INSIDE Senior profiles...... 5-9 Pitt student awards...... 3-4

PittNewspaper of the University of PittsburghChronicle Volume XIV • Number 16 • April 28, 2013 Commencement 2013 2 • Pitt Chronicle • April 28, 2013 Four Faculty Receive Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring GEORGE MENDEL GEORGE Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson honored four faculty with the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring during an April 11 awards ceremony in the . Pictured, from left, are Provost Beeson; winners Alan Juffs, professor of linguistics and director of Pitt’s English Language Institute; Alan Wells, the Thomas J Gill III Profes- sor of Pathology, Pitt School of Medicine; Angus W. Thomson, Distinguished Professor of Surgery, School of Medicine; and Alberta M. Sbragia, vice provost for graduate studies and professor of political science; and Carey Balaban, vice provost for faculty affairs and professor of otolaryngology in the School of Medicine, who chaired the committee that recommended the winners to the provost.

By Cara Masset Pitt Holds 2013 Commencement in Four faculty members who have pro- ognition of her teaching and research related vided outstanding mentorship to their to the European Union, and recognized by doctoral students have received the 2013 the University through her 2006 appoint- The Today Provost’s Award for Mentoring. The award, ment as the inaugural Chancellor Mark A. which carries with it a $2,500 cash prize, Nordenberg University Professor. Sbragia’s By Sharon S. Blake honors professors who have nurtured the former students have become tenured personal and professional development professors at such leading research institu- University of Chancellor Pitt alumnus Patrick D. Gallagher of students and provided a foundation for tions as Hofstra University, the University Mark A. Nordenberg will welcome graduat- students’ careers long after their degrees of California, Davis, and the University of ing members of the Class of 2013, faculty, (A&S ’87G, ’91G), director of the have been granted. This is the eighth year Wisconsin-Madison. trustees, alumni, staff, and invited guests, of the award. families, and friends attending Pitt’s 2013 U.S. Department of Commerce’s “The individuals recognized by this Angus W. Thomson received national Commencement at 1 p.m. award have given their time, energy, and recognition for mentoring in 2011 as today in the Petersen Events National Institute of wisdom to help shape the next generation the recipient of the American Society of Center. of researchers and scholars,” said Provost Transplantation Mentoring Award. He is Pitt alumnus Patrick D. Standards and Technol- and Senior Vice Chancellor Distinguished Professor Gallagher (A&S ’87G, ’91G), ogy, will deliver the Patricia E. Beeson. “In so of Surgery and professor director of the U.S. Depart- doing, they have not only “The individuals rec- of immunology, micro- ment of Commerce’s National 2013 commencement helped shape the intellec- biology and molecular Institute of Standards and tual and personal lives of ognized by this award genetics, and of clini- Technology (NIST), will address. the members of this genera- cal and translational deliver the 2013 commence- tion, but also inspired them have given their time, science in Pitt’s School ment address. Gallagher to continue advancing in of Medicine. He directs assumed his current role mas—presented by Chan- the pursuit of knowledge.” energy, and wisdom transplant immunology at NIST on Nov. 20, 2009, Patrick D. Gallagher cellor Mark A. Nordenberg, The 2013 recipients in Pitt’s Thomas E. Starzl following his nomination Pitt Provost and Senior Vice of the Provost’s Award for to help shape the next Transplantation Insti- by President Obama and full U.S. Senate Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson, and the deans Mentoring follow. generation of research- tute and transplantation confirmation. He leads one of the nation’s of the schools and colleges—Katherine A. research in Pitt’s Insti- oldest physical science laboratories, which Malekoff will speak on behalf of the gradu- Professor of Linguis- ers and scholars. In so tute of Molecular Medi- promotes U.S. innovation and industrial ating class. Malekoff, a graduating senior tics Alan Juffs has served cine. Thomson’s former competitiveness by advancing measurement from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts on dissertation committees doing, they have not students have assumed science, standards, and technology. At the and Sciences, will receive the Bachelor of for students both inside leadership positions in ceremony, Pitt will confer upon Gallagher Arts degree in urban studies and sociology and outside the discipline only helped shape the academia, and recent stu- the degree of