The Big Idea Center, Pitt’s hub for student innovation and entrepreneurship, will celebrate its new space on Forbes Avenue with a grand opening on Sept. 16.

The Big Idea Center was founded in 2018. The new facility in the Loeffler Building, 3601 Forbes Ave. (on the corner of Meyran Avenue) brings under one roof educational programs and resources for Pitt students of all levels across the university who are interested in hands-on entrepreneurship learning.

The celebration starts at 5 p.m. and will showcase student innovators and preview the upcoming year of Big Idea Center programming.  Saxby’s founder and CEO Nick Bayer will be at the event, along with Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. Saxby’s hires students to run its coffee shops on campuses throughout the country, including one in Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning.

Even though the center is geared toward students, director Rhonda Schuldt is hosting a faculty and staff-focused chat every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; no reservations needed. The Coffee + Conversation time will allow faculty and staff to explore the center and discover the opportunities it offers them and their students.

If you are unavailable during the drop-in times, reach out to Schuldt directly at rschuldt@innovation.pitt.edu to schedule a time to meet.