Marilyn Hicks, Administrative Assistant
Q: If you were to show someone around Pittsburgh for the
first time, where would you go first and why?
A: We always start in the Strip District, then move to the
South Side. These spots show that Pittsburgh is diverse in culture and that we
keep the old while building new.
Q: What is your favorite past time?
A: So many, but kayaking is one. I have kayaked our three
rivers, the Yough River, Puget Sound, two places in the Caribbean and
the Colorado River and hope to do Europe next year.
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Marilyn
& family in the Rockies
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Q: Do
you support any organizations or specific causes?
A: I
have participated in Race
to Any Place for the past four years. It's sponsored by The
Western PA and West VA Chapter of the The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,
whose mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and
to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. I've known so
many people with cancer, survivors and others not so lucky, and felt this is
one way I can support the cause for the cure. The Race is a 6-hour relay race,
comprised of twenty-four 15 minute heats spinning on a stationary bike.
We always have a blast and raise the money for the cause.
Q: What's your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
A: Undying spirit in the face of adversity. Things change over time, but Pittsburgh people seek to remain the same: forthright, earnest, and honest.
Q: If you were to show someone around Pittsburgh for the first time, where would you go first and why?
A: Carnegie Museum in Oakland because of the dinosaurs, but also because it is situated between Pitt and CMU and offers a good view for visitors.
Q: What is your favorite motto to live by?
A: Don't be afraid, ever.
Q: Your favorite past time?
A: Watching movies that position life in a fake way but that I wish were real. In that regard, Knight and Day is the best film ever.
Q: Your idea of happiness?
A: Never to be rushed by anyone.
Q: Your favorite heroines/heroes in fiction?
A: Mr Ed.
Q: What’s your most treasured possession?
Q: What’s your most treasured possession?
A: 1971 Roberto Clemente signed a ball for name 2 weeks before he died on relief mission to Nicaragua. I will never sell it and want to be buried with it. I would give up my life easily right now to protect that ball because Clemente stood for Latino and Black pride at the same time. He never feared dealing with the race issue and Pittsburgh and the country is better off because of him. Before his heart attack, my dad only missed one day is 46 years at the mill. But he took the day off that Clemente was killed so he could tell me himself. Roberto Clemente will always be the hero I close my ideas to at night. I loved him.
Q: Your chief characteristic?
A: I contextualize.
Q: Thinking of any TV/film character, which might you identify with the most?
A: Hard to say, because I have gone through different periods of life. I liked Ricky Gervais in The Invention of Lying but he’s a little bit wimpy for me in that role. John Stewart is always near the top.
Q: Your heroines/heroes in World history?
A: Phillip of Orange who led the Dutch against Spain in 1609.
Bob McClain: IT Administrator
Q: What's your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
A: My favorite thing about Pittsburgh is its close proximity to the Laurel Highlands. Several times during the summer we like to drive up to the mountains to Ohiopyle for a picnic.
Q: What's your most treasured possession?
A: Well, it used to be my iMac, but now that I'm married I guess I should say that my wife is my most treasured possession.
Q: If money were no option, where would you live and what would your house look like?
A: I'd like to have a log cabin in the mountains where your nearest neighbor is miles away.
Q: What's your favorite past time?
A: Spending a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at Dave & Buster's.
Q: What's your idea of happiness?
A: Refer to my favorite past time.
Rusty Stammer: Senior Research Manager
Q: If you were to show someone around Pittsburgh for the first time, where would you go first and why?
A: Traveling in-bound through the Fort Pitt Tunnel at night. How can you argue with that view?
Q: If money were no object, where would you live?
A: In a log cabin in Alaska
Q: What is your chief characteristic?
A: Hard-working
Q: What is your favorite food and drink?
A: Bratwurst or kielbasa with sauerkraut and a beer
Q: Do you support any organizations or specific causes?
A: I regularly support the Special Olympics by participating in the Deep Creek Dunk. Not only do I get to raise money for a great cause, but I have an awesome time with friends and family in one of my favorite places (Deep Creek, Maryland).
Q: What are your favorite things about Pittsburgh?
A: The opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, friendly neighborhoods, outside dining; parks, bike paths, the proximity to Laurel Highlands.
Q: What's your favorite quote or motto? A: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank
Q: What is your favorite pastime? A: Beach vacation, soaking up the rays, reading a great book, hanging with my family and friends, getting ready for happy hour!
Q: Who is your heroine in real life? A: Golda Meir, Israel's first and the world's third woman to hold office as Prime Minister. Portrayed as the "strong-willed, straight talking, grey-bunned grandmother" of the Jewish people.
Shelley Shaw: Marketing, Social Media and Community Manager
Q: What's your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
A: Coming back after 23 years away, I'd say it's her changing face, the path she's on and the interesting people who have recently made her their home. And the deep connection and passion people feel about their sports teams - it's contagious.
Q: What's your favorite pastime?
A: A Yankees or Lakers home game vs a top rival team, with lots of friends, food, and the noise and the energy of the crowd.
Q: Thinking of any film character, who do you identify with the most?A: Sharon Stone's character in Albert Brooks's The Muse. She gets that inspiration is easy to do - most just need a little listening, support and encouragement to get sold on themselves and go for it. And in the end, the inspired realize it all came from within.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
A: My iPhone - it's the world in my hand.
Q: What is your favorite motto to live by?
A: Better your best.
Natasha Rathbun: Assistant Project Manager
Q: What's your favorite thing about Pittsburgh?
A: The community, the sports and how everyone gets so excited for the games. I wasn't particularly a sports fan until I came to Pittsburgh, now I'm a huge Penguins fan.
Q: If you were to show someone around Pittsburgh for the first time, where would you go first and why?
A: The Cathedral of Learning on Pitt's campus. I love the interior and the architecture of the building - it's like being transported back in time. Also, if you go to the top, you have a 360-degree view of the city.
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Sitting on a lake or river with a book in the shade, with a view of the mountains - feeling completely at peace with no one around.
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A: Sitting on a lake or river with a book in the shade, with a view of the mountains - feeling completely at peace with no one around.
A: Organization - I'm a list writer. And when I get to check something off of my list, that's what gives me great pleasure.
Q: What is your most treasured possession?
A: A genie lamp from Saudi Arabia - I got it after my 13th birthday (my Bat Mitzvah) when my guests and I sent toiletries to soldiers overseas. I received this lamp in return with a heartfelt, handwritten thank you card.
