor and chief financial officer; Kathy W. Humphrey as senior vice chancellor for engagement, chief of staff and secretary of the Board of Trustees; Amy K. Marsh as chief investment officer and treasurer; and Susan M. Gilbert and Paul Lawrence as assistant treasurers.

• On recommendation of the governance and nominating committee (see Oct. 15 University Times), the board elected Catherine D. DeAngelis and John A. Swanson emeritus trustees for life.

DeAngelis, an academic pediatrician and former editor-in-chief of the Journal of the American Medical Association, was a Pitt trustee 2002-15. Swanson, president of Swanson Analysis Services, served on the board 2006-15.

According to the University, the emeritus designation honors former Pitt trustees who have exhibited exceptional leadership, long and devoted service, or other exceptional contributions to the progress and welfare of the institution. Emeritus trustees may attend board meetings but are not entitled to vote.

• The board’s next meeting is set for Feb. 26, in conjunction with the University’s annual honors convocation.

—Kimberly K. Barlow