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‘Othering’ in healthcare: YWCA panelists discuss a post-Roe v. Wade Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania women should prepare to defend abortion rights in light of a draft Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, lest it lead to further erosion of the medical system’s treatment of women, said panelists at a YWCA Greater Pittsburgh panel on reproductive justice.

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, the chief clinical diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Allegheny Health Network, moderated the panel, highlighting issues of access to abortions, sex education and the dispropr

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Pitt News

The Pitt News •

‘A Band-Aid on our concerns’: One year after the alleged assault in the Cathedral

One year after the sexual assault in the Cathderal, students say the University seemed to only put a “Band-Aid” on their concerns.

On Oct. 6, 2022, Pitt police released a crime alert describing an alleged sexual assault that occurred at midday in a stairwell of the Cathedral of Learning. Pitt students took to the Cathedral the next day, demanding Pitt take action to improve campus safety.

Following the protests last year, Dean of Students Carla Panzella promised some of the student leaders and
The Pitt News •

Chancellor Gallagher weighs in on the year of protests, gives advice for the future

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher speaks at a press conference following the appointment of Joan Gabel as the University’s next chancellor.

As his nearly decade-long tenure as chancellor comes to a close, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said he admits there have been many mistakes, but he hopes each mistake serves as a “teachable moment” and that the Pitt community continues to “learn” from them.

“I’m sure that we have made mistakes, any human organization will,” Gallagher said. “I hope I was humble e
The Pitt News •

Michael Knowles, Brad Polumbo debate transgender issues, government regulation at Pitt

Michael Knowles and Brad Polumbo debated the question “should transgenderism be regulated by law?” as chants from protestors outside the building echoed throughout the O’Hara Ballroom Tuesday evening.

Knowles argued that the government must regulate transgender issues, saying there “can be no middle ground.” Polumbo argued that while he doesn’t agree with all aspects of the medical transition process, he believes in the “live and let live idea of America.” About 250 people attended the event.
The Pitt News •

Free speech experts weigh in on University’s decision to allow ‘anti-trans' events

For Jon Pushinsky, a lawyer and an adjunct professor of law at Pitt who teaches a First Amendment class, the “way to battle hate speech is to counter it with good speech, not to stop the speaker.”

“The University is certainly permitted to express its own opinions,” Pushinsky. “What they can’t do is allow students to express one side of an issue and not allow the other side.”

Throughout the past three weeks, two “anti-trans” speakers — Riley Gaines and Cabot Phillips — have inspired large prote
The Pitt News •

‘Failed us’: Students protest Pitt’s delay in sending emergency alerts during hoax active shooter threat

About 100 students gathered on the lawn at the Cathedral of Learning to host a “die-in” following Pitt’s delay in sending emergency alerts during a recent hoax shooter incident on campus. They chanted “When student lives are under attack, stand up, fight back,” while holding signs with phrases including “Committing to Pitt = committing to an early grave.”

At around 11:15 p.m. on Monday, Pitt and City police responded to reports of shots fired at Hillman Library. This threat was ultimately deter
The Pitt News •

Eugene DePasquale plans to be a ‘fighter’ as he gets closer to launching his campaign for Pennsylvania attorney general

A Pitt professor is considering a run for Pennsylvania attorney general, adding to the growing number of Pitt faculty choosing to run for public office.

Eugene DePasquale, an adjunct law professor at Pitt, will officially launch his campaign for attorney general in June for the Democratic party, and he sat down with The Pitt News to discuss his plans for the November 2024 election. If elected, DePasquale said he plans to continue teaching at Pitt “if the schedule allows it and the school is oka
The Pitt News •

‘I have no idea what’s going on’: Pitt students confused, scared during hoax active shooter incident amid delayed ENS alerts

Amelia Aceves, a sophomore geology major, was sitting in a study room on the fourth floor of Hillman Library Monday night wearing noise-canceling headphones, when Aceves suddenly saw people running.

