Patti Steranchak Wins Andy Award for Spirit
Patti Steranchak has made improving and promoting the Department of Engineering and Public Policy her life’s ambition, and colleagues say her spirit shines brightly in the hearts of former affiliates, alumni, faculty, staff and students.
She has helped to develop rising professors, encouraged many College of Engineering graduates through their academic careers, and has mentored staff members through the ranks and across the university.
“Patti has created an environment within EPP where all students and staff feel respected and included,” said professors Granger Morgan and Doug Sicker in their nomination letter. “With no doubt, this has helped EPP become one of the most diverse and inclusive departments within the College of Engineering.”
In addition to being competent, careful and meticulous in her work, Morgan and Sicker said she anticipates what could go wrong or require follow-up thereby heading off potential problems.
She’s also played a critical role in creating and sustaining the tone of the work environment across the department into a “friendly, collaborative environment in which most everyone is prepared to pitch in when there is something urgent that needs to be done, and in which everyone respects each other as a friends,” Morgan and Sicker said.
Adam Loucks, an administrative coordinator, said, “Her legacy at Carnegie Mellon has been well established for years, but Patti is ever looking forward, ever looking to put a little more shine on her work, and ever looking to guide a fresh-faced student to greatness.”