Pitt students and staff took home awards at a statewide TRIO conference

Staff and students affiliated with two Pitt TRIO programs were honored at the 2025 PA TRIO Annual Conference.

Kamryn Abrial, a senior social work major, and Emma Young, an undeclared first-year student, won $750 PA TRIO Scholarship Awards. Kate Parker won a $750 Pitt TRIO McNair Scholarship.

Michele Lagnese (pictured), director of Pitt TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), and James Scott, TRIO SSS academic advisor and peer mentor coordinator, were recognized for 28 and 20 years of service, respectively. Additionally, Lagnese was honored with a PA TRIO Outstanding Service award, in recognition of her work leading the legislative affairs team for Pennsylvania.

Pitt TRIO Student Support Services, a program of the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, supports first-generation and low-income students by providing skills-building workshops, leadership training, advising and academic tutoring as well as recreational opportunities. The Office of the Provost’s TRIO McNair Scholars Program provides structured educational experiences that are designed to motivate, prepare and support undergraduate students in their efforts to pursue PhD and EdD degrees.

Photography courtesy of Michele Lagnese