Passionate About P.R.

Julie (Costello) Hendry ’08 truly enjoys her job. And she’s not afraid to say it.

“I can honestly say I love it, and I wake up happy every day to go work,” says Julie, who majored in communications at Robert Morris University and now works as a public relations specialist for Direct Energy in downtown Pittsburgh.

“I have a strong passion for P.R., and it all started with my first class at RMU.”

That class was Survey of Mass Communication with Prof. Michelle Rees Edwards, Ph.D., and it covered a lot of aspects of mass communication, including public relations. “I’m the kind of person that likes to do and learn new things, and P.R. is perfect for that,” says Julie. “As soon as I started learning about it, I knew right away that it was the field I wanted to pursue.”

Upon graduating from Robert Morris in 2008, Julie started as an assistant account executive at Red House Communications, a small ad agency in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood. After that she worked for two years for Education Management Corporation as an academic counselor, before starting with Direct Energy in September 2011.

One of the things Julie likes best about her job is the variety. “It’s always changing, and no two days are ever the same,” she says. “One day you can be planting trees as part of a volunteer event; the next you could be wearing a ball gown and attending a formal gala.”

Her favorite part of the job is spearheading Direct Energy’s Volunteer Citizen of the Year award programs, which are designed to recognize the significant efforts of individuals whose contributions make their communities a better place to live. She has also launched the program in Cleveland, Pittsburgh and, most recently, in Harrisburg. In June, she will be heading to New York City for the 2012 American Business Awards, where she hopes to bring home a “Stevie Award” for her company.

Regarding her career, Julie doesn’t have any definitive long-term goals, but she does know that she’ll always be in public relations. “I’m hoping to grow within my current position,” she says, “and I am always looking for ways to expand my knowledge and obtain skills to make me better at my job.”

Currently she is in her last semester at Point Park University, where she hopes to earn her master’s degree in journalism this upcoming August. Dr. Edwards even wrote her a recommendation for her application. “I am very thankful for that,” she says.

“I am so proud to be an alum. I don’t know where I’d be had I not chosen RMU for my undergraduate degree.”

Living Her Dreams – A Father’s Legacy

Debra with RMU President Gregory Dell’Omo at the Graduate Dinner on May 3

At a time when other people are weighing their retirement options, Debra Borkovich, D.Sc. ’12 is starting a new career.

A government contracts compliance manager for GE Energy in Pittsburgh, Debra recently earned her Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree in Information Systems and Communications, specializing in cultural and corporate anthropology. It’s through this new degree that she hopes to launch a whole new career in higher education.

“I am eternally curious and love learning,” says Debra, who is also a part-time faculty member in RMU’s Department of Organizational Leadership, where she taught global and multi-cultural prospectives over the past year. ”I was thrilled when Dr. Dan Rota recruited me, and I was grateful to be accepted into the doctoral program by Dr. Fred Kohun and his committee. I have always been interested in multi-disciplinary studies and this program was the perfect forum for my continued education.”

Debra earned a bachelor’s degree music and education from Duquesne University. She also holds a master in music degree from Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. Prior to her current role with GE Energy, she sang soprano for 10 years with the opera companies of Pittsburgh, Santa Fe, Chautauqua, Youngstown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Reading, and Cleveland. ”Classical music is definitely one of my passions,” she says. “But it’s just one. I have always appreciated a variety of challenges, including business and academic pursuits, as well.”

Debra says the D.Sc. in Information Systems and Communications program embraces inter-disciplinary people like herself. ”It helps people like me achieve our dreams,” she says. “My father and mother always encouraged me to do what you love, so that’s what I’m doing.”

And when it comes to living one’s dream, Debra’s father certainly knew what he was talking about. 

Born in 1925 in Penn Hills, Andrew Borkovich ’48 developed a love of golf at a young age. At just 12 years old in 1937, he won the Alcoma Country Club (Penn Hills, Pa.) Caddy Champion Tournament. That one victory lit the fuse for what would become a lifelong passion for the game.

After serving as a bomber pilot for the United States Army Air Corps from 1944-1945, Borkovich enrolled in the Robert Morris School of Business (the future Robert Morris University) through the G.I. Bill., where he earned a degree in accountancy in just three years.

While continuing to hone his golf game, Borkovich worked as the assistant golf pro at the Alcoma Country Club from 1949-1954. He then went on to serve as head golf pro at Brackenridge Heights Country Club in Natrona Heights for 29 years, before becoming the head pro for River Forest Country Club, Freeport.

Debra says that her father’s education benefitted him pro shop manager. ”A lot of people don’t know this, but the pros had to set-up and run their own shops,” she says. “Whenever people would say something to my dad about not getting to use his degree, he was always quick to point out how Robert Morris taught him how to keep the books and run a business.”

