Categories: Archives

Best People

SGB Member | SGB Member to Complain About | SGB Member | SGB Member to Complain About | Sports Star | Campus Celebrity | Administrator | Police Officer | WPTS DJ | Pitt News Columnist | Local News Personality | Local Bartender | Oakland Regular | Professor Best SGB member: Brian Kelly

Runner-up: Liz Blasi

All of his board members look up to him, and, not surprisingly, so do most of the students at Pitt. And that may be the reason why so many students voted Student Government Board President Brian Kelly the best SGB member.

He stands out wherever he is on campus, whether that’s sitting among his board, relaxing in his office or walking down the streets of Oakland. But then again, most 6-foot-7-inch men would — and according to Kelly, he might even be taller than that; he outgrew his doctor’s measuring devices a while back.

When told that his constituents had voted him their favorite member, Kelly seemed quite surprised as a smile overtook his face.

“Get out of here!” he responded, adding that this news was the best of part of his day.

And with Kelly attempting to do something that hasn’t been done for about 24 years, seeking reelection to the office of SGB president, the students’ sentiments may help predict the upcoming election results.

-Katie Leonard, Senior Staff Writer

Best SGB member to complain about: Brian Kelly

Runner-up: Matt Hutchinson

Some might complain about him not always breaking a tie.

Some might complain about how he manages his board.

And some others might complain about him being a pain in the — neck.

But for whatever reason, everyone seems to agree that the best Student Government Board member to complain about is the giant of a president.

President Brian Kelly, who is running for a second term, was hoping that students would vote for him twice, but this might not be quite the vote he was hoping for this fall.

By taking both “Best Of” SGB categories, Kelly follows the lead of the last SGB president who served a full school year, Kevin Washo Jr.

“Way to go, Camelot!” Kelly jeered.

At the very least, he said, students recognize Kelly’s doing something on board — even if it’s something to complain about.

-Katie Leonard, Senior Staff Writer

Best sports star: Chevon Troutman

Runner-up: Larry Fitzgerald

With Larry Fitzgerald out of the picture, Pitt is in need of a new sports star.

Cue Chevon Troutman, stage left.

The senior Panther forward from Williamsport, Pa., was nominated as best sports star.

A fan favorite he may be, but he has the statistics to support his star status. He has played in 95 games throughout his three years at Pitt and held a career .656 shooting percentage. He has also pulled down 479 rebounds as a Panther. He has scored 840 points, a career-average of 8.8 per game.

Troutman, and the Panthers, will make another run at the national championship this season.

-Jimmy Johnson, Assistant Sports Editor

Best campus celebrity: Chevy Troutman

Runner-up: Chris Taft

Whether you’re in the crowd at the Peterson Events Center or hanging out in South Oakland, everyone seems to have an encounter with the ever-present Pitt basketball star, Chevon Troutman.

The former Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball scored an average of 9.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last year. Troutman also currently holds and is challenging Pitt’s career field goal percent record.

From serving as a judge for the Greek God and Goddess talent competition to attending last year’s Meet the Greeks as a member of the self-proclaimed fraternity, “Phi Slamma Jamma,” Troutman is always out and about around campus.

-Laura Jerpi, Staff Writer

Best administrator: Mark Nordenberg

Runner-up: Jack Daniel

Once again, students have revealed their strong adoration for Chancellor Mark Nordenberg by appointing him as the best Pitt administrator.

Nordenberg is in charge of overseeing all University policies and coordinating major fund-raising events. In addition to this hefty workload, he also has to deal with the fact that Pitt students hold him responsible for everything they don’t like about the University.

The former distinguished professor, Dean of Pitt’s School of Law and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs was voted number five in “The Top 48: Making a Difference in Education” by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last month. This proves that not only do students appreciate Nordenberg’s Pitt pride and true dedication to the University, but the entire city is also grateful for his hard work.

