The Best People

By Pitt News Staff
November 9, 2005

Administrator: Mark Nordenberg Runner-up: Kathy Humphrey

Come on, this should come as no surprise to anyone. I mean, he is getting us $1 billion in Pitt’s latest fundraising efforts. Think about that, that’s walking around money. Under his administration, satire has jumped 7 percent and the humor index has climbed 9 points.

But for all those interested, Chancellor Nordenberg has overseen a doubling of undergraduate applications and a large increase in the average student’s SAT score. According to the Pitt Web site, Pittsburgh Magazine has honored Nordenberg with the Pittsburgher of the Year award; and the Post-Gazette has consistently named him one of the top 10 business leaders in the region.

Nordenberg has been chancellor for more than 10 years.

Andy Medici, Assistant News Editor

top Campus celebrity: Jason Pippi Runner-up: Nate Rychlik

Sometimes, you have to be willing to work for your celebrity status. Or have a friend who is.

Case in point: Jason Pippi. “Who is Jason Pippi?” you might ask, which is a legitimate question only for those not acquainted with the powerful tool that is thefacebook.com.

A friend of Pippi created a group on facebook dedicated to his election as The Pitt News campus celebrity titled “Jason Pippi for Best Campus Celebrity in Pitt News’ 2005 Best of Profile.” The efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as 36 people joined the group and he ultimately won the award, something he said he is honored to receive.

Pippi is also a member of the Pitt marching band, the vice president of the studio arts club and a member of Lamba Chi Alpha. Look for him around campus or on facebook.

Geoff Dutelle, Sports Editor

top Best columnist: Sam Morey Runner-up: Rose Afriyie

Well, I would like to point out that this is the first case since the Pitt News has had a sex column that the sex columnist hasn’t won. I can’t understand this; I don’t even read my own crap half of the time. I usually go right to that last page of Tuesday’s edition and hope that Rose answers the question I sent her – it involves peanut butter and midgets; I won’t get into it here. I would like to thank my friends for giving me ideas and forgetting that I owe them money, my readers for reading my columns and my editors for putting up with missed and ignored deadlines so patiently.

Sam Morey, columnist

top Best local bartender: Gene Runner-up: Colleen Arnod

There’s certainly no better bartender in Oakland than Gene, owner and manager of Gene’s Place on Louisa Street. As the owner of the bar, Gene could just sit back and rake in his profits if he so chose, but he tends bar because – and this is quite obvious to any customer at Gene’s place – the man just loves to bartend.

If you’re a regular, he greets you with an honest look of recognition on his face. Even if he doesn’t know your name (yet), he knows you’re a loyal customer. It’s not unusual to see Gene throw out a free shot or pitcher to good customers from time to time, no doubt just to amp up the fun.

Few things make for a better bartender than taking satisfaction in making sure everyone around is having a good time, and Gene does just that. You’re always likely to see a smile on his face and hear a friendly tone in his voice as he offers you some suds. Gene, it seems, is as happy to be there serving you as you are to be there drinking. You can’t put a price on that. This one’s for you, Gene.

Daniel Richey, Managing Editor

top Best local news personality: Sally Wiggen Runner-up: Peggy Finnegan

“Dan, Dan,” Kenny calls.

“Oh, hey, Kenny. What’s going on?”

“Oh, man, nothing, man. Just, you know, another day, another dollar.”

“Yeah, dude. You look a little strung out. Everything OK?”

“Yeah, well, I guess. This new medication the doc’s got me on has me all messed up. Makes me all sleepy. I didn’t get my Sally again last night. I can’t get my Sally on this stuff.”

“I think maybe that’s the idea, Kenny.”

“I just think the judge overreacted. I mean, the cops catch you hiding outside the bushes of a local news personality’s house one time and suddenly you’re a ‘danger to yourself and others.’ The horrible irony is that if I could just get my Sally at 11 o’ clock, I wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

“Well, I think the Wiggens were a little bit upset. Maybe if you’d been wearing pants, or if you hadn’t had that gun, things might’ve gone down differently Downtown.”

“Hey, it’s just not fair. How am I supposed to resist? That perfectly symmetrical bob of hair, that perfect diction. Did you know she’s been with The Pittsburgh Channel – WTAE-TV – for 24 years running? Oh, how about a little thing known as the Edward R. Murrow award? Yeah, she bagged herself one of those back when she was on the radio. And I heard about all the stuff Peggy Finnegan’s been saying about her. It’s not cool. That’s why I went to her house. To show her I don’t care what Peggy says, that Peggy isn’t a threat. Not a threat to her talking-head dynasty, not to our love. You know?”

“Um. Right, Kenny. Say, did you take that medication yet today?”

“Oh my God. Dan. You’re… you’re one of them! I have… I have to get to Sally. I have to warn her. Sally!!!”