“I didn’t hear anything, I just so happened to look up at the right moment, and everyone was just sprinting,” Aceves said. “I thought it was a fire drill at first, but then I realized there were no alarms, and then I saw police everywhere and they had their big rifles out and were yelling for everyo
The Pitt News •

Chris Deluzio: From catcher to congressman

Chris Deluzio’s life of service started when he was the catcher on his little league baseball team — a position that, according to his former colleague and longtime family friend, has made him a team player and politician people can count on.

David Hickton, the founder of Pitt’s Institute for Cyber Law, Policy and Security, said he knew Deluzio both as a child and as a colleague, and said Deluzio has kept the same exemplary leadership abilities he had as a catcher on his baseball team.

“He was
The Pitt News •

Pitt reviewing Emergency Notification System after ‘delayed and flawed’ response Monday night

Pitt said it is reviewing its Emergency Notification System and retraining its communications staff after a “delayed and flawed” response to a hoax active shooter incident in Hillman Library Monday night.

At around 11:15 p.m. on Monday, Pitt and City police responded to reports of shots fired at Hillman Library. This threat was ultimately determined to be “unfounded,” and there were no injuries. However, Pittsburgh Public Safety said a City police officer used a gun to gain access to a locked d
The Pitt News •

English Language Institute remains open for another year, though its future is ‘unknown’

While the English Language Institute will remain open for at least one more year, faculty, staff and students are scrambling to make the most of the ELI’s services amid an uncertain future.

Scott Kiesling, chair of the Department of Linguistics, said although there have been discussions about integrating ELI programs into the University, he hasn’t received any commitments from the University on whether the ELI will remain open past the one-year extension — leaving many details “up in the air.”
The Pitt News •

‘Slap in the face’: Protests continue against ‘anti-trans’ speakers amid Riley Gaines event

About 200 students protested at the intersection of Forbes Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard Monday afternoon, chanting “hate speech isn’t free, it costs lives” and carrying signs with phrases such as “save trans lives.”

The protest, which started at 3:30 p.m., was in response to a Riley Gaines speaking event Monday evening. Pitt’s Turning Point USA chapter hosted Gaines, a former collegiate swimmer and critic of transgender women competing in women’s sports. Pitt police blocked off the intersection
The Pitt News •

‘Not going anywhere’: Pitt students protest ‘anti-trans’ event with Cabot Phillips

A protester speaks into a megaphone at a protest against the University for allowing Cabot Phillips and other “anti-trans” speakers to hold events on campus.

About 300 students, faculty and community members protested outside the Cathedral of Learning Friday, chanting “Transphobes have got to go” before an event featuring conservative commentator Cabot Phillips started later that evening.

Pip Mostern, a nonbinary student, said the University is sending a message that it won’t protect oppressed
The Pitt News •

‘Putting students in danger’: Transgender students at Pitt share thoughts on upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events

The Transgender Pride Flag flies on the Foreign Office building in London on Transgender Day of Remembrance, Nov. 20, 2017.

Laura Mcneil, a transgender student and first-year digital narrative and interactive design major, said she initially applied to Pitt because she believed it was welcoming to queer students. Now she’s reconsidering that assumption.

“Part of why I applied to Pitt is because it seemed like a diverse and welcoming kind of school, and the fact that they would host these sorts
The Pitt News •

Student petition calls for the cancellation of upcoming ‘anti-trans’ events

More than 6,000 Pitt students have signed a petition to cancel three scheduled “anti-trans” events that will be held at Pitt, as some trans and queer students raise concerns about the “potential for violence” on campus.

“It is unacceptable and against the values of this University to allow groups under its administration and on its behalf to host events featuring individuals who wish to advance a platform of hate and transphobia and make our beloved institution an accomplice to the trending att
The Pitt News •

Pitt’s School of Law will no longer participate in U.S. News & World Report ranking

Pitt will no longer participate in the U.S. News & World Report’s law school rankings. This decision is consistent with that of many other universities, including Penn State, that have withdrawn amid criticism of the ranking’s methodology.

