University Times

Long-time Pitt fundraising representative and Staff Council member Barbara Zischkau (CGS ’04) died July 4, 2017, at 82.

Zischkau started at Pitt as a temporary telephone fundraiser in 1997 under Sean Dean, now director of the University’s annual giving programs in the Office of Institutional Advancement, and became a regular employee in 1999. According to Dean, she raised more than $5 million for Pitt.

“She did an excellent job,” said Dean. “She was always good for morale of the team. She had a very generous, caring, very maternal way about her. At the same time, she was tenacious.

“She loved speaking to alumni and friends over the phone and was a top producer in the TeleFund for many years,” he added. “Yet, as great a caller as Barbara was, she was an even greater human being.”

“The one thing that shines out about her,” said Dean, “was that she had a passion for Pitt. She loved Pitt in every way, shape and form.” She was a Pitt football season ticket holder for 15 years and, according to Staff Council President Andy Stephany, was a very active member of the organization for 18 years. She particularly loved volunteering to help with Pitt Day at Kennywood.

While working for the University, Zischkau earned her bachelor of arts in humanities in the College of General Studies.

She is survived by four children, Bob (Ann Marie) Whisner, Vaughn (Kellie) Whisner, Sheila (Richard) Harris and Bruce Whisner, and was mother to the late Carl Douglas. She is also survived by grandchildren Justin, Adam, Jacob, Nataly and Abigail and great- grandchild Melody Rose Whisner. Services were held July 7 in Monroeville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Telefund Operations Fund.