University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Penny Semaia Named Career and Life Skills Coordinator for Student Athletes
9/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | General
Sept. 28, 2005
PITTSBURGH -
Former Pitt football student-athlete Penny Semaia has been hired to fill the newly appointed position of Career and Life Skills Coordinator for Student Athletes in the university's Athletic Department. Semaia was a four-time letterwinner on the offensive and defensive line for the Panthers from 2000-03 and recently returned to the sidelines as a reporter for the Pitt Football Radio Network. In his new position, Semaia will assist student athletes and alumni with career planning and coordinate the Panther Game Plan Life Skills program. His duties will include assisting with internships, job searching strategies, coordinating workshops and programs, developing job search resources and establishing contacts with employers and faculty. He will also work closely with Donna Sanft, Pitt's Senior Associate Athletic Director, in continuing to build the University's Panther Game Plan Life Skills programs in personal development, community service and leadership. "As a student athlete, Penny was a leader, a great relationship builder, and positive representative of the University," Sanft said. "He brings the same passion, energy, charisma, integrity and warmth that enabled him to be a successful undergraduate student to his professional endeavors. As a young man who sought out diverse challenges and experiences and stood up to act as a leader among his peers as an undergraduate, Penny is a perfect fit to lead our Panther Game Plan Life Skills program." Semaia graduated from Pitt in 2003 with a degree in anthropology, with related areas in sociology and theater. During his undergraduate years, he was a leader throughout many campus activities. Semaia was on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for three years, serving as secretary, vice-president and president during his tenure. He also served as the secretary of the Asian Student Association, and as a member of the Black Action Society. A Freshman Peer Counselor for three years, Semaia was even elected Homecoming King. On the gridiron, Semaia led the Panthers to bowl games in each of his four active seasons, including the Insight.com Bowl in 2000, the Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl in 2001, the Insight Bowl in 2002 and the Continental Tire Bowl in 2003. It was the Panthers' best postseason stretch since going to nine straight bowls from 1975-83. He began his Pitt career at offensive guard in 1999, before moving to the defensive line for spring drills in 2000. Semaia was switched back to the offensive line prior to his junior season and played a vital role in 2002 and 2003. Semaia joins the Athletic Department from the Office of Admission and Financial Aid, where he served as the Coordinator of the Freshman Peer Counselor program, as well as a financial aid advisor, admission counselor and PittStart Parent coordinator. In August, he joined Bill Hillgrove and Bill Fralic on the air during all Panther football radio broadcasts.