Nick France, a University spokesperson, said the decision follows “careful consideration” and was made “in close consultation” with Pitt’s stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students and alumni. Interim dean and law professor Haider Ala Hamoudi said the
The Pitt News •

Exclusive | Students write letter to Provost Cudd, Dean Blee urging Pitt to keep English Language Institute open

Pitt’s announcement that it will close the English Language Institute this summer left international students worried about losing their student visas, some saying they will have to leave the country in about two weeks at the end of the semester.

Haile Proctor, a senior political science major and volunteer at the English Language Institute, pleaded with Provost Ann Cudd and Kathleen Blee, the dean of the College of General Studies, in a six-page letter to reconsider the University’s decision t
The Pitt News •

‘We are not satisfied’: Pitt students protest police brutality, demand justice for Tyre Nichols

Following the release of the graphic video showing Tyre Nichols’ death at the hands of Memphis police on Friday, Pitt students protested police brutality on Sunday night using a somewhat unconventional method — police sirens.

Santana Dominguez, one of the protest organizers and a junior neuroscience major, said he decided to play a police siren to send a message that police shouldn’t use sirens to intimidate Black people.

“For generations that sound has been closely tied to police violence and
The Pitt News •

Bernie Sanders talks free college, women’s rights at Sunday rally on Pitt’s campus

Sen. Bernie Sanders took the stage at Schenley Plaza Sunday to encourage young Pittsburghers to vote blue in Tuesday’s midterm elections to fight Republican extremism and protect abortion rights. However, his speech was cut short due to heavy rain.

About 300 people attended the event, which NextGen America and MoveOn Political Action organized, to see Sanders speak, get free t-shirts and listen to live music. This event marked the second political rally on Pitt’s campus this weekend. About 6,00
The Pitt News •

Fetterman, Obama criticize Republican rhetoric and urge Pittsburghers to vote at rally on Pitt’s campus

More than 6,000 people gathered in Schenley Plaza Saturday morning for a rally with Senate candidate John Fetterman, former President Barack Obama and others. The candidates’ message was clear — vote in the midterm election on Tuesday.

The rally, hosted by the Pennsylvania Democrat’s All In PA group, brought in a swarm of people, with the line spanning for blocks along Forbes Avenue. As the midterm election approaches on Tuesday, Fetterman’s campaign sought Obama’s help to cinch the Senate seat
The Pitt News •

Faculty union protests outside bargaining room, talks job security and fair contracts

More than 150 faculty members showed up Thursday, with signs and in song, on the steps of Posvar Hall to demand one thing — a fair contract.

The union chanted, “what do we want … a fair contract … when do we want it … now … and if we don’t get it … shut it down,” as tensions continue to rise between the faculty union and the University due to claims from faculty that the administration is delaying negotiations. On Thursday morning the union’s bargaining committee sat down with the University to
The Pitt News •

‘Be our voice’: Students protest the Iranian regime, ask for support from the Pitt community

About 80 students gathered at the Cathedral of Learning lawn on Friday to protest the Iranian regime and stand in solidarity with Iranian women.

Human Chain PGH organizers organized the event and gave speeches. The protesters also formed a human chain to symbolize the “unity of people” who are against the actions of the Iranian regime.

The protest is in response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was beaten and killed by the Iranian “morality police” for allegedly wearing “improper hi
The Pitt News •

‘I’m coming back’: Biden touts infrastructure as he makes plans to revisit Pittsburgh

With a giant yellow crane and the now-infamous Fern Hollow Bridge in the background, President Joe Biden visited Pittsburgh to make one thing clear — infrastructure is his top priority.

