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On Saturday May 10, 2008, Heritage Valley Health System president and chief executive officer, Norm Mitry, returned to his alma mater, Robert Morris University, to deliver the undergraduate commencement address. Speaking at the Charles L. Sewall Center to a crowd of over 580 students and an audience of 3,500 family members, faculty and staff, Mr. Mitry emphasized how the ability to establish and grow relationships has been the foundation of success for both him personally and Heritage Valley Health System.

Mr. Mitry, a 1974 graduate of Robert Morris University, listed several values that have made a difference in his personal and professional life. However, he focused on “relationships” and the ability to establish relationships within an organization that have had the most impact on him in his life and career.

Mr. Mitry outlined for the students an educational approach to building relationships known as “Watch One – Do One – Teach One,” sharing personal stories from his days at Robert Morris, early on in his career at Jessop Steel and his current role at Heritage Valley. He encouraged the students to find mentors as they embark on their careers and eventually become a mentor. He advised them to not be afraid to “get into the game” and “do the work.” Finally he suggested that as they build these relationships in their careers that they “treat all individuals equally - not necessarily the same, but equally and personally.”

He concluded by thanking RMU board, administration and faculty and encouraged them to continue to deliver on their own core values. His final advice to students was “remember what your parents taught you – the ‘golden rule’ – do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.”

Prior to his speech, Mr. Mitry was awarded an honorary doctorate in business administration, for his service at Heritage Valley and in the community. In addition to his role at Heritage Valley, Mr. Mitry serves on the boards of the Salvation Army, Beaver Educational Trust, Robert Morris University School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Penn State University Advisory Board, UPMC Health Plan and Hospital Association of Pennsylvania Committee on Quality & Case Management.