Images(4)

Award

Object number2023.145.2

Manufacturer Dlubak

Date1986

MediumGlass; Adhesive/Bonding material

Credit LineGift of Ellen Sandidge

DescriptionGlass award in the shape of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Two pieces of colorless glass adhered together. Front and back appear gold or silver in different lights and at different angles; both faces are reflective. Front has gold award text at center.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 5.438 x 9.063 x 0.5 in. (13.8 x 23 x 1.3 cm)
InscriptionsFront has gold text at center "Operation Dig/Careers Inc. / Humanitarian Award June 7, 1986 / PARTNERS IN PROGRESS / Dr. Helen Faison"; the bottom line is enclosed within a rectangle.
MarksReverse has light gold text in the viewer's bottom right corner "Dlubak/86".
Historical NotesOperation Dig Humanitarian Award presented to Dr. Helen Faison. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in education in 1946, Dr. Helen Faison started her professional career as a caseworker due to the lack of opportunities for African American teachers in Pittsburgh Public Schools. Dr. Faison began her teaching career at Fifth Avenue High School in 1950 before becoming the first African American counselor at Westinghouse High School. While at Westinghouse, she was promoted to assistant principal. In 1968, she returned to Fifth Avenue High School to become the first African American woman principal in Pittsburgh. Following a move to higher education, Dr. Faison returned to Pittsburgh Public Schools as the first African American interim superintendent. Previously, she became the highest-ranking woman as deputy superintendent. For her trailblazing work and commitment to students, PPS named an elementary school in her honor in 2005, the Helen S. Faison Arts Academy. The importance of education was instilled in Dr. Faison as a student at Westinghouse High School. In 1942, she received the first Robert L. Vann scholarship to attend the University of Pittsburgh. In her career as an educator, Dr. Helen Faison continued to invest in the next generation of students and educators. In 1966, she became one of the key people involved in founding NEED (Negro Emergency Education Drive) by raising $200.00 for local Black students to attend college. At the university level, she was chair of Chatham University’s Department of Education. At the Pittsburgh Teachers Institute, Dr. Faison served as director. For her work with the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, she became the first fully endowed chair in the department.

Previous owner Dr. Helen S. Faison (1924 - 2015)

Related institution Operation Dig/Careers, Inc.

Related institution Pittsburgh Public Schools

Related institution Fifth Avenue High School

Related institution Westinghouse High School

Related institution Helen S. Faison Arts Academy

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