-Laura Jerpi, Staff Writer

Best Pitt police officer: Tim Delaney

Runner-up: Curtis Smith

You lost your cell phone in Philadelphia, and now you want a Pitt police investigation. Your boyfriend called you dirty names in the Cathedral Cafe, and you’re looking to report some verbal harassment. You thought it would be a good idea to sneak a keg into your Towers dorm, and the knock on the door warns that your party’s about to end.

Fortunately, a fine team of Pitt police officers is prepared to help you out. But from whence do these officers draw their power? From the best of them all, of course: Chief Tim Delaney. Ask anyone who’s had the pleasure of being cited — or otherwise assisted — by the smiling, fearless leader of Pitt’s police force. A truly kind and funny man, the chief will make any interaction more enjoyable.

But if you’re a robber and you’re reading this, he’s standing right behind you.

-J. Elizabeth Strohm, News Editor

Best WPTS DJ: Cristina Laipple ‘ Amanda Christian

Runner-up: Yo’ mamma smells like last week’s stew. It was stale then, and it’s stale now!

Nestled on page six of the 92.1 FM WPTS Fall 2004 Program Guide is Cristina Laipple’s show description. It reads, “Like you, Cristina thinks she needs a new heart. Listen to her show.” From noon to 2 p.m. old hearts, new hearts and even a few folks without hearts within the radius of WPTS’s 17 watts of pure radio power tune in to Cristina’s show. Perhaps, like you, Cristina lost her heart falling in love with a fellow WPTS show — Sundays at 7 a.m. Amanda Christian gives her listeners a simple message. Her program guide entry reads, “Like you, Amanda loves everything French. Listen to her show.” Parlez-vous francais? Well, maybe not. Like you, WPTS writes research papers at the last minute and will probably be unemployed by the year 2008. Listen to the shows.

-Maria Nicole Smith, Assistant Opinions Editor

Best columnist: Liz Kelly

Runner-up: Liz Strohm

Dear Liz Kelly,

Every since I first set eyes on you, clad in a makeshift newspaper garment at the student activities fair, I knew that my definition of the term “media coverage” was forever changed.

There are many beautiful women at Pitt. But how many of them have your, um, experience with matters of the bedroom?

Plenty.

But out of that throng, how many can write about it as well as you, The Pitt News’ sex columnist?

In your regular columns, you’re a virtual Magellan of the sexual world, boldly exploring those touchy subjects I was always afraid to ask mom about — masturbation, proper management of genital hair, reciprocal dynamics of oral sex, fundamentals of intimate communication and that elusive, highly coveted coital prize: the quickie.

Like a class I’ve always longed to take, you’ve given me the best sex education I could ever ask for. Much better, for example, than the girl who played “Doctor” with me on the playground in second grade.

Thanks to you, I know how to “manscape,” how to take criticism in bed and how to pleasure a woman below the belt.

So now will you go out with me?

-Jonathan Check, Assistant News Editor

Best news personality: Joe DeNardo

Runner-up: Ken Rice

If you went to elementary school in the Greater Pittsburgh Area, Joe DeNardo has a special place in your heart. The Channel 4 meteorologist’s weekly school visits were the highlight of many student’s school years. I had my opportunity in sixth grade. Joe, complete with his helicopter and cameramen, landed in my playground, ready for an afternoon of fun-filled weather. We were all instructed to bring questions for Joe to ask him during the assembly, and I was lucky enough to be the first person chosen to come up and ask a question, getting me a spot on the “6 O’Clock News.” My reward, other than my first 15 minutes of fame, was a Channel 4 news hat, autographed by Joe, which now sits, gathering dust in my closet. For the gift of my first news-related cameo, my “Doe DeDardo” (as I used to call him) will always have a special place in my heart.