Doctor of Public Service during the commencement ceremony. She is of linguistics. He directs dents are advancing their Honoris Causa. the recipient of the 2013 Pitt’s English Language intellectual and personal careers with positions at Chief University Omicron Delta Kappa Institute and is a coeditor lives of the members of such institutions as Har- Marshal Thomas C. Smi- After the commencement Senior of the Year of the Pitt Series in English vard Medical School, the therman will open the Award. (See page 3). as a Second Language at this generation, but also Mayo Clinic, and MIT. ceremony leading a pro- address and the awarding Following Malekoff’s the University of Michigan cession of members of remarks, Jane Allred Press. He has served as inspired them to con- Alan Wells serves the graduating class, fac- of diplomas—presented (A&S ’71), president of chair of Pitt’s linguistics on thesis committees ulty, staff, the Council by Chancellor Mark A. the Pitt Alumni Asso- department in the Kenneth tinue advancing in the for Pitt students in addi- of Deans, trustees, and ciation, will welcome P. Dietrich School of Arts pursuit of knowledge.” tion to students attend- administrative officers Nordenberg, Pitt Provost the graduates as Pitt’s and Sciences. Juffs has ing other institutions in in full academic regalia; newest alumni. been highly successful in —Patricia E. Beeson India, Germany, Aus- Smitherman is a pro- and Senior Vice Chancel- In all, Pitt will placing his students, some tralia, and throughout fessor of medicine and confer approximately of whom are now professors the United States. Wells president of the Univer- lor Patricia E. Beeson, and 6,000 undergraduate, at such institutions as Mich- is the Thomas J Gill III sity Senate at Pitt. The graduate, and profes- igan State University, North Carolina State Professor of Pathology, vice chair of the University Symphonic the deans of the schools sional degrees this University, and the University of Vermont. Department of Pathology, and professor of Band, under the direc- and colleges—Katherine year at its five cam- computational and systems biology in Pitt’s tion of Jack R. Anderson, puses; Pitt-Bradford, Alberta M. Sbragia, vice provost for School of Medicine. He also is a bioengi- will provide music for A. Malekoff will speak on Pitt-Greensburg, Pitt- graduate studies and professor of political neering professor in Pitt’s Swanson School the ceremony. Johnstown, and Pitt- science, has been recognized internationally of Engineering. Wells’ former students have After the com- behalf of the graduating Titusville will hold their for her strengths as a teacher and mentor gone on to successful careers in academia at mencement address and own commencement through such awards as the Jean Monnet Pitt and the University of Rochester, as well the awarding of diplo- class. ceremonies. Chair ad personam, granted in 2005 in rec- as in clinical and industry-related fields. April 28, 2013 • • 3 2013 Omicron Delta Kappa Senior of the Year Award Granted to Katherine Malekoff By Anthony M. Moore

University of Pittsburgh graduating Pitt. Most notably, she served as the chair senior Katherine Malekoff, who will receive for Pitt Make A Difference Day in 2011, “My experiences at the Univer- a Bachelor of Arts degree in urban studies when she coordinated logistical planning for and sociology from Pitt’s Kenneth P. Diet- 4,000 volunteers at more than 60 area sites sity of Pittsburgh have taught rich School of Arts and Sciences at today’s during the University’s single largest day commencement ceremony, has been named of volunteering and service. In preparation me that in order to live well, the University’s 2013 Omicron Delta Kappa for Pitt Make A Difference Day, she devel- Senior of the Year. oped marketing and outreach campaigns to service to others is key. It is Omicron Delta Kappa is an honorary encourage registration and attendance. society founded in 1914 at Washington and In addition, she served as an under- truly humbling to receive the Lee University in Lexington, Va., that recog- graduate representative on the Student Omicron Delta Kappa Senior of nizes students who maintain a high standard Affairs Committee of the University of of leadership in collegiate activities. The Pittsburgh Board of Trustees during the the Year Award, and I can only award is given to students who possess and 2011-12 school year. Malekoff has exhibit outstanding leadership qualities in held positions with Pitt’s Student hope to continue to serve the service to the University. Malekoff received Government Board, including the award at the University’s Honors Con- allocations liaison, campaign Pitt community as an alum for vocation in February, and her name will be manager, and member of the engraved in a walkway between the Cathe- governmental