Published: January 14, 2008 11:22 pm            

UPJ, alumni join in effort to keep graduates here

Pitt-Johnstown alumni hope to blend together past and current students of their alma mater with various aspects of the community to create a more prosperous life for everyone.

They also are hoping to reverse the trend of people moving elsewhere to work while attracting new residents.

About 35 people, mainly UPJ alumni, attended the first meeting of an initiative called AIM@Johnstown, held Monday night at the university’s Living-Learning Center.

Joining the alumni in sponsoring the program was Johnstown Area Regional Industries (JARI) and its Greater Johnstown Keystone Innovation Zone.

Bob Shark, vice president of procurement and technology for JARI, said the program was started to combine the resources of the university and community for the benefit of both.

He said they are using the alumni as a starting point but are hoping to attract other supporters.

One way an alumnus can help, for example, is – if he owns a business – he could provide an internship for a student.

Shark said students serving as interns can be a boost to businesses by bringing fresh ideas to the workplace.

The students also would benefit by gaining work experience, he said.

Students also can work on school projects that would help businesses solve problems while they earn credits toward graduation.

Jacob Koestler, Laura McAllister and Mike Miller, directors of 709 Railroad St., a nonprofit arts and music center that will open soon in Johnstown, told the crowd that having various opportunities in a community for people to have fun and to grow gives people a reason to stay in a town.

Mary Krestar, a 1995 UPJ grad, said after the meeting that UPJ and the business community have much to offer. She is looking forward to positive effects from the program.

Gladys Go, a 1992 graduate of UPJ, said the program will give graduates a chance to give back to the university and community.

Dom Cannizzaro, a 1994 graduate of UPJ who along with his brother Carmine, own Pitt Bull Secure Securities, in Richland Township, said the internship program will prepare students for the workplace and the contributions of students will benefit businesses.

Shark, a 1979 UPJ graduate, said UPJ President Jem Spectar is pleased that the alumni is getting more involved at the campus.

        

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