University Times

A bill introduced June 15 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives would provide a state appropriation of $160.49 million and allocate $10.244 million in federal stimulus funding to Pitt. However, as HB1711 currently reads, the money comes with strings attached. The funds are contingent upon Pitt entering into articulation agreements with community colleges and State […]

Although the value of Pitt’s endowment has fallen from a year ago, University policy is ensuring that next year’s distributions from the fund will equal the amount disbursed this fiscal year, University Treasurer Amy K. Marsh told the Senate budget policies committee (BPC) last week. Pitt’s formula for endowment spending calls for the University to […]

Long-time staffer and 20-plus year member of the Staff Association Council Gwendolyn L. Watkins has been elected as SAC’s new president. (See related story this issue.) Watkins most recently served as SAC’s vice president of steering. SAC elected new officers at its June 17 meeting. Officers serve two-year terms beginning at the conclusion of SAC’s […]

Newly elected president of the Staff Association Council Gwendolyn L. Watkins brings a wealth of experience to the position, including more than two decades of service on the staff council in a wide range of capacities. She has served SAC as vice president for steering, treasurer and chair of its program and planning committee. She […]

Pitt has named four School of Medicine faculty members as Distinguished Professors, the highest honor that can be accorded a member of the professorship. They are Charles D. Bluestone, Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology; Olivera J. Finn, Distinguished Professor of Immunology; William C. de Groat, Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, and Karen A. Matthews, […]

“Retention of African-American students is a crisis that we must respond to if we’re going to make a difference in the lives of African-American students,” Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy W. Humphrey told attendees at a recent minority student retention symposium on campus. “It is a crisis we must respond to if we’re […]

The Bellefield Boiler Plant is on schedule to stop burning coal by July 1. The deadline was part of a consent order announced in February by the Allegheny County Health Department, although power plant spokesperson Betsy Momich said the plan to convert the six boilers to natural gas was underway prior to that order. “Necessary […]

Stephen R. Tritch, chair of the Westinghouse Electric Co. since 2006 and a Pitt alumnus and trustee, has been nominated to be chair of Pitt’s trustees. Tritch started at Westinghouse in 1971, eventually rising to president and CEO. Last year he retired after six years in that dual-leadership position. He earned both his BS in […]