relations com- years to come.” dral of Learning and Heinz Chapel alongside mittee. She also served as the —Katherine Malekoff the names of previous Omicron Delta Kappa head first-year mentor for Pitt’s Senior of the Year award recipients. Office of First Year Experience For Malekoff, this award is the culmina- Katherine Malekoff as well as the leisure learning include a 2012 Dean’s Award, a 2011 Director tion of a fulfilling academic career at Pitt, director for the Pitt Program of Student Life Award, and a 2011 Outstand- where she has learned several life lessons. ring of degrees. Following Council. ing Junior Student Leader Award. “My experiences at the University of commencement, Male- In 2011, Malekoff Mary E. Utter, assistant director of stu- Pittsburgh have taught me that in order koff will work as a Teach was one of only five Pitt dent life and a coordinator of Pitt’s Office of to live well, service to others is key,” said For America instructor students—along with 41 First Year Experience, worked closely with Malekoff. “It is truly humbling to receive within New York City’s other students from 16 Malekoff throughout her years at Pitt. the Omicron Delta Kappa Senior of the Year public school system for states and 14 countries— Utter notes that Malekoff is an excep- Award, and I can only hope to continue to two years and will pursue a selected as a student repre- tional student with a bright future: “Kather- serve the Pitt community as an alum for long-term career in the urban sentative at the third annual ine is a one-of-a-kind student whose impact years to come.” education policy field. Student Leadership Summit on Pitt’s campus will be felt for years to During Pitt’s 2013 Commencement, Malekoff, who hails from of the Pitt Hesselbein Global come. She has an immense pride for Pitt and Malekoff will serve as the Student Respon- Greensboro, N.C., has been a Academy for Student Leadership has shown selfless dedication to the better- dent, delivering remarks following the leader for many groups and projects and Civic Engagement. ment of this community.” featured speaker’s address and the confer- throughout her collegiate career at Malekoff’s awards and distinctions Graduating Pitt Senior Leah P. Swanzy Pitt Phi Beta Kappa Chapter Inducts 102 Students

The University of Pittsburgh chapter of Amelia Dunn* Allysa Nagy Named 2013 Emma Locke Award Winner Phi Beta Kappa inducted 102 Pitt students Joshua Eccles Jeffrey Nelson into its 2013 class during an April 27 ini- Joseph Edwards Timothy Ohlsen By Anthony M. Moore tiation ceremony in the William Pitt Union Kathryn Egan Bridget O’Neill Assembly Room. Dorothy Ellis Cassie Park University of Pittsburgh graduating guaranteed admission to the University’s Founded in 1776 at the College of Wil- Eussera El-Magbri Milan Patel senior Leah P. Swanzy has been awarded medical school as a freshman through the liam and Mary, Phi Beta Kappa is America’s Steven Farley Elena Paul the University’s 2013 Emma Locke Award. Guaranteed Admit Program in Pitt’s School oldest college honor society. Election to Phi Travis Fernald Arpan Prabhu* Swanzy will graduate of Medicine. Beta Kappa is considered by many to be the Jay Fuletra Clark Restrepo today with a Bachelor of Throughout her time most prestigious honor of academic excel- Heather Fuhrman* Brian Sandridge Science degree in natural at Pitt, Swanzy, a native of lence that can be conferred upon students Rachel Gartland Linda Schelle sciences, a Bachelor of Houston, Texas, has been majoring in one of the liberal arts and sci- Rachel Gately Emily Seltzer* Arts degree in health ser- progressively preparing ences. Among the organization’s past induct- Bethany Giordano Emma Shannon vices, and a certificate in for her future career ambi- ees are 17 U.S. Presidents, 38 U.S. Supreme Justin Goehring Kari Shore managing health services tions, both in the United Court Justices, and 136 Nobel Laureates. Elizabeth Gombert* Sarah Sleasman programs and projects States and abroad. During Local chapters work within the organi- Sarah Grech Sophia Smith from Pitt’s College of the fall 2012 semester, zation’s national guidelines to establish their Zachary Haddad Garry Smyda General Studies as well she studied in the city of own criteria for election to the society. At Kathrine Halo Anna Statkiewicz as a minor in chemistry Chiang Mai in northern Pitt, eligibility requirements include, among Zachary Hammer Mark Sullivan from the Kenneth P. Diet- Thailand, where she taught others, proficiency in a foreign language as Yingzhen Han Sarah Sullivan rich School of Arts and English language skills well as completion of a demanding, broadly Michael Harowicz Steven Taylor* Sciences. to Buddhist monks at the distributed program of course work span- Tyler Hein Vivienne Tuckwaite The Emma W. Locke