While still working as a pro shop manager, Borkovich was able to earn his pro card and competed in various regional and national tournaments. His Tri-State PGA Tournament wins include the 1964 and 1970 West Penn Open, the 1964 and 1969 Tri-State PGA, and the 1966 Tri-State Match Play. In 1966, 1967, 1969, and 1970, Borkovich received the “Willie McKay Memorial Trophy” for being the all-around low-pro annual winner. He also qualified for and competed in the 1951 U.S. Open (Oakland Hills C.C., Mich.), the 1961 National PGA (Olympic Fields G.C., Chicago, Ill.), the 1965 National PGA (Laurel Valley G.C., Pa.), the 1965 U.S. Open (Olympic G.C., San Francisco, Calif.), the 1966 National PGA (Columbine G.C., Colo.), the 1969 U.S. Open (Champions G.C., Houston, Texas), and the 1970 U.S. Open (Hazeltine G.C., Chaska, Minn.). Later in his career, he competed in the 1982, 1983, and 1984 Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) National PGA Senior Tournaments (now known as the Champions Tour).

Andy (right) with Arnold Palmer in 1965

Borkovich also held many local country-club records during his life and became known for his monster drives of up to 340 yards. He even developed a friendship with Latrobe native and golfing legend Arnold Palmer, who, in his first book, Going for Broke, actually touted Borkovich’s ability to hit the long ball.

Andy also received various awards and recognitions for his contributions to the game, including the 1967 Dapper Dan Award for Achievement in Golf, the 1975 Dapper Dan Award for Outstanding Contributions in Golf, and the1974 Tri-State PGA Professional of the Year Award. He was also inducted into the Alle-Kiski Sports Hall of Fame (1977), the Penn Hills Sports Hall of Fame (1993), and the Western PA 100 Years in Golf Hall of Fame (1998).

Although her father passed away in 1987 at the age of 62, Debra says that both he and her mother continue to inspire her in every new challenge she takes on. ”I’ll always be thankful to both of my parents for their unending inspiration and support by encouraging me to follow my dreams. My mother, Jean, was a local big-band singer, too, but gave up her career to become a wife and mother. My father lived his life by following his dream to play golf, compete, and teach others. I hope to continue to do the same by following my own special path, wherever it may lead.”

Written by Valentine J. Brkich

Changing Lives 7,000 Miles from Home

Alec with members of the Afghan National Army

Sgt. Alec Chebatoris appreciates how Robert Morris University understands the needs of military personnel.

A trained combat engineer in the Army Reserve, Alec is currently leading a team that’s in charge of training the Afghan National Army (ANA) on route clearance. But his long journey to Afghanistan began back when he was at RMU.

When he was a freshman, his company was sent away for two weeks for training. When he got back to Robert Morris, Alec’s biology professor let him postpone taking a test until he had time to catch up on homework. Then there was the extra effort that RMU’s veterans office put in to make sure he got his full GI Bill reimbursement for his classes.

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Success by Design

For Scot Rutledge ’09, a typical day on the job is like something out of AMC’s hit show “The Pitch.”

“We generate ideas, create the campaigns and graphics, and push the lines of creativity,” he says. “I work with some of the most talented and driven people.”

A graduate of Robert Morris University’s graphic design program, Scot now works as a graphic specialist for the Community College of Beaver County. “RMU completely prepared me for this position,” he says.

The most valuable skill Scot acquired at RMU is the ability to be creative under pressure. “I was a fulltime student, active in Colonial Theatre, and worked part time, too. Stress was just something I learned to deal with.”

SEE HOW SCOT IS AUGMENTING REALITY AT CCBC

One of his best experiences at RMU was when he joined Media Arts Department Head Jon Radermacher and some fellow classmates to the Graphic Arts Association awards in Philadelphia. “I ended up with a Franklin Award for one of my design projects,” he says. “But the best part of the trip was we were the only university that got accepted. It was a handful of RMU seniors in a room packed with design professionals.”

Prior to his current role with CCBC, Scot worked as a graphic designer and marketing coordinator for the Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley. He was also a designer, manager and actor for Mystery’s Most Wanted, a Pittsburgh-based murder-mystery improv company. He’s also been working as a freelance designer for five years.

Scot met his wife, Samantha (Bynum) Rutledge ’09, back at RMU when they were both in Colonial Theatre. Samantha graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communications, and now works for Tetra Tech in Green Tree. The two of them recently became first-time homeowners in Hopewell Township, Beaver County.

One of the best things Scot likes about his job is that new doors are always opening for him. “I look forward to new challenges with the always-changing technological landscape,” he says. “I hope to remain here for a few years and possibly obtain my master’s in marketing before making the move to an art director position. But as I gain new skills and develop new connections, I am keeping options open.”

Written by Valentine J. Brkich

Robert Morris in the Civil War?

We knew he was a Founding Father, but who knew Robert Morris was in the Civil War, too?