Some Pittsburghers just can’t get by without their nightly dose of Sally.

Daniel Richey, Managing Editor

top Best Oakland regular: Scottie Runner-up: Someone else

You’ve heard the stories: “One time, Scottie gave me a free soda;” “Scottie put extra chicken on my sandwich;” “Scottie fought off a squad of ninjas who were trying to steal my baby.”

Truly a man among men, this trusty Oakland hot-dog vendor held his post in front of Hillman even when the full force of law was brought to bear against him. Brave? Courageous? This reporter thinks so.

Though he may be gone for now, there can be little doubt of his eventual triumphant return to the corner of Forbes and Schenley Drive. The denizens of Oakland salute you, Scottie.

D. Clark Denison, for The Pitt News

top Best Pitt Athlete: Tyler Palko Runner-up: Ronald Ramone

Pitt is pretty proud of its star quarterback, and why shouldn’t we be?

The junior southpaw is not only one of the Panthers’ leaders on offense, but he was the driving force behind Pitt’s run to the Fiesta Bowl last year. He threw five touchdowns on two separate occasions last year on his way to 3,067 passing yards, 42 touchdowns and a mere seven interceptions, four of which came in his first three games as a starter.

This year, Palko has again come on after a slow start. After a three-interception game against Ohio, Palko has thrown for 13 touchdowns and rushed for five more in leading Pitt to a three-game winning streak which was recently snapped.

Geoff Dutelle, Sports Editor

top Best Pitt Police officer: Curtis Smith Runner-up: Tim Delaney

Last year, Tim Delaney won your hearts and your votes for best Pitt Police officer. Curtis Smith was the runner up. This year, the tables have turned.

Smith is 2005’s best – as voted by you, the students. Maybe it’s his style or his charm. Maybe it’s his rapport with the students. Whatever it is, Smith’s popularity is certainly on the rise.

Smith, who also teaches self-defense and aerobics classes at Pitt, recently gave back to the student body by leading a self-defense seminar in the William Pitt Union. Smith instructed students through role-playing situations.

For keeping us safe, one student at a time, Smith is this year’s best Pitt Police officer.

Adam Fleming, News Editor

top Best dorm security guard: Phyllis Harris Runner-up: Joe (Sutherland)

If you walk into the lobby of Lothrop Hall any given afternoon and find a huge line of bleary-eyed students waiting to be swiped in, you know that Phyllis is on duty. Once she learns your name, expect a warm greeting and a thoughtful query about your day every time you pass her window. So if you’re slightly annoyed by not being able to race upstairs to your Lothrop single-room fortress of solitude, remember that no matter how bad your day has been, Phyllis will brighten it just a little.

D. Clark Denison, for The Pitt News

top Best SGB member: Brian Kelly Runner-up: Joe Pasqualichio

Who is that man who towers over everyone on the sixth floor? We’ll give you a hint. He has the same initials as the has-been burger joint that’s been replaced by what Pitt now calls a park. It’s none other than Brian Kelly, and, once again, he wears the best SGB member crown.

Oh, Brian. That gavel-banging, Jay Leno chin-having hunk of a man gives it to us straight every Tuesday for two long hours. While we here at The Pitt News are never out of things to say, Beyonce’s song “Speechless” has just come to mind. So, in closing, hail to the man who has been an institution at Pitt for as long as anyone can remember. You will be greatly missed after this semester. For who will hide the sunlight and turn night into day with the mere act of simply standing in front of the Union and smoking a cigarette?

Rose Afriyie, Opinions Editor

top Best SGB member to complain about: Brian Kelly Runner-up: Joe Pasqualichio

I see him sitting there, at the center of that long table, the fluorescent lights of the conference room twinkling in his deep eyes. His perfectly coifed hair, his Herculean stature, his epic chin, damn that Brian Kelly! He’s all the witty charm of Zach Ransom and the rugged, masculine good looks of Joe Pasqualichio, but with that little something extra that just makes you melt when you catch a glimpse of him across a crowded room. He’s so gorgeous, I can’t stand it! If only I were in SGB, then we’d hop a plane to San Diego and leave all the troubles of this miserable town behind!

D. Clark Denison, Chief Meteorologist

top Best Pitt professor: Ray Jones, PhD Runner-up: Andrew Klimas

Known for being a bit dorky but extremely cool, Ray Jones wins again! Pitt News readers agree: Jones, a professor of business ethics, is definitely the best professor at Pitt for the fourth year in a row.

Jessica Lear, Editor in Chief

top Best WPTS DJ: James Gardiner Runner-up: David Greenwald

You know you love his smooth voice and natural music selections. That’s right: James Gardiner and his “EZ Rocker Show” soothe your ears with acoustic sounds from 2 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday. To hear more, tune your radio to WPTS 92.1 or stream online at www.wpts.pitt.edu/live.

Jessica Lear, Editor in Chief

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