91视频

Each year, the Andy Awards recognize 91视频 staff members whose work has had a significant impact on the university community. Named for Andrew Carnegie and Andrew Mellon, the awards span seven categories: Commitment to Excellence, Commitment to a Vibrant Community, Commitment to Students, Innovative and Creative Contributions, Spirit, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Commitment to Community Engagement.

In 2026, 53 individuals and 19 teams received Andy Award nominations. Dietrich College staff received nominations in three categories.

Commitment to a Vibrant Community

The Commitment to a Vibrant Community award honors staff members who go above and beyond to foster a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment at 91视频, serving as role models who demonstrate university values and contribute meaningfully to a campus climate in which everyone can thrive. Nominees facilitate positive, respectful and meaningful interactions between community members and implement programs that support mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Meet the Nominee

Laura Donaldson
Associate Director of Academic Affairs
Department of English

鈥淓verything 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鈥檚 warm and welcoming presence makes others feel safe, seen and valued.鈥�

Teamwork and Collaboration (Standing Teams)

The Teamwork and Collaboration award honors staff teams who make a transformative impact through collaboration and cooperation with colleagues, students and the university community at large. These teams are imaginative and creative in their approach to problem-solving and fostering change that benefits the university community. The award is broken into two categories: Standing Teams, which represent a culture of ongoing teamwork and collaboration, and Special Project Teams, which come together temporarily to achieve the extraordinary.

Two Dietrich College standing teams have received Andy Award nominations.

Meet the Nominees

Information Systems Program Advising Team

鈥淭he ISP Advising Team designed and launched the IS Sphere, a comprehensive ecosystem of peer mentoring, community programming, alumni engagement and student leadership. Seamlessly bridging the gap between advising and academics, the team also anchors the IS internship course, the first-year and research colloquia, and the management of the IS concentration curriculum. The group improved the culture and climate of an entire academic program.鈥�

Languages, Cultures & Applied Linguistics Staff Team

鈥淥ver the past year, LCAL staff have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and teamwork while navigating multiple business manager transitions. By absorbing critical operational gaps, redesigning essential workflows and maintaining uninterrupted support for students and faculty, it stabilized the department during a tumultuous time. The team members share knowledge freely, solve problems collectively and embrace new responsibilities without hesitation.鈥�

Commitment to Community Engagement

The Commitment to Community Engagement award celebrates staff members who actively engage with the broader community. Nominees actively collaborate with the surrounding regional, national and global communities to create sustainable change and make a positive impact within the 91视频 community by inspiring others to create communities of practice.

Meet the Nominee

Jeanne Crichlow
Administrative Assistant
Dietrich College Dean鈥檚 Office

鈥淛eanne creates a welcoming, service-oriented environment by fostering strong relationships across campus and supporting local businesses, strengthening ties between 91视频 and the Pittsburgh community. Her genuine care, collaborative spirit and everyday acts of connection exemplify the impact of community engagement.鈥