YSU staff member is recipient of Distinguished Service Award

Photo

Pokrivnak

YOUNGSTOWN

Cathy Lou Pokrivnak of Boardman received a Distinguished Services Award in the presence of family members and special guests during a buffet dinner and awards ceremony May 6 at the Chestnut Room in Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University. Cynthia Anderson, YSU president, was the presenter.

Pokrivnak, an administrative assistant 2 at YSU, who was recognized for her service above and beyond her regular duties, was nominated for the award by co-workers, YSU students, members of the Office of Human Resources, and her grandson, B.J. Schmitt, who all wrote letters on her behalf.

Pokrivnak began her career at YSU in April of 1984 and is responsible for graduation and transcripts for the YSU Records Office in Jones Hall.

A 2010 Athena Award nominee, Pokrivnak, who advocates tirelessly on behalf of children with special needs, is president of the Youngstown Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association, chairwoman of ABWA Council for the Tri-County Area, chairwoman of the Missions Committee at her church and a trustee on a local condo board.

She has been married for 26 years to John Pokrivnak, and they have four children, Steve Baytos IV of Elyria; Susan (Ed) Carosella of Salem; David Pokrivnak of Youngstown; and a foster son, Andrew Peterson of Elyria. Their grandchildren are Stephen V. and Sydney Baytos of Elyria, B.J. Schmitt, Morgan Baytos, and Blake and Caine Carosella, all of Salem. Emily M. Baytos, a granddaughter, is deceased.