Biden visited the Fern Hollow Bridge on Thursday, where he touted the strength of infrastructure and unions. This is Biden’s second visit to Pittsburgh in the last two months, as he treks across the nation marking infrastructure as one of the hallmarks of his campaign.

Biden said he wants to put all the “talks
The Pitt News •

Tensions escalate between Fossil Free Pitt, University amid month of student protest

For the past month, the Fossil Free Pitt Coalition has staged sit-ins outside Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s office in the Cathedral of Learning every Friday to protest Pitt’s “anti-environment” investments. Protestors carry signs that read “There is no planet B” and “Pitt invests in the end of the world.”

At last Friday’s sit-in, tensions rose when a University employee asked about 20 student protestors to leave the Cathedral and threatened police involvement if they didn’t comply. Students fi
The Pitt News •

President Biden touts the strength of unions, labor at Labor Day event in West Mifflin

In front of a crowd of about 100 members of a local United Steelworkers union in West Mifflin, President Joe Biden complimented organized labor on Labor Day and called out “extreme MAGA Republicans” for putting democracy at stake.

Biden was joined by U.S. Rep Mike Doyle, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and other prominent Pittsburgh labor leaders at the event, which served as an unofficial kickoff to the midterm elections. Biden spoke earlier on Monday in Milwaukee for
The Pitt News •

Doug Mastriano campaigns for governor with support from Florida Gov. DeSantis

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Doug Mastriano, the Republican candidate for governor, at a Friday rally. Mastriano called on about 1,000 supporters at the Downtown Wyndham hotel to “make Pennsylvania free” ahead of the November election.

Mastriano has struggled in the polls recently against Democratic challenger Josh Shapiro. He’s been out-fundraised and relied mostly on word-of-mouth and social media to attract support. Turning Point Action’s “Unite and Win” rallies are seeking more nation
The Pitt News •

Amos Hall Starbucks workers reflect on the union victory

Sam Knapp, a shift supervisor and member of the Amos Hall Starbucks organizing committee, said the victory felt like a step towards a better work life for him and his fellow workers.

“I’m glad that we won, I think it’s a big win and it shows big companies like Starbucks that we have a voice and can make an impact,” Knapp said.

Workers at the Amos Hall Starbucks unionized on May 6 in a 10-3 vote, creating one of the largest Starbucks unions in the country, with 44 eligible employees.

The Natio
The Pitt News •

‘Put their money where their mouth is’: Oakland Starbucks workers fight to unionize

When Sam Knapp, a shift supervisor at the Amos Hall Starbucks, saw that his employees’ wellness was deteriorating, he decided to take action and sent a message to Workers United.

“There were just too many moments where I was definitely very fed up with Starbucks as a company and I had been seeing other stories and articles about other locations unionizing, and I just realized that it was time for us to do the same,” Knapp said.

Workers at the store formally petitioned on March 4 to unionize. I
The Pitt News •

DongJo Kim: Food visionary

When DongJo Kim came from South Korea to the United States in order to attend the University of Utah, he couldn’t cook so much as a scrambled egg.

Within two years, Kim was drawing up plans to open up his own restaurant. Now, nearly four years later, he has more than 7,000 Instagram followers jumping at the chance to eat his food.

Kim brought a bite of Korea to Allegheny County through his food in October 2020 with an unconventional take on an American classic — the corndog.

Although many who
The Pitt News •

Through the binoculars: Pitt ‘birders’ find friends, passions and fun

On a campus full of stressed-out college students worrying about finals and post-graduation plans, Pitt’s birdwatching and ornithology club finds joy in the simple things of life.

The birdwatching and ornithology club hosts outings to popular birdwatching sites around Pittsburgh, including Frick Park, Schenley Park and the National Aviary in the North Side. The club aids in the conservation of birds, and goes on scenic birdwatching outings where members eagerly wait for glimpses of their favori
The Pitt News •

Starbucks workers at Amos Hall petition to unionize

Workers at Starbucks at Amos Hall are formally petitioning to unionize, according to a letter released Friday. This is the second Starbucks in Pittsburgh to petition to unionize since two Starbucks locations in Buffalo, New York won their union elections in December.

