The 2022 Chancellor’s Staff Awards were announced recently, and winners will be celebrated at a reception in January.

Each winner will receive $2,500 prize and their names will be added to a plaque on display in the William Pitt Union.

Outstanding Career Achievement: Lisa Cherok, director of admissions for the College of Business Administration

The Outstanding Career Achievement category recognizes a staff member with more than 20 years of unparalleled service to the University of Pittsburgh who, throughout their career, has made exceptional contributions to the success of their department and the University, who has earned the respect of their peers, and whose efforts have defined what it means to be part of the University community.

Exceptional Early Career Achievement: Katie Belardi, Research Administrator, Department of Communication Science and Disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

The Exceptional Early Career Achievement category recognizes a staff member who is not in a management position and is in the earliest stages of their career (three to five years) who, within that short period of time, has exceeded the expectations of their position, taken on numerous assignments, and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the University of Pittsburgh.

University Engagement: Stephanie Hoogendoorn, director of academic affairs, Office of the Provost

The University Engagement category recognizes a staff member who extends their commitment to the Pitt through exemplary participation in volunteer activities within the University, serving on committees, working on special projects, or volunteering to assist with events or programs that are outside the scope of their normal job duties.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Ron Idoko, associate director of the Center on Race and Social Problems, founding director of the Racial Equity Consciousness Institute, and research assistant professor, School of Social Work

This category recognizes a staff member who has contributed to Pitt’s diversity initiatives and worked to create a culture of inclusion in their department, business unit or school and the University. Until September, Idoko was diversity and multicultural program manager in the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Student Impact: Andrea Zito, assistant dean for student engagement, School of Education

The Student Impact category recognizes a staff member whose efforts have helped our students succeed and grow as individuals, contributed to the quality of life for our students, consistently demonstrated excellent customer service, and promoted and supported a culture of diversity and respect on our campuses.

Excellent Mentor: Jill Harvey, director of first-year advising, Swanson School of Engineering

The Excellent Mentor category recognizes a staff member who serves as a role model and mentor to staff colleagues, helping them to develop and improve their skills, acclimate to new positions, or learn new processes so that they can achieve success in their own careers at the Pitt.

Research Support: Katelyn Collinger, clinical trial and recruitment facilitator, Clinical and Translational Science Institute

The Research Support category recognizes a staff member who has worked to advance the University of Pittsburgh’s research efforts.

Innovation in Advancing Administrative and Operational Efficiency: Aurora Sharrard, executive director of sustainability, Office of Sustainability

This category recognizes a staff member who has made exceptional contributions toward effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace, including implementing innovative approaches to improving productivity or developing cost-savings plans.

Community Engagement: Tasha Peacock, Assistant Director of Student Programs and Community Outreach, Institute of Politics

The Community Engagement category recognizes staff members who have dedicated themselves to making their community a better place to live and to improving the quality of life for others.