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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.The University of Pittsburgh’s Institute of Politics will honor three Pennsylvania state officials with the Elsie Hilliard Hillman Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Public Service in a special ceremony at the University Club at 4 p.m. March 12.
Bestowed only three times before, the award recognizes individuals who have dedicated a lifetime of exceptional service to the commonwealth and whose contributions have significantly shaped public policy and governance in Pennsylvania.
It was established in 2012 in honor of Elsie Hilliard Hillman, a longtime civic and political leader known for her bipartisan dedication to public service. Previous recipients include Pitt Chancellor Emeritus Mark Nordenberg, Carnegie Mellon University President Emeritus Jared Cohon and former Gov. Dick Thornburgh.
In his roles as chancellor and Pitt’s Institute of Politics, Nordenberg has personally worked with each recipient. “It has been my good fortune to know each of these barrier-breaking leaders well,” he said. “Each already has built an extraordinary career, and their important contributions are continuing.”
“As director of the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum, I find it a great honor to celebrate the accomplishments of these three awardees and the inspiration they provide to all of our students, especially young women who are seeking to make positive impacts in our society,” Samantha Balbier said. “Pitt’s ‘Elsie’ students are deeply committed to making a difference in the world, and it is a privilege to introduce and connect them to such distinguished leaders like Kim Ward, Debra Todd and Joanna McClinton.”
Pitt community members and the public are invited to attend the event. Registration is required. Visit the Institute of Politics website to learn more and register to attend.
The honorees are:
Joanna McClinton
Now Pennsylvania speaker of the House, Rep. McClinton was first elected in 2015 to serve communities in Philadelphia and Delaware County. During her time in the legislature, she has also served as Democratic caucus chair and House Democratic leader. McClinton is a lifelong resident of southwest Philadelphia and an alumna of LaSalle University and Villanova University’s Charles Widger School of Law.
Prior to her election, McClinton worked as a public defender and chief counsel to Pennsylvania Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams, earning accolades such as being named to City & State PA’s 40 Under 40 list and Politico’s Recast Power List.
Debra Todd
Todd’s legal career began as a litigation attorney with U.S. Steel Corporation before she built a distinguished practice in complex civil litigation. She was elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court in 2000 and to the state Supreme Court in 2007. Todd assumed the role of chief justice in 2022.
Todd earned a BA from Chatham College (now Chatham University), a JD from Pitt’s School of Law and a Master of Laws from the University of Virginia. Her judicial tenure is highlighted by numerous awards and leadership roles in the legal community, including being named USA Today’s Pennsylvania Woman of the Year, receiving distinguished alumni awards from Chatham and Pitt, and earning a distinguished jurist award from the Philadelphia Bar Association in 2024 alone.
Kim Ward
Senator Kim Ward has represented Pennsylvania’s 39th Senatorial District since her election in 2008 and currently serves as President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate. Prior to joining the state Senate, Ward served as a Westmoreland County Commissioner and chaired the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors.
Ward’s legislative record is marked by legislation to strengthen child protection and eliminate all out-of-pocket costs — including co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance — related to essential breast cancer screening tests for high-risk patients.