In this photo of the Lower Wharf at Yorktown, May 1862, the steamer Robert Morris readies to embark, following the battle and subsequent evacuation of Yorktown.

Source: Library of Congress 

Where Are They Now? — Marques Dexter ’07

Marques Dexter ’07 has always been on the fast-track for success, so to speak.

As one of the featured students in Robert Morris University’s Faces of Success marketing campaign in 2006, he got to show off his distinctive “fire-engine red track shoes.” And it was in those signature sneakers that Marques found success as a long- and triple-jumper on RMU’s track and field team.

A transfer student originally from Philadelphia, Marques earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from RMU with a concentration in sport management. In his senior year he received the university’s Signature Leadership award for his commitment to excellence, both in the classroom and the local community.

Upon graduation, Marques moved to Myrtle Beach, S.C., to become the director of activities at Sands Resorts, running their Sands Kids Club and Littl’ Kids Evening Childcare programs.

That August he enrolled at the University of Georgia (UGA), where he earned a master’s degree in kinesiology, with a specialization in sport management and policy analysis. While there, he served as a volunteer coach and program coordinator with the UGA men’s and women’s track and field programs.

“It was a great experience for me,” he says. “At UGA, I was able to get my start in coaching, which I discovered I had a true passion for.”

Currently Marques is in his third season as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the track and field team at the State University of New York College at Cortland, also known as SUNY Cortland. A two-time nominee for the USTFCCCA Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the Year, he has coached a national competitor at every indoor and outdoor national championship meet for NCAA D-III track and field, as well as several SUNAC Conference and ECAC champions.

Marques also serves as an instructor in SUNY Cortland’s physical education department, an adjunct instructor for the sport management department, an academic advisor for physical education, and an advisor to the Caribbean Student Association. “With the number of opportunities I had to become involved in student government and various student organizations at Robert Morris, having to lecture and coach college-aged students is a breeze,” he says.

He is also an active member of the university’s Student Success Coalition, a group of faculty and staff members focused on addressing retention and success of all students on the campus.

“Transferring to RMU and pursuing my degree in sport management was one of the best decisions I have made so far in my life,” adds Marques. “I graduated with all the tools I needed to become an effective leader. I truly feel I would not have been able to achieve the level of success I have at such a young age, had I gone to any other school.”

Written by Valentine J. Brkich

A Global Perspective

Volstad (left) with CMU Qatar students (center) and director of admissions (right)

He grew up in South America, has worked in places like Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi (U.A.E.), and Egypt, and has even spent time in Nepal and Russia. But it’s Pittsburgh that Bruce Volstad ’92 calls home. 

Volstad, a graduate of Robert Morris University’s sport management program, recently completed a term as manager of pre-college programs for Carnegie Mellon University Qatar (CMUQ). Beginning in November of 2008 and up until this past December, he oversaw all outreach programs directed at secondary school students from Qatar and the region, as well as some programs directed at secondary school teachers from Qatar.

“This has been a totally different and incredible experience,” says Volstad. “My worldview has been turned upside down over the last three years. It has been quite an adventure.”

Volstad first heard about the Carnegie Mellon opportunity from a good friend who had moved to Qatar and was working for CMUQ as its director of marketing and public relations. “They were looking for someone with event management and program development experience, and I had plenty of both…so the fit was there.”

It was difficult moving his family half-way around the world to a place that is “about as different from the U.S. as one could get.” But Volstad says the risk was well worth it. “I loved the cross-cultural, international experience,” he says. “We were able to give our kids an international experience that they will hopefully never forget. They will always be able to say that they lived in that part of the world during the historic ‘Arab Spring’.”

Steelers Country has no borders

The country of Qatar has a population of 1.6 million, only 250,000 of which are Qatari. There are 40 nationalities represented in the CMUQ student body, and just in Volstad’s department alone there was one American, one Palestinian, one Pakistani, one Somalian, and one Filipino.

Volstad says it was exciting to work in such a diverse, international, and cross-cultural setting. “The biggest challenge for most expats that live and work there is adjusting to life in Qatar. It’s a country no bigger than Connecticut, living under Sharia Law, but as modern and wealthy as they come.”

As a non-traditional student at Robert Morris, Volstad, who was named the Outstanding Sport Management major for the 1990-91 academic year, says his RMU experience was different than most students. “I was focused on my studies and at times held up to four part-time jobs to make ends meet.” He also served as a team assistant for the men’s soccer team during the 1989-1991 seasons.

Today, he and his wife, Amy, live on Pittsburgh’s North Side with their three sons, ages 10, 7, and 5.

Although his industry experience certainly prepped him for this international opportunity, Volstad is quick to give credit to Robert Morris for providing the foundation for his success. “All of this was built on the lessons I learned RMU—lessons about the value of hard work, perseverance, attention to detail, thinking outside the box, and risk taking, just to name a few.”

Written by Valentine J. Brkich