Best People

Student Government Board member: Natalie Rothenberger

She’s got a passion for Pitt that is undeniable. When Natalie Rothenberger, a junior political science, philosophy and economics major, isn’t representing her peers on the Student Government Board, she’s trying to recruit more students to come to Pitt as a Pitt Pathfinder. She’s been involved with SGB in various ways since her freshman year, and, since joining the Board, she’s helped create a promotional calendar for student events, formed a Student Technology Focus Group with Computing Services and Systems Development and improved the textbook buyback process at The Book Center.

Pitt sports star: Steven Adams

Steven Adams, Pitt basketball’s 7-foot freshman sensation from New Zealand, has made his name known around campus not only for his skills on the court but also for his quirky sense of humor and humility. After Khem Birch’s untimely departure last season, Pitt fans and Adams’ teammates welcome the chemistry and talent he’s brought to Coach Jamie Dixon’s squad.

Campus celebrity: Mark Nordenberg

Chancellor Mark Nordenberg — or Nordy, as he is fondly called by students — is a man who loves his family and his work. His wife said he’s a man who can listen to the same song on repeat for hours, particularly songs from movie soundtracks or tunes recorded by The Beatles. He’s been at the University since the ’70s, when he became a law school faculty member, and, when students return to campus in the fall, the new dorm on Fifth Avenue will be named Mark A. Nordenberg Hall in his honor.

University administrator: Kathy Humphrey

Pitt’s Dean of Students and Vice Provost Kathy Humphrey has gained a reputation as a champion of students across campus. Armed with boundless enthusiasm and a passion for academics, Humphrey serves as a strong advocate for students’ interests.

WPTS DJ: Gaurav Gupta

Gaurav Gupta is the DJ of the WPTS radio show Eclectic Slide, with his friend Ross Hackett, a.k.a. DJ Rosa Flocka. Each week, the show has a different theme, such as “songs that you dance naked to,” “elevator music” and “sexy songs,” and the music is chosen accordingly from Gupta’s iTunes. For Gupta, winning Best DJ was “flattering,” yet humbling — he’s sure that “there are better DJs out there.”

The Pitt News staffer: John Cotter

Senior John Cotter has been the business manager at the Pitt News since May, but he’s been helping the advertising side of operations since his sophomore year. Cotter, an economics and statistics major, runs all business operations for the Pitt News — such as advertising — working every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Pitt News wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the advertising side, and the advertising side wouldn’t have anything to sell if it weren’t for the editorial side.

Local news personality: Todd McDermott

A veteran of the Pittsburgh TV news scene, Todd McDermott left his job at WPXI in October for one in sunny Florida, but hold onto your jealous Pittsburgh ire. For years, McDermott hosted the 4:30 a.m. morning show, and waking up that early is the mark of a true warrior.

Local bartender: Gene Ney

Gene may not be the sexiest bartender in Oakland, but he has an even better quality to look for in your neighborhood saloon keeper. Gene hooks you up. He has no qualms dropping that extra splash in your drink, and in Oakland, that’s hard to find.

Dorm security guard: Ms. Phyllis

For those students who enjoy coming home to a parent, Ms. Phyllis is a close second-best. There’s nothing like being welcomed back to your dorm at Lothrop Hall with her cheerful greeting and big smile. Even without the swipe machine that allows her to see names, Ms. Phyllis still recognizes most of the students’ faces and names, and is always pleased to share a joke or tell a story.

Pittsburgh politician: Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

As a former Pitt student and Washington & Jefferson graduate, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl brings a fresh, energetic face to the Pittsburgh political community. Serving the city for the past six years, he has trumped his opponents by roughly twice as many votes in his past two elections. This past weekend, in honor of Veteran’s Day, Ravenstahl delivered 500 letters from city employees and residents to local vets in order to offer his sincere thanks.

Best Pitt professor: Ray Jones

Ray Jones, a full-time professor in the Katz School of Business since 2001, loves being a part of his students’ college experiences. Jones teaches required courses in the CPA and Business Management programs and teaches with his Pitt pride and passion for Pittsburgh sports in mind. He enjoys his work and is happy that he can spend his time focusing on teaching and servicing the University.

Best landlord: Dave Hartman

Hartman attended Pitt from 1999 to 2003, and he now owns three properties that he rents to students. Two of them are in South Oakland and one is near Trees hall. He bought his first house as a freshman at Pitt and used the money he made from rent to help pay for his tuition. During his time at Pitt, he was the editor in chief of The Pitt News and is now married to a fellow retired Pitt News staff member, who was the inside sales manager for the paper while he was editor in chief.

Local business owner: Chas Bonasorte

Chas Bonasorte is the owner of The Pitt Stop on the corner of Bigelow Boulevard and Forbes Avenue. Chas sells all kinds of Pitt memorabilia. He was a linebacker on Pitt’s 1976 National Championship football team, and he’s stayed around to continue spreading Pitt pride. Going on his 25th year of business there, Bonasorte was extremely humbled by this award. “It’s more than just a sale, its a relationship,” Bonasorte said about the Pitt community he surrounds himself with.

Resident Assistant: Caitriona Leone

Caitriona Leone is the RA for Bruce Hall in the Schenley Quad on floors three, four and five. This is her second year as an RA, and she is a junior accounting major at Pitt. To get her residents involved, she tries to put on various programs, and she makes sure there is a quality floor presence. Her favorite part has been working with her staff and getting to know her residents. “It’s just been a great experience meeting everyone,” Leone said.