Amos Hall Starbucks workers are joining their fellow Pittsburgh Starbucks location at 4765 Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield, which petitioned to unionize in February. In a letter addressed to Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, the Amos Hall
The Pitt News •

Pitt’s Russia, Ukraine clubs come together to protest Russian invasion

More than 20 students and faculty protested Friday afternoon at the Cathedral Lawn, in a show of solidarity for the recently-invaded Ukraine.

More than 20 protesters sang Ukraine’s national anthem, chanted “hands off Ukraine” and carried signs saying “stop Putin” Friday afternoon at the Cathedral Lawn in a show of solidarity for the recently invaded nation.

The protest, which included mostly college students from Pitt’s Ukrainian and Russian clubs, as well as faculty from the Slavic department
The Pitt News •

Ex-Pitt official admits to to stealing more than 13,000 masks from the University

Pitt’s former emergency management director Christopher Casamento admitted on Wednesday to stealing more than 13,000 masks from the University and selling them on eBay for profit.

Casamento, 42, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. Casamento was indicted by a federal grand jury last year and terminated by the University in July 2020.

The Department of Justice said in a press release that the FBI was informed by PayPal that a vendor on Eb
The Pitt News •

Mayor Gainey again delays Oakland Crossings vote as review continues

Mayor Ed Gainey requested on Tuesday an additional 30 days to evaluate a zoning ordinance which would enable Oakland Crossings, a controversial proposal that would rezone parts of Central Oakland. This is the second time Gainey has requested a delay in a hearing and action by the City Planning Commission.

Gainey said in a press release that he will use the second 30-day continuance to align the proposed zoning ordinance with the priorities of the Oakland Plan, an ongoing City-led initiative to
The Pitt News •

University Counseling Center, Pitt police collaborate to ‘de-escalate’ crisis calls

The University Counseling Center and Pitt police have partnered to create a new program to provide a response from both mental health professionals and police to students in distress.

This program, called the Pittsburgh Higher Education Assessment and Response Team (HEART), aims to “de-escalate crisis situations to ensure that the least restrictive and most clinically appropriate intervention” is used, according to a University press release.

Ted Fritz, the vice chancellor for public safety an
The Pitt News •

Pitt students petition for hybrid classes

A petition asking Pitt to allow a hybrid learning option this spring has amassed nearly 2,000 signatures since an unnamed student created it three weeks ago.

The petition, directed to Dean of Students Carla Panzella, mentioned the large number of COVID-19 cases so far this semester as a cause for concern. The petition also said students could be at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 due to the possibility of unwillingly living near a student who is positive for COVID-19.

“The school enviro
The Pitt News •

‘Make it in America’: Biden discusses infrastructure after Frick Park bridge collapse

President Joe Biden visited Pittsburgh on Friday to tout his administration’s investment in infrastructure, as well as the City’s work in advanced manufacturing and robotics. His visit came in the wake of a Friday morning bridge collapse in Frick Park.

Biden landed in Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin before taking an unscheduled stop at the site of the collapsed Fern Hollow Bridge — which left 10 people injured and seven vehicles, including a Port Authority bus, stranded. He then headed
The Pitt News •

Oakland residents, Mayor Gainey talk Oakland Crossings at public meeting

During Tuesday night’s Oakland Planning and Development Corp. community meeting, Mayor Ed Gainey met with Oakland residents who shared their thoughts on the Oakland Crossings proposal.

OPDC held a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss Shadyside developer Walnut Capital’s Oakland Crossings proposal, which would rezone 17 acres of Central Oakland. The proposal — which has received support from the Oakland Business Improvement District — includes creating more green space, a grocery store, “walk
The Pitt News •

Sorority changes bylaws to welcome non-binary, transgender students

Members of Phi Sigma Rho at the annual Light the Night hosted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society outside of Heinz Field on Oct. 14.

