Diversity Champion Recognition

Julie Throckmorton has been a fundraiser and grant writer for non-profit and higher educational institutions for the past twenty-three years. She is passionate about connecting people’s visions and hopes for the future with the funding to make their dreams come to fruition. As a proponent of collaboration above competition, she believes that working together and supporting each other can make the greatest impact on society.

Frank Schurter has been a Web instructor at PTC for over eighteen years now. He is quite proud of the Web and Software Development programs and the talented students who come through them.

In his spare time, Frank is fond of acting and singing, especially with his wife Gina. He performed improv comedy for 30 years, leading various troupes, and performed in over 30 plays and musicals with the New Group Theater and the Summer Company at Duquesne.

Frank discovered the joys of digital illustration while earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Illustration at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and has a Masters in Multimedia from Duquesne. He has earned a living doing web design, illustration, animation, and game design, including many years at the now-defunct DreamForge Intertainment in Greensburg, PA. 

I began working at PTC (formerly PTI) 23 plus years ago, when my youngest son went into first grade!  I have loved and continue to love every minute of it!  I began as a receptionist at the Boyd School on University Blvd in Moon, PA.  I then was privileged to move into our new and current facility as a receptionist and then senior receptionist for 23 years. During this time, I gleaned from our Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning by attending classes over the years and receiving many certificates of completion in Excel and Word! 

Recently, I was asked to be a test proctor and was happy to help in this new challenge and am moving forward in that position!  I love helping students and their families whether as a receptionist or now as a test proctor! 

There is no greater experience than making each student and family feel loved, at ease, included, appreciated, and valued!  Looking forward to serving for many years to come!

Shawn Fellner Reference Librarian/Grant Writer – Office Assistant

Shawn earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Kent State University and has worked as a Reference Librarian for PTC for five years. Previously she worked as the Library Resource Manager for Strayer University in Warrendale, PA and prior to that she was employes as a Document Delivery/Reference Librarian at the Pennsylvania State Library in Harrisburg, in both the Main Library and the Law Library sections. 

Part of Shawn’s reference responsibilities includes providing library orientation sessions as requested. In addition to reference services, she also manages the periodical collection and periodically updates some of the web resources on the library page.

During the pandemic, Shawn was asked to assist Julie Throckmorton (Foundation, Government, and Corporate Relations Officer) with the Perkins V grant, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, a reauthorization of the  Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 while continuing her library support. , which allows PTC to provide support to CTE Career and Technical Education) students, with an emphasis on special populations through eligible programs. Shawn assists as needed, with a focus on equipment inventory tasks as well as assisting with various aspects of grant tasks as needed.

Shawn is continuing to combine these two different positions as a roughly 50/50-time commitment.

I extend a special thanks to C.J. and John of the housekeeping team for going above and beyond to assist with setting up the gallery for the October 18th DEI event. I recognize many of you may not be familiar with these unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that our buildings are clean. For those who are here during regular business hours, you do not get to observe the team’s level of commitment in ensuring we can work in an environment where we can perform our duties. 

After 5 pm, the evening staff is here polishing, mopping, sanitizing, vacuuming, and removing trash, along with many other duties. Everyone should consider being conscientious about cleaning up after themselves. Several weeks ago, I watched as someone dropped a paper towel on the floor in the restroom and left it. On another occasion, someone spilled coffee on the floor and walked away. We are all responsible for keeping our campus clean. 

If you see something, say something! And more importantly, please clean up after yourselves. Their work is not easy, nor is it one that receives many expressions of gratitude. So, when you see one of the team members, say, “THANK YOU.”  It will mean the world to them. 

• Beth Patton, Supervisor
• Alan Gilbert, Student Housing Operations
• John Heck, 2^nd Shift Team Lead
• Nikki Schopp, Day housekeeper
• Barb Powell, Mid-day housekeeper

2^nd shift housekeepers:

• Lucas Hilty
• Romel Scott
• Charles Musta
• Marshall Whitaker
• Brandon Nichols

Words from her colleagues

Melissa is a planning expert, detail-oriented and focused. She’s able to tackle any project, large or small.  But Melissa is also a mother.  And, when you see her at events you see that side come out, as she cares for those who attend.  She really shined last night at the painting event as she circulated the room and assured that everyone had everything they needed and was comfortable.  Not only that, but she always had kind words and encouraged the students that were participating in the craft.  Finally, she is never afraid to help out, and is always good for advice or to lend a hand.

Shane McGarvey

Melissa is someone who will help anyone out. She thrives with student events because she loves hosting events the students can enjoy. She works hard for everyone, and the students appreciate her for it. Student activities thrive because she puts so much into it making sure everyone feels connected and comfortable. 

