Anthony Pici ’11 is Conference Services Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton.
Tell us about your job at the DoubleTree Pittsburgh-Cranberry Hotel.
My primary responsibility is to execute all aspects of large group events and corresponding arrangements between the hotel and customer. My role is to act as liaison between the customer and the hotel by directing each department within the hotel as to their specific role in the on-site event.
How did La Roche prepare you for your position?
La Roche taught me the importance of organization and time management. With my current position, there are usually two to three larger events being planned at the same time. It's important to work effectively and to stay organized so that every detail is covered, and nothing falls through the cracks.
Why did you choose La Roche?
The small campus atmosphere was a great fit for me. A cousin of mine had attended La Roche in the early 2000s. I had gone there to visit her a few times and really enjoyed being on campus. She gave me a tour and introduced me to who would be some of my future professors. It seemed like a very comfortable environment, and I wanted to be a part of it.
Were you involved in any clubs, sports or organizations as a student? How did these activities enhance your college experience?
Being a member of the men’s soccer team helped me learn the value of teamwork and building relationships. Each year you play with a new team. Seniors move on, and freshmen arrive. It takes time and effort for every individual member of the program to become a team. As an upperclassman, I learned the value of leadership. I captained the team my senior year, and it taught me how to rally a group of people together to accomplish a common goal.
What are you most proud of when you look back on your La Roche experience?
I am proud of the lifelong friendships with my peers and professors, and the opportunity to see the world and learn about other cultures. If I had to pinpoint one thing though, I would say my proudest moment was when I was announced as the winner of the inaugural Coach Scott Lang Student Athlete Leadership Award. Although I did not play for Coach Lang, I interacted with him daily and certainly looked to him as a mentor.
What is your favorite memory of being a La Roche student?
My favorite memories are spending time with my roommates and friends, as well as my entire student-athlete career. Through all this I was able to meet my now wife Katherine who works for La Roche as the Assistant Director of Athletics.
What advice do you have for our students?
Be persistent and have patience. If you don’t receive an offer from a company you thought might work out, it doesn’t mean you failed or that you aren’t capable of performing well. It simply means the right position is out there for you to find.
Please describe an experience with a faculty or staff member who made a strong, positive impact on you.
There isn’t just one experience that stands out above the others. With that said there are many people I owe thanks to: David Day, Ed Pupich, Miguel Lozano, Scott Lang, Jim Tinkey, Colleen Ruefle, Mike Fetchko, Mark Dawson, Anne Lahoda and Father Peter Horton.