UPG Transition 1980-1997 - Campus and Community

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Campus and Community

Oktoberfest, Fiestas, and Humanities Days Although the eighties may have seemed like a relatively quiet period on college campuses, students at Pitt-Greensburg engaged in all sorts of revelry and merry making. It seems as though any holiday was a good reason for foreign language students of the transition era to celebrate, and since the names of the holidays were in a foreign language, no one else knew exactly what was being celebrated.

Prof. McWhinney, Prof. Kuschmierz, and student

Under the guidance of Prof. Ruth Kuschmierz, the German Society of Pitt-Greensburg initiated the festivities by holding an Oktoberfest (1980-1982) that included folk dancing lessons, a visit from the Consulate General in New York who talked about German-American relations, singing, a nature walk, and of course lots of German food. Toward the end of the semester around the time of final exams, they included students from local high schools in their celebration of Christkindlemarkt. Various customs and traditions of Germany were enacted all highlighted by a visit from St. Nicholous and Krampa (the devil) both played in alternate years by Prof. Norman McWhinney. In February, students of German observed the pre-Lenten festival of Fasching. For some this might have also have been a pre-midterm festival!

Meanwhile members of the Spanish Club, with the help of their advisor, Prof. Guy Rossetti, were having their own festivals.These fiestas included entertainment by groups such as the Boston Flamenco Ballet, or the Teatro Flamenco Madrid, a guitarist, and perhaps a singer. A dinner of authentic Spanish cuisine was always an important part of the celebration.

While the German and Spanish students were practicing the polka and Flamenco dancing, the French Club at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg was holding medieval pageants and French Fairs. They teamed up with the Society for Creative Anachronism to provide entertainment in the form of dancing, fashion shows with medieval costumes, singing, jousting, archery, and displays of armour.

Beginning in the early eighties and continuing until a few years ago, a Humanities Day was held each April at Pitt-Greensburg. The program was developed and directed by Prof. Colette Levin, who was also advisor to the French Club. Every year over 1000 students from area high schools competed in French, German, Spanish, and English in the areas of writing, debate, art, culture, recitation, drama, and musical performance. Trophies were awarded to the two high schools with the highest points.

Fall Festival

In 1981, the Westmoreland-Pitt Club under the leadership of Joe Gruebel, began sponsoring an annual Fall Festival at the Pitt-Greensburg campus.

There were games and activities for children, students and adults as well as prizes, raffles, tours of Lynch Hall, food concessions, and entertainment. In 1986, the Alumni Pavilion designed by Ralph Wilps and funded by alumni contributions was dedicated. In the early years the event was co-sponsored by the East and South Hills Pitt Clubs.The theme varied from year to year, and in 1987 the festival was moved to October to coordinate with the theme of "Oktoberfest."

Prof. Ruth Kuschmierz circa 1987

Pitt-Greensburg Celebrates 25th Anniversary

1988 was a big year for the Pitt-Greensburg campus. UPG celebrated it's 25th Anniversary with a dinner at the Greensburg Sheraton Inn on September 23, 1988.

Image of Molly Reilly and Tom Kelly

Molly Reilly and Tom Kelly at Pitt-Greensburg's 25th Anniversary celebration

In March, degree granting status was assigned to UPG and ground-breaking took place for two new buildings: a student center and residence hall.

Image of Dr. Albert Smith and Mrs. Smith

Dr. Albert Smith and Mrs. Smith

A nine-acre site was donated by the Ridilla family of Latrobe for an athletic field to be used for football, soccer, baseball, and lacrosse.

Dr. Patricia Duck Library Director
(left)

Also in 1988, the entrance road to the lower campus was named Vincent Finoli Drive in honor of Vincent A Finoli who served as chairman of UPG's Advisory Board from 1985 until his death in 1986.

Image of Young Scholars Summer Science Institute students

Young Scholars Summer Science Institute (1989 and 1990)
Funded by an $82,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, the Pitt-Greensburg science faculty conducted a four-week-long science program during the summers of 1989 and 1990. Developed in cooperation with Westinghouse Environmental Services, the Young Scholars Summer Science Institute was designed to generate interest in technical fields of study among high school students. Prof. Mary Grace O'Donnell said, "Our program is part of the National Science Foundation's nationwide effort to encourage students to pursue degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics. We are excited because the program relates scientific theory and research."

Over forty students from as many as five states participated in the program each summer attending classes in computer organization, linear programming in mathematical modeling, gene manipulation--friend or foe, and case studies relevant to the philosophy and ethics of science. Prof. Kerry Holzworth stated, "The program is aimed at keeping students in science." E. Preston Rahe, Jr. general manager of Westinghouse Environmental Services, believed that the program would help to overcome a projected shortage of scientists.

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Updated 11/7/02