By JOY HART
As the University of Pittsburgh gears up for its annual Pitt Day of Giving on Feb. 25, Staff Council is rallying support once again for three vital initiatives that reflect its ongoing commitment to honoring and serving the dedication of University staff: the Frisch Professional Development Award, the Book Fund Award, and the Employee Emergency Fund. This annual effort highlights Staff Council's mission to empower staff members, nurture their growth, and provide crucial support during difficult times.
The Frisch Professional Development Award helps staff advance their careers by providing access to training, conferences and professional development opportunities. José F. Goyco-Blas, a lab manager in the Department of Biological Sciences, received the award in 2024. He credits it with helping him pursue the Project Management Professional certification, which will enhance his professional knowledge and leadership skills.
The Book Fund Award, established in 2001, aims to reduce the financial burden of purchasing textbooks for eligible undergraduate students enrolled at any of the Pitt campuses whose parent or guardian is a staff member. This ongoing support allows these students to access essential academic resources without the stress of buying costly materials, reinforcing the University’s commitment to fostering student success.
The Employee Emergency Fund, launched in October 2023, is an essential resource for eligible staff experiencing unexpected hardships. According to the Pitt Human Resources Benefits Department, which administers the fund, it has helped 138 employees, distributing nearly $140,000. Offering financial relief of up to $1,500, the program allows employees to manage emergencies — such as health crises, family challenges or other unforeseen situations — so they can maintain their focus on work and personal well-being.
How you can help
Once again, Staff Council is participating in Pitt Day of Giving fundraising challenges to help secure additional funds — just like last year in the Places, Experiences, and More category, where we earned ninth place on the Participation Leaderboard.
Donations are welcome any time after Feb. 18, but one key opportunity to maximize our impact is the Power Hour, which will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 25. During this hour, the Pitt area with the most donors will receive extra challenge funds. This challenge is unique because the number of donors matters more than the donation size. Regardless of size or timing, every gift helps Staff Council compete for additional funding.
Staff Council invites all members of the Pitt community to participate in this year’s campaign. Your support ensures that Pitt staff receive the resources and recognition they deserve, enabling them to continue making a meaningful impact at the University of Pittsburgh.
Joy Hart is Staff Council’s vice president for public relations and manager of strategic initiatives in the University Center for Teaching and Learning.