When they wore shoulder pads and helmets, Penny Semaia and Shawn Robinson helped former Pitt coach Walt Harris resurrect the program. Semaia toiled in the trenches as an offensive and defensive lineman; Robinson was a cornerback who intercepted six passes as a sophomore in 2000.

Nearly a quarter-century later, they are still involved in athletics – only in a deeper, more meaningful capacity.

Robinson is the founder and president of Orange Arrow, a nonprofit organization whose aim is to arm student-athletes for success beyond fields and stadiums.

Semaia, a senior associate athletic director for student life at Pitt, has since 2005 led a staff of 10 in the Cathy and John Pelusi Family Life Skills Program.

It’s a big week for Semaia, who was named winner Monday of the Herb Douglas Mentorship Award at Pitt’s sixth annual Panthers’ Choice Awards. He’ll also be honored Saturday by Orange Arrow as the Administrator of the Decade. The event will unfold at 2 p.m. Saturday at Orange Arrow’s 10th anniversary celebration at the Rivers of Steel: Carrie Blast Furnace National Historic Landmark in Swissvale.

“I’ve worked with a number of universities,” Robinson said, “and when we talk about student-athlete development, Pitt is the leader. A huge reason why is because Penny is the leader of that work in that department.

“It’s not just a job or career for him. It’s purpose-driven work, and it’s evident in the impact that he has had on so many student-athletes. What he has done for University of Pittsburgh student-athletes is immeasurable.”

Semaia and his staff help student-athletes in a variety of ways, including financial education, etiquette training, community service, graduate school prep and personal and leadership development, according to the Life Skills Department’s website. As a result, Semaia said, Pitt helps send a steady parade of student-athletes into the workforce.

The event Saturday also will honor Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris, a longtime Orange Arrow supporter who died in December. Harris’ son, Dok Harris, will be presented with a unique piece of artwork as a tribute to his father.

Also, Orange Arrow’s Educator of the Decade Award will be presented to Patti Camper, assistant superintendent for Pittsburgh Public School’s Program for Students with Exceptionalities.

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