2 Pitt people were honored by the Northeast Regional Honors Council

A staff member and a student in Pitt’s David C. Frederick Honors College were each honored by the Northeast Regional Honors Council (NRHC) during its annual conference March 27-30.

Lauren DelSignore, director of dean’s executive operations, was awarded the Honors Professional of the Year Award for her continued dedication to honors education and service to the Frederick Honors College community. She has served in her role for almost three years, facilitating strategic growth plans and ensuring organizational goals are met.

DelSignore works closely with Dean Nicola Foote, who nominated her for this award.

“This is an extraordinarily well-deserved recognition. Lauren has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the Frederick Honors College,” Foote said. “Through this award, her incredible hard work and commitment to the FHC is being celebrated on a national stage. I am beyond thrilled to see her work acclaimed in this way.”

DelSignore received her master’s in higher education management in 2017. She has been with Frederick Honors College since 2014 — seven years before David C. Frederick’s naming gift.

Simon Wang, a Pitt senior who’s pursuing a degree in economics as well as the Frederick Honors College’s Bachelor of Philosophy in psychology, was named NRHC Student of the Year for his academic excellence and impact on Pitt’s honors program.

Wang’s recognition comes due to his extraordinary success across a range of fields, including his research in childhood adversity and wealth building, which was published in the journal PLOS One. His was also recognized for leadership in civic engagement, notably his work in founding the Pittsburgh Public Policy Initiative, a student-run think tank focused on research, policy and advocacy. Earlier this year, he won a student leadership award from Campus Compact.

Dean Foote nominated Wang for this award because of these extraordinary accomplishments.

“I am so thrilled that Simon has received this recognition as NRHC’s Student of the Year,” she said. “His BPhil scholarship is original and groundbreaking, and he has shown incredible commitment to civic engagement. His work exemplifies an approach to leadership that centers on creating opportunities for others.

“By institutionalizing pathways for other students to become involved in community engagement and civic work, Simon will have an impact on the life of the Frederick Honors College and Pitt for decades to come. I couldn’t be more proud of him and am delighted to see him recognized by our regional honors association.”