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Kathryn Patterson ’15: Career path leads to “30 Under 30” award

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Posted on Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Westminster College’s curriculum is founded on the liberal arts tradition, requiring students to take courses outside of their chosen majors to experience interdisciplinary learning. History and political science alumna Kathryn Patterson ’15 is appreciating the strength of such an education—not only is Patterson currently working in the health care industry, but winning awards for her efforts, too.

The Pittsburgh Business Times (PBT) recently named Patterson, 26, as a 2019 “30 Under 30” award recipient. This award recognizes her work as supervisor of patient transition at Allegheny Health Network. Patterson is responsible for safely transitioning patients from the hospital to their homes, which includes ensuring that all post-acute care needs are coordinated before discharge.

As part of Patterson’s job, she also analyzes data to create work plans and processes to increase productivity. She has additionally worked on a women’s health initiative with postpartum mothers.

Though every day is different and unpredictable for Patterson, she explained that an ideal work day is one where she can start to see the little changes with which she assisted. These changes culminate to have a large effect on individual patients that come within the health network.

Patterson joined Allegheny Health Network with an entry-level position in 2017. Over the past two years, she has risen to various positions throughout the network.

Patterson considers the interdisciplinary learning she experienced at Westminster as a highlight that has been transformative throughout her life after college and career. Westminster, she says, is where she grew the most in such a short amount of time and where she met people who would help shape her future.

She points to Dr. Timothy Cuff, professor of history, as the person at Westminster who taught her the most about life as she knows it today.

“He is the person who really made me grasp the concept that even when you think you have reached your goals or the perfect reflection of life, there is still room to grow and learn everyday as a person,” Patterson said. “Your best can always be better. Never settle for an illusion of perfection.”

The “30 Under 30” awards, presented annually by the PBT in partnership with Leadership Pittsburgh Inc., honor leaders in Pittsburgh’s business and nonprofit communities who are under 30 years old. Winners are selected for their successful efforts to grow a business or nonprofit and for their contributions to the community and civic organizations.

The PBT founded “30 Under 30” awards in 2017. Aside from being less than 30 years old, award recipients must have a proven record of playing a significant role in the growth, scope or impact of their organization or region.

Read more about Patterson…

~ Danielle Grady ’20

(Photo by Pittsburgh Business Times)