April 4, 2007 Mark Benninghoff, '82, speaker VP Finance, UPMC “I believe that Mark Benninghoff is a rare example of a businessman in this day and age.  I say this because he has had an amazing career for almost 20 years at only one company, UPMC.  During his time at UPMC, Mark has had various jobs, including cost accountant, director of admitting and records, head of special projects and currently Executive Vice President for the Physician Services Division.” ~ Gilbert Dolinar, senior “Several factors contributed to his success including family support, work ethic, fantastic mentors, learning from mistakes, and paying attention to his first line employees.  He networked while at Thiel College as a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, work study and theatre.  Overall he is an amazing person whose talents are extraordinary.” ~ Curtis Lykins, senior “Mark Benninghoff was an agreeable man with whom to eat dinner.  I never realized it before, but when we have dinner with these successful alums, though they have years of experience in the business world, we as students actually have the upper hand and an obligation to make them feel welcome in our ‘Thiel Community’ home.” ~ Abigail Lubanovic, senior “Great Lessons Learned: Hire people smarter than you. Pick people who are already busy, selfless, decisive, good listeners, and who have the desire to speak the truth.” ~ Alexander Miller, senior “Mark has a passion for health care and helping people.  He sees they get the care they need and helps them be able to afford it with discounts available.  He also mentioned the importance of a liberal arts education to him; it instills students with a sense of obligation to give back to the community after graduation.  Focusing not only on the major classes helps one to learn different aspects of the world you will be encountering.” ~ LeAnna Barnhart, junior “Some of Mark’s management philosophies were:  embrace change and do not fear it, be honest, be flexible, treat others with respect at all times, embrace diversity, have fun making money and giving back.” ~ Justin Ehrman, junior