Growing up in Greensburg, Myron Jones tried to set a good example for his younger sister, Michelle.

So, he found it amazing when they discovered they were slated to be honored by their college alma maters within a few weeks of each other.

Myron, 47, of Canton, Washington County, was recently the recipient of the 2023 University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Alumni Association Alumnus of Distinction Award, an award recognizing former students for outstanding professional achievement and/or service to the community and the university. It is the highest honor given by the alumni association annually.

A 1998 graduate, Myron has honored for his work in the field of technology and in the community as a religious leader.

He is currently a web/app developer with Technology Services Group in Wheeling, West Virginia, and pastor of the Apostolic Christian Temple in Washington, Pa., where he has served since 2010. He’ll be honored during the Alumni Celebration Dinner Sept. 30 on the Pitt-Greensburg campus.

Michelle, 38, of Greensburg, was recently inducted into the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics Hall of Fame for her achievements on the volleyball court. A 2007 graduate, she ranks third all time in women's program history with 1,395 kills during her career from 2003-2006. 

She was formally inducted Sept. 9 in a ceremony before an IUP football game. Her brother was there and she plans to attend his award celebration dinner.

“We are a family-oriented bunch,” he said. “We show up for one another. If we can be there, we are there for any celebration.”

Michelle said she has always looked up to her brother and her older sister, Kelly.

“I have the same initials as my father (the late Myron Jones Sr.) and my brother,” she said. “My brother often called me ‘Lil MJ’ growing up, but he never made me feel like I was living in his shadow.

“I'm proud of my brother and have always admired his work ethic, kind heart and strong willpower. He has always persevered and is a great leader.”

She elaborated on one moment in particular.

“A memory I've kept with me was when he had an injury and was told he might not ever be able to play basketball again, but he was determined and went on to obtain a scholarship and play college basketball” as captain of the Pitt-Greensburg men's team.

“This is a memory I keep whenever I need help pressing on.”

Myron said his father, his mother, Evelyn, and his older sister set the pace.

“I have had great family support. Early on, it was Dad, Mom and Kelly who helped guide me.

“I grew up looking at them as models, so I could be a good model for Michelle. Then to marry my wife, Amethyst, and raise our daughter, Donyisha, provided even more support and encouragement.

“They have helped, and continue to help me, accomplish a lot of what I have been able to do these past few years.”

Michelle, who has a 6-year-old daughter, Brooklynn, and works as an enterprise account manager for T-Mobile, said her parents and older sister also provided unwavering love and support.

Lynn Jobe was her volleyball coach at Greensburg Salem High School and has known Michelle and Myron since they were young.

“They both work hard, are respectful, fun and have taken their game to the next level,” Jobe said. “They were great students and excellent teammates while representing Greensburg extremely well.

“I've known Michelle really well, as she started playing in middle school. She was a great player and an even better person.”

First Published: September 22, 2023, 4:00 a.m.
Updated: September 22, 2023, 3:41 p.m.