University Times

The Staff Association Council (SAC) elected a new treasurer, christened its staff newsletter and announced several upcoming events at its monthly meeting Feb. 10.

The new treasurer is Carol James, Office of Purchasing, who replaces Gwen Watkins.

In her letter of resignation from SAC on Jan. 21, Watkins cited professional and personal reasons for stepping down. A staffer in Governmental Relations, she had served on SAC since 1990.

Officers of SAC serve one-year terms, ending in June. James ran against Jeanette Norbut, Office of Human Genetics, to fill the vacancy.

Lydia Howard of Athletics will replace Watkins as chairperson of the program and planning committee.

SAC members also voted for "SAC Tracks" as the name of the newsletter. The winning name was suggested by James Bracaglia, Admissions and Financial Aid, and picked from among 48 entries. Bracaglia will receive a pair of tickets to a Pitt football game; a c opy of Robert Alberts' "Pitt: The Story of the University of Pittsburgh, 1787-1987"; a Pitt T-shirt and mug, and one month of free parking.

In other news:

* The annual Pitt Kenny-wood Day is set for July 24.

* A new version of the staff handbook, last printed in 1990, will be on-line soon, pending the chancellor's approval.

* The Adopt-a-Block volunteer project to help clean up the Oakland area, suspended for the winter months, will start up again on April 20.

SAC President Rich Colwell announced that Arthur Levine, senior vice chancellor for Health Sciences and dean of the School of Medicine, had approved a request for a SAC voting representative on the Health Sciences Planning and Budgeting Committee.

Linda Marts, SAC vice president for communications and medical school staffer, was appointed to the committee by Colwell.

Still in the planning stages are the staff spring assembly and the annual meeting of Pittsburgh and regional campus SAC members.

SAC recognized member Theresa Benedek, a 1999 Chancellor's Distinguished Staff Award winner, with a standing ovation.

SAC's next meeting is March 10, 12:30 p.m., 2P56 Forbes Quad.

–Peter Hart