Pittsburgh Magazine Honors Pitts Dr.

Allison Saras in 40 Under 40

Pittsburgh Magazine and the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project (PUMP) have named one of the
University of Pittsburghs own as one of Pittsburghs 40 Under 40. Dr. Allison Saras is the
Charitable Relationship Manager for the Swanson School of Engineering.

Every year, Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP select 40 movers and shakers under the age of 40 in
the Pittsburgh area for their list. Honorees display tremendous commitment to the region and are
recognized for their work to make Pittsburgh a better place to live, work, and play. Saras was
selected from a pool of more than 40 candidates for this years award.

In addition to her work in securing major gifts from donors to support scholarships and student and
faculty research programs, Saras devotes time and effort to several organizations throughout
Pittsburgh. This includes advising Pitts Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and sitting on the Young
Professionals Board for the Red Cross. To me, this award means representing our city and other
young professionals. The class with me has done some amazing things, and I just feel honored to
be among 39 other great individuals, said Saras, a Baldwin native. I try to give back in numerous
ways, and I think that was one thing that really put me on the map of receiving this award.

In 2014, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Western PA named Saras one of Pittsburghs 50 Finest.
According to the Foundation, the award is given to the citys most accomplished men and
women. As an honoree, she committed to raising at least $3,000 for the Foundation. She surpassed
that goal and raised $3,806 to support CF research, medical and educational programs that year.

Saras has since become very involved on the selection committee for the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, participating on the panel that recognizes other young professionals in Pittsburgh who
are making a difference. She supports the organization by raising funds, hosting and attending
events, and representing the organization through advocacy efforts.

Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening genetic disease that causes lung infections and progressively
limits the ability to breathe over time. More than 30,000 people currently suffer from CF in the
United States. According to Saras, We are so close to finding a cure. And because of that, CF
research doesnt receive a ton of federal funding. [The CF Foundation] is really something that has
quite an impact right now, and we have a lot of people involved with the organization that have the
disease. I think seeing it firsthand has ignited my passion for it and to see it through to find a cure.

Among other awards and philanthropic endeavors, Saras has helped plan the yearly History
Uncorked event for the Heinz History for five consecutive years. She was formerly involved with
Junior League chapters in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and served on the University of
Pittsburgh Young Alumni Council. Her volunteer efforts have proven her dedication both to the
Pittsburgh community and to those living in it.

Saras says that her biggest motivator is helping people. When I secure a big gift or get an alum to
get excited about endowing a scholarship, I think it really justifies what I do professionally, said
Saras. Just being able to help students be able to go to college or to create an endowment for a
faculty member to do research. Its very rewarding to be involved with the community because I
feel like now Pittsburgh is becoming such a great city for young professionals to live.