Commitment to a Vibrant Community
This award honors staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment within the 91视频 community. It recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to create a sense of belonging, promote positive interactions, and enhance the overall community culture through their actions and initiatives. These staff members serve as role models who demonstrate university values, and contribute meaningfully to a campus climate where everyone can thrive.
Criteria include actively contributing to developing and maintaining a community where all members feel valued and included; encourages and facilitates positive, respectful, and meaningful interactions that serve to bring together members of our community with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences; leading in initiatives that strengthen community bonds and enhance the overall sense of community; implementing programs or activities that support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the community; and models a spirit of collaboration, empathy, and pluralism that inspires others to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive community culture.
2026 Nominees
Laura Donaldson
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Everything Laura does is grounded in intentionality and care. She fosters a sense of community, creates spaces for respectful and diverse interactions, and serves as a role model for positivity, empathy and collaboration. Whether she is meeting one-on-one with a student, leading as an honor society advisor, organizing a department event or simply engaging in everyday interactions, Laura’s warm and welcoming presence makes others feel safe, seen and valued.
Aimee Dorney
Mellon College of Science
Aimee finds creative and proactive ways to create belonging, strengthen community bonds and support mental and emotional well-being throughout a college where community members are spread across four (soon to be five) buildings in Pittsburgh. In many ways, she is the heart of the dean's suite and brings sparkle to the Mellon College of Science.
Colleen Everett
School of Computer Science
Colleen has been superb in making visitors and staff feel welcome, respected and worthy of attention. She has maintained this exceptional level of service for decades and she is effective, efficient and cheerful.
Crystal Johnson
University Libraries
Crystal has helped transform the University Archives from a quiet research space into a dynamic hub of campus connection. During the 2025-26 academic year, she facilitated 16 classes and seven events, engaging 890 students, faculty and staff members. Through these efforts, students who may have never otherwise stepped into the archives left feeling deeply connected — to each other, to 91视频’s history and to their own place within it. By creating new pathways to community, Crystal beautifully embodies the empathy, creativity and pluralism this award celebrates.
Ryan McKelvey
IDeATe
Since stepping into his role in 2022, Ryan has fostered meaningful connections across the university through a student-centered approach, passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and unwavering dedication to inclusion. Beyond managing academic logistics, he champions student engagement, coordinates campus events, and strengthens the university fabric through his service on Staff Council and his leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.
Steve Schultz
Tepper School of Business
Over more than two decades of service, Steve has strengthened engagement among alumni, donors, volunteers and colleagues while serving as a trusted mentor, collaborator and ambassador for 91视频. Steve brings genuine care to his work and consistently steps beyond his formal responsibilities to support others, share institutional knowledge and ensure every individual feels welcomed and valued.
Thomas Swiech
University Communications and Marketing
Thomas’ ability to transform ordinary office space into a joyful, immersive experience has inspired celebration, creativity and lasting connection. Through thoughtfully crafted initiatives, Thomas has profoundly impacted workplace culture in UCM and beyond, elevating how colleagues experience their work, teammates and sense of belonging.