For members of Pitt’s chapter of Phi Sigma Rho, a social engineering and STEM sorority, excluding non-binary and trangender people from Greek organizations is unacceptable. The sorority recently updated its bylaws to be more welcoming through inclusive language and pronoun use as well as anti-discrimination clauses.

Maddi Viteri, the chapter’s former vice presiden
The Pitt News •

‘Does not help our neighborhood’: OPDC discusses Walnut Capital proposal

The Oakland Planning and Development Corp. held a public development activities meeting Monday night to discuss Walnut Capital’s Oakland Crossings proposal, which would rezone land in South and Central Oakland.

During Monday night’s Oakland Planning and Development Corp. public meeting, Jonathan Kamin, Walnut Capital’s attorney, said Oakland is on a “downward spiral.”

“Right now Central Oakland is not sustainable as we stand here today,” Kamin said.“There is no grocery store in Oakland today,
The Pitt News •

‘Better world for our children’: Crump discusses injustice in America

Ben Crump, the attorney who represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Nakia Jones, Danny Ray Thomas and Stephon Clark, as well as the residents of Flint, Michigan, said he is fighting to create a more just country.

“What we’re really doing is fighting to help make America the great Beacon of Hope and Justice, and to follow the law of the mob,” Crump said. “But most importantly, what we’re doing is helping to make America,
The Pitt News •

‘Trust us’: Pitt professors plead in July open letter to chancellor for COVID-19 vaccine mandate

Students, pictured, at a late January vaccination clinic hosted by Pitt and the Allegheny County Health Department. More than 400 faculty members sent an open letter over the summer to Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in support of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the safety of the University community.

In the leadup to Pitt classes returning fully in person for the first time in 18 months, more than 400 faculty members sent an open letter over the summer to Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in support of
The Pitt News •

‘Last year it was tough’: Pitt community prepares for updated COVID-19 rules

Uncertainty surrounding the University’s operating posture lingers as the fall semester approaches, but students and staff are optimistic about in-person opportunities.

As Pitt students, staff and faculty prepare to head back to campus for the fall semester, many still wonder how COVID-19 protocols will look on campus. Some professors, like Steven Abramowitch, are excited about Pitt’s recommendation for in-person classes.

“Last year it was tough because while everyone’s cameras were off it was
The Pitt News •

Health restrictions, spirits lift as Pitt updates COVID-19 guidelines

Pitt students are looking forward to the in-person activities and opportunities that will be available this upcoming year.

As more and more people become vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gov. Tom Wolf and Pitt administration are not only lifting their COVID-19 restrictions, but also Pitt students’ spirits.

Lauren Carter, a sophomore forensic psychology major, said with Pitt’s updated COVID-19 guidelines, she is looking forward to the in-person activities and opportun
The Pitt News •

OPDC discusses proposed Croatian Fraternal Union building demolition

The Oakland Planning and Development Corp. held a public meeting Tuesday night to discuss neighborhood developments, including a proposal to demolish and refurbish the current Croatian Fraternal Union located on 3441 Forbes Avenue.

Those walking down Forbes Avenue may soon not be able to see the familiar historical facade of the Croatian Fraternal Union building.

After severe damage to the structural integrity of the building, Mary Beth McGrew, the associate vice chancellor of planning, design
The Pitt News •

‘A way to give back to our community’: Pitt vaccine clinics continues to distribute shots

Melissa McGivney, the associate dean for community partnerships at the School of Pharmacy, says making vaccines accessible and getting everyone vaccinated is the key to a healthier community.

