A great day for the chancellor’s staff and faculty appreciation picnic

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said they finally got the weather right for the annual Faculty and Staff Appreciation Picnic on May 1. This marked the fifth year for the event, which took place on a closed down section of Bigelow Boulevard, between the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union.

Thousands turned out on one of the warmest days so far this year for burgers, hot dogs, potatoes, ice cream, cookies and more, all served with compostable plates, cups and cutlery. The cloudless skies brought temperatures in the 80s.

The Pitt cheerleaders entertained and Be Fit Pitt led a pop-up Zumba class. A row of games were set up in front of the William Pitt Union.

Prizes handed out included a stay at Seven Springs, tickets to Pitt football games and, maybe the most sought after, a month of free parking in the Soldiers and Sailors garage.

Roc the Panther and the Pitt cheerleaders greeted guests at the picnic. (Don Henderson/University of Pittsburgh)
Bigelow Boulevard filled up quickly May 1 as staff and faculty enjoyed a free lunch. (Mike Drazdzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
The line to get free T-shirts was long, but there were plenty to go around. (Mike Drazdzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
These members of the Pitt community came ready to party at the picnic. (Don Henderson/University of Pittsburgh)
The communications team from the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
A team from Pitt–Titusville posed for a portrait on the Panther statue. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
Provost Ann Cudd (center in red) poses with staff from her office. (Aimee Obidzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for engagement, dances in the street during picnic festivities. (Don Henderson/University of Pittsburgh)
Volunteers prepare for a wave of guests in search of nachos. (Don Henderson/University of Pittsburgh)
Participants in Be Fit Pitt gave a Zumba demonstration during the picnic. (Mike Drazdzinski/University of Pittsburgh)
Several caricature artists were set up around the picnic area. (Don Henderson/University of Pittsburgh)