Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! Below you'll find our most recent Alumni Spotlight interview.
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Alumni Spotlight: Candace Ross '93
Candace Ross graduated from Pitt-Greensburg with a BS in psychology.
What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?
I was already in my 20's when I enrolled, and had a budding career in radio, but it was cut short
by the diagnosis of a serious illness at 19. That experience shaped my desire to lead a life of
service to others. Pitt-Greensburg was close to me, and I enrolled in 1989.
Were you a commuter or a resident?
Commuter
What activities were you involved with as a student?
I was not involved in any activities outside of academics, but I made lasting friendships.
Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?
I had a few that I still think of, as they imparted such wisdom: Dr. Diane Marsh, Judith Vollmer, Dr. Daniel Milburg, and Dr. Donald Gibson. I was grateful to see Dr. Marsh and Ms. Vollmer at an event in 2012 and told them how much I still carried their words with me. Dr. Milburg talked to me about choosing a masters in social work as a way to achieve my goal of being a licensed
therapist. I am grateful for all of them.
Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?
I had so many, but the one that really taught me to think critically and has helped me in my career and in life, was the class I feared the most -- Psychological Statistics. As a program director, this information really helped me to look at trends and understand the meaning of numbers as applied to mental health outcomes.
What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?
I was a very serious student, so I remember the intellectual stimulation from the classes that I took. I truly learned how to think critically during those years.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I went on to obtain a Masters in Social Work at Pitt (1995) and have been working steadily in the mental health field since 1995, obtaining both my LSW and LCSW. I have worked in every level of care as a direct provider and in management. I am currently providing virtual care for a clinic in California as I have my LCSW in several states.
How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?
The ability to think critically and to build relationships with my advisor and professors led me to advance and earn my master's degree.
As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?
I have not been involved in Alumni Relations but I and would like to learn more about how to get involved in some way.
What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
Stay focused no matter what is happening in your personal life. The time and commitment you devote to your studies will support your career choices.
For fun:
What is your favorite food? Indian cuisine
List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.
- I wrote/published a book about the rare illness I had as a young adult. My time at Pitt-Greensburg is discussed in the book.
- I had my FCC license and was working in radio from age 18-20.
- I have been involved in dachshund rescue for 36 years.