Point Park University Public Administration Program

Dr. Robbins was a great influence on countless students at Point Park University.

Almost eight months ago, Brent Robbins appeared before a standing-room-only crowd at Point Park University to deliver what is colloquially known as a last lecture. The topic: “The End is the Beginning: An Existential Perspective on Suffering and Death.”

The setting was academic, but the subject wasn’t: Robbins was dying. Eleven months before, he had received a diagnosis of stage IV pancreatic cancer.

Robbins’ scholarly work centered on humanistic psychology, with a particular focus on the dying process. And he decided to die publicly, as one last existential project.

“I’m an existentialist — my whole life has been death,” he said in that lecture in September.

Robbins died April 28 of pancreatic cancer at age 55.

Read more at the link in the comments.

Congratulations to all of the Point Park University Spring Graduates!

CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS: SMALL NONPROFIT STUDY (ALLEGHENY COUNTY)

Doctoral candidate Kelly Wilding is recruiting participants for a research study at Point Park University on long-term volunteer experiences in small nonprofit organizations in Allegheny County.
She is looking for:
• Long-term volunteers (2+ years with the same small nonprofit organization)
• Volunteers who informally oversee or coordinate long-term volunteers at a small nonprofit
Small nonprofits are defined as 501(c)(3) organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 and do not have a paid volunteer manager.

The study explores how volunteer expectations, roles, and relationships are understood and developed over time in small nonprofit settings.
Participation involves a confidential semi-structured interview lasting approximately one hour. There are no costs or incentives for participation, and involvement is completely voluntary. Your participation may contribute to a deeper understanding of how volunteers experience and sustain engagement in small nonprofit organizations.

If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Kelly at [email protected].

Congratulations Chief!

The Midland Fire Department would like to welcome Jeff Tomovcsik as our new Deputy Chief. Chief Tomovcsik comes to us from the City of McKeesport, PA, where he served as their Fire Chief for the past 10 and a half years.

Tomovcsik began his fire service career as a volunteer at the age of eighteen. He became an EMT early on and worked EMS for a number of years before getting hired to McKeesport's Fire Department.

In addition to running calls and building a family with his wife Rebecca, Tomovcsik furthered his education and earned a Master's Degree in Leadership from Grand Canyon University, and is also credentialed Chief Fire Officer (CFO) program through the Center for Public Safety Excellence. He comes to us with those, plus a National Registry EMT-Basic License.

Chief Tomovcsik's primary role and responsibility at the Midland Fire Department is to assist Chief Mosher with the day-to-day operations of the Department and contribute to the development of policies and procedures. He will be focusing on the safety and well-being of both the firefighters and residents of the City of Midland. It is also important to him to learn the legacy of the department and to help carry traditions forward while working to provide the best level of service to the residents of Midland.

Welcome, Chief Tomovcsik!

A great honor for a great chief (and PADM alum) Scott Garing! Congratulations!

Merry Christmas to all!

Wishing our Point Park community a joyful holiday season and an inspired year ahead! ❄️

Congratulations to PADM alum Chief Jeff Tomovcsik on his retirement from the McKeesport Fire Department as he moves to his new position as Deputy Chief of the Midland, MI FD.

Visiting the EMS students today at CCAC Boyce Campus

Retired School of Business Professor Jeff Carper was an outstanding teacher. He was always very supportive of the PADM program. Rest easy, Jeff.

In Tribute to Jeffrey Carper | The Michael J. Fox Foundation Jeff fought early onset Parkinson’s disease with ceaseless grit and determination since roughly 1987. When he died, he had spent half of his life with this cruel disease. And yet, he refused to allow PD to define him. In that spirit, Jeff continues to fight Parkinson’s by donating his brain to t...

Please join us in thanking West Deer VFC #3 Chief Josh Wiegand who recently joined two of Dr. Mann's classes to encourage students to consider serving their community as first responders. Chief Wiegand spoke extensively about his background and experiences while tying them into the many pathways students may pursue as volunteers and professionals in the emergency response field.