Brian Manning attended Pitt-Greensburg from which he graduated in 1996 with a BA in political science.
What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?
I was a transfer from another school. When I first visited Pitt-Greensburg, I fell in love with the campus and the setting. At the time, I had a girlfriend who was going to the Oakland campus so Pitt-Greensburg was closer to her than eastern Pennsylvania. This girlfriend is my wife of 25 years. So, moving to Pitt-Greensburg was a good decision!
Were you a commuter or a resident?
Resident
What activities were you involved with as a student?
I was involved right from the start as I participated in many of the intramural sports. I quickly became a “student” athletic director under former Athletic Director Dan Swalga. I helped manage the intramural programs by assigning officials, tracking standings, monitoring games, and creating game summaries for our University newspaper/bulletin. As Athletics started to take a turn towards more formal programs, I was an initial member of the first four-year basketball and baseball teams. Considered club teams at the time, we had full schedules with other DIII opponents, and I enjoyed my experiences being on the teams, even though I was an average athlete. I also was a proud member of the Student Government Association (SGA), as well as, held the executive positions of secretary, vice president, and president.
Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?
Dr. Kerry Manning -- obviously because of the name. He was no relation; however, Dr. Manning always referred to me as a long-lost cousin. Dr. Manning's teaching style was a perfect marriage to my learning style. I had not seen Dr. Manning since 1996, but in the fall of 2021, I participated in the annual Pitt-Greensburg Golf Outing and had the chance to catch up with him. Another favorite was Dan Swalga. He had a tremendous impact on me, and I used all the experience which he provided me through the Athletics program to eventually own and run my own youth basketball league after I graduated college. Dan was a great mentor, and I can recall many conversations with him, as he tried to influence me on many decisions.
Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?
Well, American History with Dr. Kerry Manning. First, you have to be interested in this type of topic, but Dr. Manning's passion and knowledge around the topic drove me to enjoy the class a lot more. I just enjoyed his wealth of knowledge, and when I visit historical American landmarks, I often think of his conversations around that topic - so very impactful.
What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?
I remember my friends. Although I am not as close to some of them today as I was in school, I still remain in contact with them, and those relationships are lifelong. Returning to campus and the area as well as attending the annual golf outing have allowed me to reconnect with some of those friends. Some of my best friends and relationships were made at Pitt-Greensburg. I included many of those friends in my wedding party, and some are friends with whom I stay in contact very regularly.
I also remember being selected as a national Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. I credit Pitt-Greensburg and my involvement with the campus for this distinction. I also was selected as “Sportsman of the Year” in 1993, which was a great honor among my peers, classmates, teachers, and administrative support. It’s something I am proud of today.
What have you been up to since graduation?
My graduation at Pitt-Greensburg came with some unexpected consequences to start. I had every intention of following a different path upon graduating. Unfortunately, my life took a turn as I lost my Dad following graduation. So, my path of becoming a teacher was sidetracked. After a short time, I started my first job out of college working in the HR industry, learning the many ins and outs of supporting people. During my first few years out of school, I enjoyed many experiences in the HR world. It wasn't until 2001, that I found my current home and career path. I started working as an HR Business Partner at QVC and have been there ever since. During my first 19 years at QVC, I worked in variety of HR roles, including HR Partner and Employee Engagement and Employee Relations, which were both in our fulfillment center, as well as our corporate location. I also worked many of those years as a senior manager of teams, which gave me great experience. During the initial start of COVID in 2020, I decided to change careers and work in a different field within QVC. For approximately three years, I led the Corporate Real Estate and Workplace Services division in our corporate location (Studio Park, in West Chester, PA). I recently left QVC and decided to return to the Huma Resources world, with a new company, Teva Pharmaceuticals. I am currently the Senior Employee Relations Manager, supporting North America. My years at Pitt-Greensburg combined with my years of service and leadership outside of work have allowed me to be successful in multiple roles over my career.
On a personal note, I married my high school sweetheart, Sherri Manning, a fellow Pitt grad. Many people might not know about our story of losing a son to a terminal illness or about the other chapters that are associated with my life. My wife and I have four children. Dylan, who would turn 22 on November 22, 2023. We lost him at 4 ½ years of age to the affliction called Tay-Sachs Disease. We also have Brady, who attends college and plays golf competitively at Millersville University. Our third son is Devin, who is in ninth grade and enjoys playing football, baseball, and golf. Our last chapter was an unexpected one as we adopted a little girl 2018, when she was 2 years of age. Maria, who we affectionately call Mia, is now 7 years of age and attends first grade. She has brought so much joy to our family and taught us the true meaning of being selfless. As a family, we work tirelessly honoring the legacy of our son and brother, who lost his life so early. We focus on the positive, bring kindness to this world, and help all those who need encouragement and support in their lives.
How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?
For me, everything on- and off-campus helped me prepare for life. Being on my own was an initial start to my life, but working, going to class, enjoying friendships. and having a place of my own (apartment off-campus with friends) prepared me for life after college. The degree I received was a great accomplishment, and one I am very proud to have.
Additionally, my time in holding leadership positions in Pitt’s Student Government Association, as well as in Athletics, helped drive me towards other leadership roles in life. I recently served an eight-year term as board member, vice-president, president and past-president of a board for National Tay-Sachs and Allied Diseases. Some of this calling to serve was related to losing our first-born child Dylan to Tay-Sachs Disease. The experience of losing a child is something horrific; however, my wife and I have turned our lives into servicing others who struggle with similar paths. I do credit Pitt-Greensburg for helping steer me down the path of service.
As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?
I always love to follow the newsletter -- to see what is going on throughout the campus today. I have been back numerous times to just visit, and I can remember the days when I was there. There are so many additions to the campus, but the core still remains. I have attended the golf outing numerous times and am a current member of the golf outing committee. Giving back means so much. We have also attended a few baseball and basketball games in our visits to campus. I look forward to continuing to support campus in the same ways in the near future!
What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
Live life to the fullest; make each day count. I know this is a very generic, daily term that people use, but it is the truth. Live in your moments today at Pitt-Greensburg because it goes very fast, but live in your moments of tomorrow. I remember my days at Pitt-Greensburg like it was yesterday and treasure those moments, but I also look to each day as something new, trying to help the next person in line as much as I can. Be kind to that next person -- it will get you far in life.
For fun:
What is your favorite food? Lasagna. I am a pasta guy through and through. Can't go wrong with an Italian pasta dish. Spaghetti Warehouse in Pittsburgh still remains one of my favorite restaurants.
List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.
- We host an Annual Golf Outing for our son that is called the Drive FORE Dylan. It is held every year in June, and we hosted our 20th annual outing on June 30, 2023. It is an exciting event for a great cause! We look forward to our 21st Annual Outing, already scheduled for June 14, 2024!
- Many people do not know that I had a great opportunity to coach NFL quarterback, Matt Ryan, in basketball, when he was in 7th and 8th grade. My son, Devin, plays football with his nephew. We are still close to the Ryan family.
- As part of my son's diagnosis of Tay-Sachs and journey through this difficult disease, my wife and I adopted a slogan of “Just Believe,” which we hold close to our hearts today, as well as spread throughout our many kindness campaigns. We designed a silicone bracelet with the words “JUSTBELIEVE” in 2003, which to our knowledge became the second most popular silicone bracelet next to Lance Armstrong’s LIVE STRONG bracelets. We sold them as part of our cause and still hand out bracelets today to honor our son and his legacy.