University Times

Pitt-Johnstown staff members Roxanne Blough, Andrea Leibfreid and Pam Sabol have been honored with awards for 2006 from campus President Albert L. Etheridge.

Blough has received the President’s Award for Excellence in Service to the Community, and Leibfreid and Sabol have been given the President’s Award for Excellence in Service to UPJ.

Blough joined the UPJ staff in 1996 and worked for five years as a program coordinator for continuing medical education. Over the last five years, she has served as the administrative assistant of the UPJ Conference Center.

Etheridge stated, “As a selfless individual, she puts the needs of students, staff and clients on top of her agenda with a smile. Recognized for her extensive work on behalf of her community, Roxanne has been involved as a volunteer her entire life. A perusal of her biography is testimony that volunteerism for Roxanne is an integral part of her life.”

Blough’s contributions to the community include participating in the annual CROP Walk in Windber and the Windber Football Boosters; serving as president of the United Churches of Windber, where she was instrumental in developing an annual scholarship for high school seniors; collecting toys for needy children during the holidays and, as a member of the UPJ Staff Activities and Concerns Committee, giving her time to Salvation Army’s Project Bundle-Up.

Leibfreid joined Pitt-Johnstown in 1980 as a keypunch operator for the computer center. She currently serves as secretary in the Division of Social Sciences. She also is president of the UPJ Staff Activities and Concerns Association.

“Over the years, her dedication to the students, faculty and overall to the University go beyond measure,” Etheridge stated. “She has dedicated her time and talents to organizing various projects and events, including the annual staff picnic; the holiday dinner and the holiday fundraiser; the Rose Reesey Student Award; the Healthy Lunchtime Series; the Salvation Army’s Project Bundle-Up, as well as volunteering each year for Freshman Move-In Day.”

Sabol was hired as a cashier in the Business office in 1978. She has held positions as an administrative aide in Personnel Services and as a human resources specialist. In 2001, Sabol was promoted to campus director of Human Resources.

“Her knowledge of the University’s policies and procedures enables her to go above and beyond to answer questions and solve issues for faculty and staff,” Etheridge stated. “Among her many contributions to the UPJ community, she is an active member of the UPJ Staff Activities and Concerns Association, coordinator of the United Way Campaign at UPJ and a past team captain for the American Heart Walk and Walk America.”

Each UPJ staff award winner receives a $1,000 stipend and an engraved clock.

—Peter Hart