Jaclyn Smith

Since starting at PTC, one of the things I recognized early was the expression of kindness from employees. However, some do far more than we see and are often unsung heroes. I realize we all have specific jobs to do, but for me, there is nothing more gratifying than to see or hear about someone who, without hesitation, goes above and beyond to help someone else. A lot of things we do are “invisible work.”  We all know it gets done but do not realize who is doing it. Melissa is an exceptional human being! It does not matter what it is; she is always willing to extend a hand to ensure we all succeed.

Over the past few months, Melissa has continued to exemplify characteristics and attributes that remind me that kindness still exists in a world of chaos. She is one of the very best parts of PTC, not just because of what she does, but because of the grace, humility, dedication, and passion that exudes not just from her smile but also in the way she takes such care and pride when it comes to creating access and inclusion for our students. Melissa does not focus on “what’s in it for me,” but on how she can bring joy and happiness to the people she connects with daily. She treats everyone respectfully and is never too busy to lend a helping hand. Students adore her, and so do I. 

From Students:

“She is really nice and throws great events!”

“She is always smiling.”

“Ms. Gnoth is kind and looks out for us.”

Melissa, thank you for demonstrating the values of the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Congratulations on being a Diversity Champion!!

Pittsburgh Technical College
School of Healthcare
Surgical Technology Department

During Faculty Development Day, I hosted the What’s in a Name? Understanding and Respecting Preferred Names and Gender Pronouns training. I am thrilled when I hear that individual are actively seeking ways to support, encourage and respect others. I recently received a great example of demonstrating cultural sensitivity, intercultural responsiveness from Deborah Malkin.

I walked into class and introduced myself “Hello my name is Deborah Malkin and I go by the pronouns she, her, hers.” I am going to apologize for not doing this earlier, but I learned a lot in a recent meeting, and it opened my mind. I am “old school” but that is not an excuse for how to properly address individuals. I also apologize because I have a tendency to say, “Okay guys come down” and I should address it as “Okay you all can come down now.”

The students were very receptive, and it led to some great conversations. The students then proceeded to ask what we should call our mannequin since it is universal. So, I told them it was a “they” and we need to give it a name to fit that pronoun. They came up with Sam.

Congratulations, Deborah for being a Diversity Campus Champion!

Kurtis Matlack, PTC Alumni (Information Technology – Network Security and Computer Forensics, July 2007, and Medical Coding, April 2011)

What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mean to you?

Diversity is a rule that allows every culture and nationality to work, be treated the same, receive equal services and to be inventive citizens of our nation.

What, in your opinion, is PTC doing to create a more inclusive environment?

It is promoting growth and hiring and training top specialists in the area to implement new rules into education, workplaces, and culture – making sure every single citizen is included.

Is there someone at PTC who has significantly contributed to your success?

Nora Stroop. When I was enrolled at PTC for my first program, she noticed that I was doing well in my part-time tutoring job, and recommended me to help out with light duties in the Center for Teaching and Learning department. Nora has learned who I am, the qualities that I bring to the table, and continues to recommend me for other jobs by serving as a professional reference.

Is there a quote that speaks to how you feel about diversity, equity, and inclusion? Or any quote that resonates with you?

“Many people, all as one.”

Who is your hero?  Why?

Jeff Bezos, for the way he drives people and uses technology. Amazon provides jobs for workers, authors and sellers worldwide today.

“A ray of sunshine”

During the screening phase of the hiring process at PTC, Frank was the first person to greet me at the door and I believe his gregarious personality set the tone for a seamless process.  

Now that we have returned to a much more populated campus, more individuals have the opportunity to be greeted by Frank when they enter our Reception area. Frank engages with our guests, genuinely cares about representing PTC, and exemplifies our culture of care and excellence.  In addition to his important role at the Department of First Impressions, he is assisting the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Talent Acquisition & Recruiting by enhancing the user experience with the PeopleAdmin software. He is meticulous about his duties and willingly assists everyone with a genuine sense of purpose.  His willingness, enthusiasm and dedication are some of the many reasons I am confident our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will reflect our goal to be an employer and institution of choice. 

I am proud to be a part of institution where everyone at all levels is committed to doing their part to support diversity, equity & inclusion and make it a part of the fabric that makes us an institution of excellence, accountability, and care.

Submitted by: Marsha N. Lindsay, Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer

Mark has devoted 20+ years’ as PTC’s Coordinator of Community Service in addition to his responsibilities as a faculty member and Academic Team Leader.

Mark is PTC’s “public face” with community service organizations such as The Bradley Center (an alternative K-12 residential school) and Nursing Homes.

Mark provides all students with opportunities to volunteer their time and talents in support of disadvantaged community members.

Mark promotes and coordinates Service-Leaning opportunities like the Poverty Simulation and the Homeless Project in which students take what they learn at PTC, apply it to helping with real world social problems, and then return and discuss what they learned/experienced with classmates.