May 20, 2008

PITTSBURGH--The Pitt Athletic Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony, as the newly added Hearst Life Skills Resource Center was presented to several University officials and members of the Hearst Foundation in the Petersen Events Center on Thursday.

"We are very fortunate to have been provided the resources to build the Hearst Life Skills Resource Center, which will house the Panther Game Plan Life Skills Program," Director of Life Skills Penny Semaia said. "Through the Hearst Life Skills Resource Center our student-athletes are now able to have a physical space to develop and prepare for their future's success. This is all possible thanks to the support and leadership of Athletics Director Steve Pederson and Executive Associate Athletics Director Donna Sanft."

Sanft was the emcee of the ceremony, as Pederson and Semaia both spoke on behalf of the impact the Hearst Life Skills Resource Center will have on the department and Pitt's student-athletes. Representing the Hearst Foundation were Ligia Cravo, Mason Granger and University Trustee John Conomikes.

In addition to the three Hearst Foundation members, Charles Small, Maureen Anderson, SAAC Vice President Stephanie Ross, Pederson, Sanft and Semaia each held scissors to cut the ribbon during the ceremony.

"I think it is tremendous that our department is investing in student-athlete development," Small, Assistant Director of Life Skills, added. "Steve Pederson and Donna Sanft are passionately dedicated to the student-athlete's well being."

During the ceremony, Hearst Foundation accepted gifts of appreciation from student-athletes Adam Gunn of the football team, Sophronia Sallard of women's basketball and Ross of women's volleyball.

"The opening of the Hearst Life Skills Resource Center is a momentous occasion for the student-athletes here at The University of Pittsburgh," Ross stated. "This center will provide opportunities for us to better prepare ourselves for the future in terms of interviews, resume development, medical school and law school text preparation and character building.

"For SAAC it creates a great space where we can conduct our meetings. I am also fortunate enough to be an intern with Penny Semaia and Charles Small next year and will be able see first hand how the lives of the student-athletes are affected by this addition. We are extremely grateful and excited for the future."

The Hearst Life Skills Resource Center includes the Career and Graduate School Resource room, two new offices and a conference room for meetings.

Established in 1995, Pitt's Panther Game Plan Life Skills Program is part of the NCAA CHAMPS initiative with a mission to create a comprehensive academic, athletic and personal development program for all student-athletes at the University of Pittsburgh.