Colosimo Honored for Service to UPB

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg has selected Patricia M. Colosimo of Bradford as a recipient of the 2010 Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University.

Colosimo is assistant director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford.

She is one of four staff members university-wide to receive the award, which was created to recognize staff members who make a significant impact on the university through their commitment and performance.

The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence is the highest honor a staff member can receive. Colosimo and the other recipients were honored at Pitt’s honors convocation Friday.

In his letter of congratulations, Nordenberg said Colosimo was recommended by the selection committee for her “unending dedication to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

“Your supporters for this award cited your willingness to undertake any task asked of you, even those which are no longer your responsibility,” Nordenberg wrote. “You are asked to complete these tasks because of your distinction for getting the job done, and getting it done well.”

In addition to serving as the assistant director of arts programming, Colosimo organizes major events at Pitt-Bradford, including events for the president’s office and institutional advancement.

“The extra effort and personal time you give to making Pitt-Bradford shine have not gone unnoticed,” Nordenberg wrote.

Colosimo began working at Pitt-Bradford in 1999, coordinating all events and summer conferences taking place on campus and keeping track of the university’s master calendar for all campus events.

In 2008, she became the assistant director of arts programming, while still coordinating presidential and institutional advancement events. In her new role, Colosimo assists in the organization and implementation of Pitt-Bradford’s Prism and Spectrum arts series and coordinates the student matinee series, Kaleidescope.

She has served on several staff association committees and numerous faculty and staff search committees, and was appointed by Dr. Livingston Alexander, president, to coordinate the Norman Rockwell Exhibit and special event series.

She serves as the Pitt-Bradford liaison to the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center board and, in 2001, received the Admissions Commitment to Excellence Award.

“I am extremely honored by this award and recognition,” Colosimo said. “Having Pitt-Bradford staff members being recognized five times in the last seven years is a reflection of the dedication and commitment of the entire staff community. Everyone works hard and supports each other.”

Colosimo earned her bachelor of fine arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

She lives in Bradford with her husband, Richard, and daughter, Chelsey. She and her husband also have two grown children.

This is the fifth time a Pitt-Bradford employee has been recognized by the chancellor. Last year, James Baldwin, assistant dean of academic affairs and director of enrollment services, received the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University. In 2004, Rhett Kennedy, associate dean of student affairs and interim director of auxiliary services, received the same award.

In addition, Peter J. Buchheit, director of facilities management, and Donald O. Johnson, mail carrier, have received the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the Community.