Introducing the 2026 Community Engaged Scholarship Forum awardees

Each year at the Community Engaged Scholarship Forum (CESF), Pitt elevates and reflects on collective approaches to community-engaged scholarship at the University by providing an opportunity for faculty, staff and community members to present their community-engaged work, discover new avenues of partnership and network with those who do similar work.

The forum also celebrates students, faculty and staff who have significantly impacted their communities.

The March 3 forum, titled "Community-Centered Futures," included a full day of featured speakers and workshops, including keynote speaker Justin Heck, senior director of research and data production at Opportunity@Work, and two panel discussions centering place and space featuring University and community voices.

Winners of annual awards were also announced and honored.

Tracy Soska and John Wilds Outreach and Engagement Leadership Award

Celeste Welsh, director of community engagement for Pitt Athletics, won for her dedication, inspirational leadership and ability to foster meaningful connections between Pitt Athletics and the local community.

CESF Collaboration Champion Award

Tina Ndoh, associate dean for public health practice and associate professor of environmental and occupational health in Pitt's School of Public Health, was honored for her deep commitment to community partnerships and meaningful collaboration rooted in trust-building, healing and a sustained commitment to equity.

Partnerships of Distinction Awards

These awards recognize outstanding partnerships that are exemplars of community engagement. Honorees demonstrate reciprocity, mutual benefit and significant community impact.

The 2025 Partnerships of Distinction awardees are: