Staff Member Wins Chancellor's Award
January 17, 2006
The effervescent, talented, and resourceful Margaret "Peg" Chalus has won a 2006 Chancellor's Award for Staff for Excellence in Service to the University.
The award carries a $2,500 cash prize and will be announced at the February 24, 2006, Honors Convocation. Additionally, Peg's name will be permanently inscribed on a plaque displayed in the William Pitt Union.
As Chancellor Nordenberg's January 5, 2006, letter to Peg explains, the award was created to recognize staff members whose performance not only exceeds the standards and expectations of their positions, but also who make significant impacts on the University through their commitment and performance. The Chancellor's letter continues: "After reviewing supporting materials for all nominated staff members, the selection committee commended you for your deep personal commitment to the University and our students, as well as the many administrative innovations and cost-saving initiatives you have implemented."
Peg's 16 years of service to the University of Pittsburgh have been filled with professional excellence, dynamic energy, and deep personal commitment. Her long run began in 1989, when she joined the University as a staff specialist in the Office of International Services. The next year, Peg moved to the English Department, where she worked as a secretary for 11 years. In 2001, she shifted to the Department of Communication, where she continues to work as a secretary and as the administrative assistant to the William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU).
The numerous plants Peg cultivates in the 1109 suite have metaphorical value. Not only do such plants enrich the ambiance and breathe fresh oxygen into the workplace; they also symbolize Peg Chalus' role as a nurturer. Just as she nurtures the plants themselves, she also nurtures undergraduate debaters, helping them to adapt and thrive in the college environment; she nurtures in coworkers a cooperative and positive attitude; and she nurtures the University's reputation as a warm, welcoming place for those who visit the Cathedral of Learning.
The fact that Peg's remarkable acumen in this regard comes on top of her absolutely impeccable skills as an administrator make her an especially worthy recipient of this award.
Gordon Mitchell
Director of Debate, William Pitt Debating Union
