Pitt Women's Coach to be Honored by Komen

The Pittsburgh Affiliate of will present its Terri L. Chapman Award to University of Pittsburgh Women’s Basketball head coach Agnus Berenato June 7.

The presentation will take place during Komen Pittsburgh’s A Celebration of the Promise dinner at LeMont Restaurant in Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington neighborhood.

Komen Pittsburgh introduced the Chapman Award in 2010 to honor the memory of a long-time member of the board of directors and volunteer.

The award recognizes an individual who has significantly advanced the Komen Promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Recipients of the Chapman Award also demonstrate the leadership standard Terri Chapman established by serving as a champion of Komen Pittsburgh within the organization and the community.

“Agnus is the perfect recipient of this award. She embodies the same standards of excellence as Terri Chapman along with the same fiery passion for our cause, ” said Kathy Purcell, executive director of the Komen Pittsburgh Affiliate.

Berenato has been a vocal supporter of Komen Pittsburgh, breast cancer survivors and co-survivors. Since losing her mother to breast cancer more than 20 years ago, Berenato has been passionate about the need to educate women about the importance of early detection. She is a frequent participant in Pittsburgh’s Race for the Cure, often urging her student-athletes to also participate in the race.

Berenato was instrumental in introducing Pink the Petersen, an annual game held in February during which the Panthers don pink uniforms and hold events to raise awareness and funds for the Pittsburgh Affiliate. In addition, she served as the 2011 Honorary Chair of the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure.

“I am extremely humbled to receive the Chapman Award,” said Berenato. “I personally knew Terri Chapman, and it is an amazing honor to represent her name as I saw first-hand the battle she waged against this dreadful disease. I hope I can represent Terri with courage and dignity. I am happy to team with the Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen to educate and bring awareness as we continue to fightbreast cancer.” 

A Celebration of the Promise begins with a reception at 5:30, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. at LeMont Restaurant.

The awards presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, please visit www.komenpittsburgh.org or call 412-342-0500.