PBAA to honor Pecht, Evans

The Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association will honor alumna Karen Costello-Pecht '11 and Dr. K. James Evans, former vice president and dean of student affairs, during its Alumni and Family Weekend Sept. 28-30.

Pecht will accept PBAA's Denny Lowery Distinguished Volunteer Award, while Evans will receive the alumni association's Teaching Excellence Award.

Both will be recognized at the PBAA Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame Induction at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The cost is $25 for adults, $12 for children 6 to 12 and free for children 5 and under. For a reservation, visit www.upbalumni.org/afw or call 814-362-5091.

Pecht has served the last two years as president of the PBAA and has served on the association's board since graduating with a Bachelor of Science in business management in 2011.

George Repchick '82, who preceded her as PBAA president, nominated her.

“It's easy to write a check and get recognized, but those individuals who give of their time are truly the pure definition of a volunteer,” he said, pointing to Pecht's work as president to integrate Alumni and Family Weekend activities more into the larger Bradford Community.

“She has not only volunteered her time, but she has done it in a way that displays responsibility and commitment.”

John Foerstner '79 seconded Repchick's nomination. “Karen has long exemplified a level of commitment to the university that serves as a model for others,” he said “She clearly recognizes the impact of Pitt-Bradford on her life and has been an exceptional example of giving back to the institution and the community.”

In addition to her work with the alumni association, Pecht has served as an active board member of both the United Way of the Bradford Area and the Bradford Family YMCA since 2013.

She works at Control Chief Corp. in Bradford, where she handles human relations and web-based marketing. Recent recipients of the Lowery Distinguished Volunteer Award include Terri Smith-Leven '69-'71, Fred Proper '89, and Chris Luke '94.

Evans retired this summer after 42 years of service at Pitt-Bradford. Yara Elbeshbishi '15 nominated him for the Teaching Excellence Award.

“Year after year, student after student, Dean Evans took the time to get to know students and empower them,” she said. “His success connecting with students on such a remarkable level is due to his nurturing and teaching nature. His support and guidance through the years have left a mark on my education, career and life.”

Recent recipients of the teaching award are Tim Ziaukas, retired professor of public relations; Ernie Kallenbach, assistant professor of accounting; and Dr. Jean Truman, associate professor of nursing.