-Daveen Rae Kurutz, Senior Staff Writer

Best bartender: Gene at Denny’s

Runners-up: Nikki at Hemingway’s and Chase at Peter’s Pub

It’s a weeknight in Oakland. It’s been a long day, and you don’t have much cash. It’s time to go see Gene Ney, Oakland’s favorite bartender. He stands behind the bar, with crossed arms and a sarcastic smile. Gene is co-owner of Denny’s Bar, a tiny establishment on Louisa Street with a fiercely loyal clientele. You have to arrive early to get a table for two reasons: 1) the bar’s offbeat environment and 2) its enigmatic, sometimes philosophical, occasionally ornery and always generous bartender. Any regular customer of Gene’s knows to expect to stumble home if he decides it’s your night. So, if you need to go home early, don’t tell him. If Gene says stay and drink, you drink.

-Rachel Chunko, Columnist

Best Oakland regular: Sombrero Man

Runner-up: Opera Man (“Homer”)

Walking through Oakland, you see a lot of things. Some things might turn your stomach, while others might make your little heart go pitter-patter. Though the scene changes with each day, certain entities will never change; they are the Oakland Regulars.

But one Oakland Regular has changed. In fact, he’s gone. Whether Sombrero Man has headed south of the border, or simply crossed the border in a move to West Virginia University, his appearances in Oakland are regular no more.

Habits change slowly, however, and our habit of awaiting the sombrero-wearing gentleman of Oakland will not die quietly. Wherever Sombrero Man now resides, he will still remain a Regular in our hearts — and the favorite in our Best Of ballots.

-J. Elizabeth Strohm, News Editor

Best Professor: Ray Jones, PhD

Runner-up: Richard Scaglion, PhD

For the third year in a row, there was one name that rolled off the tongues of students when asked which professor they favored. “He’s so animated,” said one. “It’s always fun to go to his class,” said another. A third described him as the “biggest, coolest dork ever.”

The man who received such high regard is Dr. Ray Jones, this year’s choice for the best professor. And as many of his students will tell you, he’s an excellent teacher and an all-around good guy.

According to those who have taken a class he teaches, such as business ethics, Jones challenges his students in a way that makes them want to excel. He uses all sorts of methods, not the least of which is to integrate current events into the curriculum.

Outside of the ivy-covered walls, Jones does a great deal. He coaches basketball for seventh-graders, and volunteers at domestic abuse shelters, among many other activities.

So when you schedule for classes soon, be sure not to overlook the man who “is not afraid of showing off his $2 T-shirts.”

-Jonathan M. Kyle, Associate News Editor

Pitt News Staff

Share
Published by
Pitt News Staff
20 years ago

    Related Post

  • Pitt Police Blotter

    Monday, March 10 In the Cathedral of Learning at 11:55 a.m., a guard reported... Monday,…

  • Pitt Police Blotter

    Wednesday, April 14 -7:01 a.m. -- A contractor reported a burglary at 3825. -7:01 a.m.…

  • Pitt Police Blotter

    Tuesday, Jan. 25 8:41 a.m. -- Frozen sprinkler heads activated a fire alarm in Litchfield…

Recent Posts

Trash turns to treasure at Text & conText Lab’s ‘Junk Journal Journey’

Students who walked into the Text & conText Lab on Wednesday afternoon were able to…

21 hours ago

Pitt men’s soccer defeats Cornell, proceeds to Round of 16

On Sunday night, No. 2 seed Pitt mens’ soccer (13-5-0) defeated Cornell (13-4-2) 1-0 in…

1 day ago

A chat with the Pitt Volleyball icon Cat Flood

On this episode of “The Pitt News Sports Podcast,” assistant sports editor Matthew Scabilloni talks…

2 days ago

Meaning at the Movies | My Old Heart & “My Old Ass”

In this edition of “Meaning at the Movies,” staff writer Lauren Deaton explores how the…

2 days ago

A Good Hill to Die On // What I Am Really Thankful For

This edition of “A Good Hill to Die On” confronts rising pressures even with the…

2 days ago

Don’t Be a Stranger | Tiny Beautiful Things

In this edition of Don’t Be a Stranger, staff writer Sophia Viggiano discusses the parts…

2 days ago