Despite the majority of Pitt students leaving campus for the summer, Jack Corey, a third-year pharmacy student, said he hasn’t noticed a significant decrease in visitors to the University’s vaccine clinics this summer. Corey said he believes a consistent number of shots have been provided to students and t
The Pitt News •

‘Filming history’: Documentary features Pitt’s efforts in COVID-19 vaccine research

The film “CHASING COVID” follows the work of Dr. Paul Duprex and his team in Pitt’s Center for Vaccine Research, where they have been working to uncover new information about COVID-19.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is many people’s first experience with a deadly, widespread virus, Carl Kurlander, the director and producer of the newly released “CHASING COVID” film, said it was all too reminiscent of his past experiences documenting the polio virus and the polio vaccine’s creation.

For Kurlander
The Pitt News •

Students say shelter-in-place guidelines are ‘inconsistent,’ protest closed study spaces in residence halls

Pitt enacted shelter-in-place guidelines on March 31 in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases among students, which included the closure of study spaces in residence halls and lounges and decreased library operating hours.

For Isaac Przybysz, online classes and the COVID-19 pandemic have challenged his mental health. Because of this, he said Pitt should leave study spaces in residence halls open to help students during finals.

“A lot of our students are struggling right now and I just hope the
The Pitt News •

Shelter-in-place guidelines altered to include religious services after complaints

Pitt enacted shelter-in-place guidelines on March 31, but it originally left one issue unclarified — guidelines for attending religious services at a time of year with major holidays for several religions.

Within an hour of receiving the initial shelter-in-place guidelines, Ryan McDermott, an associate professor of English, initiated a request to Provost Ann Cudd and the COVID-19 Medical Response Office for the guidelines to include attending religious services as a sanctioned activity.

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Pitt Magazine

Pitt Magazine •

Rainbow Bright

Hannah Moore takes a moment to adjust her mortarboard and then struts through the doors of the William Pitt Union. Graduation has been a long time coming, but it’s finally here. When she enters the ballroom, she’s handed a rainbow pin that she attaches to her lapel. She’s joined by friends and loved ones wearing rainbow pins, too, in support for those, like Moore, who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

She’s ready to commemorate her academic accomplishments—and her journey of se
Pitt Magazine •

You’re the Boss

On the Cathedral of Learning’s ground floor, the invigorating smell of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air. A burst of students heading to and from classes rushed through the hallways. Many followed the aroma to the nearby Saxbys coffee bar. There, the counters were clean, the baked goods were tempting, and a young woman in a black T-shirt served up café au lait with a smile.

When the rush of service was over, Meghna Hingorani was still bustling behind the counter, checking inventory,
Pitt Magazine •

(In)Spired Renewal

Light dances through the majestic stained-glass windows as silence settles upon the chapel. The audience waits with bated breath. Softly, the low bass of singing voices rumbles through the air, then the whimsical notes of sopranos trickle in, quickly followed by shuffling feet and applause. The members of the campus a capella group Tonal Disruption are finally taking the stage.

As the sweet melodies of the group’s setlist fill the space and the audience sways along to the upbeat performance, Pi
Pitt Magazine •

Birds of a Feather

Through his binoculars, Garrett Sisk spots the bright yellow feathers of a small American goldfinch. The handsome bird’s warbles echo through the leaves. Sisk takes a single, silent step through the foliage for a better glimpse of its golden hues. A quick click of a camera, a rustle in the leaves, a change in the wind—and the luminous bird, no bigger than a mouse, flutters away.

It’s early morning in Frick Park, a thick, urban forest just east of the Pittsburgh campus, and Sisk is with about a
University of Pittsburgh •

This CGS alumna helped bring honor to nontraditional students

Five decades ago, when Carol Cushman first came to Pitt, she was 31 years old and in search of new challenges. She took night classes on the Pittsburgh campus while working full time with the public information department at Duquesne Light Company and felt energized by the excitement of learning.

Cushman majored in English and excelled — yet she also felt distanced from the Pitt community. She wanted a way to connect with and support other nontraditional students who shared her scholarly ambiti