Updates from our Membership

Renee Starek, Director, Career and Professional Development Center, Seton Hill University: I am pleased to share that I have been selected to serve on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Board of Directors for the 2026–2028 term. NACE has long played a critical role in advancing career readiness, ethical recruiting practices, and meaningful partnerships between higher education and employers. I am honored to contribute to this work at a time when our field continues to navigate rapid change, increasing complexity, and growing expectations from students, institutions, and industry partners alike. I look forward to representing the perspectives of career services professionals, engaging in thoughtful governance, and collaborating with colleagues across the country to help shape the future of our profession. I am grateful for the mentors, peers, and campus partners whose support and collaboration have made this opportunity possible.

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Kristen Stratton (right) and campus President, Dr. Robert Gregerson (left)

University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg Internship Coordinator, Kristen Stratton, was recognized in December for completing her 10^th year at the University. Kristen is technically in her 11^th year with the University, but due to the way the fiscal year falls and date of hire, she had the chance to turn back time! The Career Services team (Dorothy Zilic, Marcy Yonkey, Kristen Stratton) calculated the years of higher education experience they had between the three of them, and what was at first thought to be an impressive number, was quickly shut down after realizing it only aged them, HA! Pictured here are Kristen Stratton and campus President, Dr. Robert Gregerson at the campus holiday luncheon. Various awards and years of service recognition happen annually at this event.

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Dr. Paul M. Miller Honored as a 2026 Faculty Champion by the Center for Community News. Each Faculty Champion will receive peer support and coaching throughout the year. As part of CCN’s expanded approach to the Champions program this year, participants will work in dedicated cohorts that are organized around beats, communities and geographic regions. The cohorts will be led by program alums with expertise in their focus area. 

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Recruiting Team Updates at Fastenal

We’re excited to share a few updates within our Fastenal recruiting team. Liz Ortiz and Molly Phelps have both been promoted to Recruiting Manager. Liz will now partner with our Regional Recruiters in the South, while Molly will support our Regional Recruiters in the North.

Additionally, Mikayla Swirsky (pictured left) is now serving as the Regional Recruiter for Eastern Pennsylvania, and Neal Gonzalez (pictured right) is covering Western Pennsylvania. Mikayla and Neal will be attending the PennACE Conference this summer and are looking forward to connecting with many of you in person.

We’re excited for our continued partnership with PennACE!

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Updates from Pitt-Greensburg

TRIO SSS Grant Awarded

Pitt-Greensburg has recently been awarded the TRIO SSS 5-year grant. The purpose of the program is to provide resources and support to identified students that meet criteria for the funding with the goal of improving retention, academic success, and persistence. Our Career Services Team will work with the TRIO team and the identified students in career exploration and gaining experience to help them each achieve their individual goals. Our Internship Coordinator, Kristen Stratton will serve on the TRIO SSS Advisory Committee. 

JCPenney Suit-Up

The career offices from St. Vincent College, Seton Hill University and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg collaborate each year to be part of the JCPenney Suit-Up Event at Westmoreland Mall.   

What we're Reading

Our campus and community Westmoreland Common Read for this academic year, The Anxious Generation, has provided helpful insight into the current and forth coming generation's challenges, and critical thinking in how we can best serve them in our roles and capacities within Career Services. 

Speakers, Speakers and More Speakers! 

Of the approximately 60 speakers scheduled during the spring semester, our Engineering Speakers Series was kicked off last week with Dalton Mack of LSSE Civil Engineers and Surveyors. We are excited to collaborate with faculty and student organizations to host more than 100 speakers this year from such companies and organizations as UPMC WISER, American Red Cross, Westmoreland County (various offices and programs), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, National Weather Service, RJ Lee Group, PA State Police SERT, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Dynamet, Homeland Security, Greenlee Partners, LLC, City of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh City Paper, Enterprise Mobility, City of Greensburg, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Downtown Greensburg Project, SPHS, and Koppers, Inc.

Dalton Mack of LSSE Civil Engineers and Surveyors and Pitt-Greensburg students

Staff at the University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg are excited to share that one of their students has received the PennACE Student of the Year Award. Warren Shope, a senior Management major with concentrations in Marketing and Finance, has been named the 2025 JoAnne Day Student of the Year (Business). Warren completed a marketing internship over the summer with NeuroNetics, Inc, a medical technology company that focuses on non-invasive treatment for psychiatric disorders. Pitt-Greensburg is planning to recognize Warren at this year's Leadership Ceremony and Honors Convocation. Warren has officially made campus history as the first student from the Greensburg campus to receive this award, and only the second from a Pitt campus (Oakland) since the award began in 2004!

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Tessa the dog!

After losing their beloved rescue pup of almost 14 years in December, Kristen Stratton (Internship Coordinator, Pitt-Greensburg) and her family have welcomed their newest 4-legged member this month, also a rescue. Meet Tessa! She is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face!