Pitt-Greensburg honored 3 alumni at its Blue and Gold Celebration

The Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association (PGAA) honored three outstanding alumni as part of the campus’ Blue and Gold Celebration on Oct. 4.

Alumnus of Distinction

Jamal Woodson (UPG ’02) is the recipient of the 2025 Alumnus of Distinction award, PGAA’s highest individual honor. Candidates are evaluated on their outstanding level of professional achievement, service to the community, service to the University of Pittsburgh, special recognition or honors, and any other special efforts or successes. 

Woodson, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedicated community service, has made significant contributions to the Pittsburgh area and beyond. After graduating from Pitt-Greensburg in 2002 with a degree in communications, he embarked on a career at WAMO, Pittsburgh's leading urban radio station. His journey from a sales executive to the top sales representative and eventually to general manager was marked by extraordinary success, including doubling the station's revenue within two years.

“My time at Pitt-Greensburg played a huge role in shaping who I am today,” said Woodson. “It wasn’t just about the classes, it was about the people, the experiences and the lessons that pushed me to think bigger and chase opportunities beyond the classroom. Pitt-Greensburg gave me a foundation of resilience and creativity that I still carry with me in every business I’ve built and every team I’ve led.”

In 2012, Woodson founded Students Learning Athletics and Academics through Mentoring (SLAMM) Basketball, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) program that has mentored countless young athletes, placing many in prestigious universities on scholarships. The program has expanded from five to more than 20 teams, solidifying its status as Western Pennsylvania's leading AAU program.

And, for the past four years, Woodson has co-led The CNX Mentorship Academy, guiding high school juniors and seniors in their career paths through personalized mentorship. In 2023, he opened LFG Workout, a fitness gym dedicated to promoting health and longevity within the community.

“Jamal has created numerous opportunities for others to experience success in the Pittsburgh region,” said PGAA President Huong Vo. “His career and accomplishments illustrate how Pitt-Greensburg graduates go out into their community and help to make it a better.”

Young Alumni Leadership Award

Melissa Davis (UPG ’12) earned this year’s Young Alumni Leadership Award, which recognizes individuals 35 and younger who have distinguished themselves as leaders in their profession, community and at Pitt-Greensburg.

A Pittsburgh native, Davis’ involvement with the Academic Village and Big Brothers Big Sisters while at Pitt-Greensburg built a strong foundation for her leadership journey.

“My four years at Pitt-Greensburg weren’t always easy, but the challenges became my greatest teachers,” she said. “Balancing classes, jobs and life while being shaped by professors, peers and the Greensburg community gave me resilience, purpose and an education that became my foundation. It’s also where I built memories that I’ll always hold close to my heart, and where I found my voice and became the woman and leader I am today.”

Davis began her career at Verizon Wireless, where she excelled in a competitive environment and developed vital client relationship skills. Her journey continued in the architecture, engineering and construction industry with Providence Engineering, where she doubled the office’s revenue in two years through strategic relationship-building and market positioning. Most recently, Davis became a business development manager at Continental Building Company, where she continues to lead with a client-first mindset.

Outside of her professional achievements, Davis is deeply committed to service and mentorship. She serves on the Management Board for the Urban Land Institute and chairs its Young Leaders group. She also holds leadership roles in organizations like the Society for Marketing Professional Services, Commercial Real Estate Women, the American Institute of Architects and the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks. Her volunteer work spans across the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and her two children’s Parent Teacher Organization.

Volunteer Excellence Award

Dominick Domasky (UPG ’00) won the 2025 Volunteer Excellence Award, recognizes alumni who have selflessly dedicated their time and effort to support PGAA and Pitt-Greensburg. As an inspirational author and storyteller, Domasky has worked tirelessly to inspire others and foster a sense of positivity and community.

His leadership extends to his role as the president of Feeding the Spirit, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing poverty, hunger and homelessness in Westmoreland County. Through his work, Domasky has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others by organizing events, advocating for resources or simply offering a listening ear.

Domasky also is the co-founder of Motivation Champs and Friends, “an inspiration sharing platform” whose mission is to share inspiration, smiles and positivity through social media, in-person presentations and client publishing. Five years ago, the group started a turkey drive to provide meals to local families in need of Thanksgiving meals. This initiative has successfully delivered hundreds of turkeys and meal fixings, thanks to the efforts of Domasky and his dedicated team of volunteers.

The alumnus also serves as the announcer for Hempfield girls field hockey and is an active supporter of the Pitt-Greensburg Men’s Basketball Alumni Club where he serves as social media coordinator. He and his family can be found courtside during basketball season.

“My degree at Pitt-Greensburg helped me get a foot in the door so many times,” Domasky said. “My Mom, who’s no longer with us, lived a life of service, kindness and caring. Somehow, I feel she’s smiling down on us today, thinking she did all right.”