Lisa Patterson began her collegiate career playing softball and studying education at Edinboro University, then she realized her true passions and transferred to Point Park to study journalism and mass communications. 

She studied and worked for 25 years and finally got her degree in 2006.

Patterson also took part in Point Park’s first ever women’s softball team. She continued her work here and was recently named Coordinator of Student Engagement.

“What has kept me here for the past 11 years is I am just so energized and inspired by our students, faculty, staff, and administration. I really truly believe in the strategic plan of the university and its amazing transformation,” Patterson said.

Patterson is a Pittsburgh native with a passion for Point Park. Previously, she worked at Point Park in both the Physical Plant and Alumni Relations.

Like many first-generation college students, Patterson struggled in her studies at Edinboro. She fought with her duties as a student, electing to snuggle in bed on days when the snow blocked her view of her classes.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, didn’t feel like I was in the right place up there. I was ready to quit school and just go to work somewhere,” Patterson said.

Jerry Convoy, a Point Park student at the time and Patterson’s former coach recognized her potential and reached out. He told her about Point Park and their progress toward forming a softball team.

In 1982, the first ever women’s softball team began and Patterson was captain, catching behind the plate. She became, literally, a pioneer in Point Park softball.

Once her athletic eligibility was used up, Patterson could only afford to go to school part time while working at a shoe store on Fifth Avenue. She landed a job at Allegheny General Hospital in the late ‘80s that allowed her to finish up her core classes at Point Park.

Determined to obtain her degree, Patterson would save up money and then take a single class. She would save again and then take another.

Patterson continued to attribute her successes to those around her.

“All this time I had a faculty member who was always encouraging me, Dave Fabilli,” Patterson said. “He would call or send letters to see if I was coming back to Point Park.” 

Fabilli called in 2004 and informed her about a tuition remission benefit for Point Park employees that would enable her to finish her degree while working.

“And I graduated finally in 2006! And it was the happiest, proudest day of my life,” Patterson said.

As the new Coordinator of Student Engagement, Patterson will be working on a new initiative, the co-curricular student transcripts.

“I think that her enthusiasm will help her to show that you are a most serious student and a well-rounded individual,” said Rose Cipollone, Patterson’s long-time friend and former teammate.

Patterson hopes that her new position will allow students to have as great an experience as she did at Point Park.

“Part of my new job will be to help guide people and to let them know that this is really well worth staying here.” Patterson said. “This is something I don’t think that they will ever regret.”