Wat Chetupon Monastery. ning the humanities, social sciences, and Jonathan Heins Jessa Tunacao Award, established in While in Southeast Asia, natural sciences. Jared Helms Gabrielle Toborg 1946 by Charles A. Locke Swanzy also volunteered Completing a well-distributed program Zerina Hodzic Enoch Tse* in memory of his mother, Leah P. Swanzy her expertise at the Home of course work is more important than a 4.0 Katharine Hoetzer Ajay Unnithan is presented annually to of the Swallow, a Thai grade point average. Grade point average Daniel Holohan Megan Vasconez a graduating Pitt senior in recognition of group home for teenage mothers and their requirements range from 3.5 to 3.9, with Samuel Holton- Nicholas Vettese* high scholarship, character, and devotion children, where she instructed young women the lower criterion applying to students who Hinshaw Christina Villani to the ideals of the University. The student on basic health care techniques. have earned at least 90 liberal arts credits Sydney Huerbin Danielle Walheim must have at least a 3.85 GPA and plan to Swanzy has served as a tutor and teach- at Pitt and the higher criterion applying to Justin Ingram Ruth Wang continue his or her education after gradua- ing assistant for biology and chemistry stu- those who have earned 60 liberal arts credits Stacy Jones Xuan Wang* tion. Swanzy received the award at the Uni- dents in Pitt’s Academic Resource Center as at Pitt. Kathryn Kaufman Andrew Weis versity’s Honors Convocation in February. well as a research assistant at Magee-Wom- Pitt’s Phi Beta Kappa Class of 2013 Joseph Kern Jonathan Weisberg “I am humbled to receive the Emma ens Hospital of UPMC. Swanzy also has inductees are: Harrison Klause Megan Willison Locke Award because it shows that during volunteered and shadowed professionals at Zachary Kneupper Sarah Witter my time at Pitt, I have adopted the ideals that such notable medical institutions as UPMC Pankaj Aggarwal Sushma Kola Leanne Woiewodski* first drew me to the University of Pittsburgh: Shadyside Hospital and the Texas Medical Molly Antimarino Shannon Krohe Maia Woluchem high academic standards, environmental Center’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Kerri Bell Yongbin Kwon Alaina Wrencher responsibility, a servant’s heart, and a genu- Ben Taub General Hospital. Moira Black Jeffrey LaRosa Nursafwana ine intention for each student to succeed,” Swanzy is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Suzanne Block Naomi Latorraca Zulkhernain said Swanzy. “This award is the perfect Evening Scholarship, the College of General Kristen Breslin* Christopher Leiden Zachary Zuzek springboard to launch me into med school, Studies’ most prestigious academic award. Ryan Bruno Katherine Luke* where the University will have four more She is a member of the Campus Women’s Edward Brutsch Craig Mauro (* indicates junior) years to develop me into a compassionate Organization, the Lambda Sigma Honor Eva Bugos Meghan Matscherz and skillful physician.” Society, and Pitt’s Pre-Medical Society. Amanda Church Kayla Miller* This fall, Swanzy will enter Pitt’s Swanzy also serves as a group leader and John Cole Paras Minhas School of Medicine to pursue a career elementary Sunday school teacher for the James DiBitetto* Amy Molitoris* in obstetrics and gynecology. She was Northway Christian Community. Mercedes Dollard Kerry Moore 4 • Pitt Chronicle • April 28, 2013 Pitt Students Receive Whitaker Awards for International Bioengineering Research and Study

because, she explained, was named a cowinner of “I want to learn how Pitt’s Randall Family Big research is different— University of Pittsburgh Idea Competition for the and similar—around same project. the world.” She served graduating senior Lisa “Our growth factor as president of Pitt’s therapy could essentially section of the Society Volpatti and doctoral be extended to any disease of Women Engineers or condition—wound heal- this academic year and candidate Noah John- ing, bone regeneration. It’s has worked as a stu- just a matter of fine-tuning. dent researcher in the son have received We’re really only limited by Biomaterials Foundry the amount of time we have laboratory of Yadong awards from the to research,” Johnson said Wang, professor of bio- of the research he’s conduct- engineering in Pitt’s Whitaker International ing under Wang’s guidance. Swanson School of “I’m really excited to focus Engineering. Program, which sends on cardiac repair because Noah Johnson, a heart disease is one of most PhD candidate in bio- emerging U.S. lead- pressing health care issues engineering in Pitt’s of today.” Swanson School of ers in bioengineering Beginning in 1975, The Engineering who also Whitaker Foundation sup-

CHRIS CHIRDON CHRIS conducts research in overseas to undertake ported the development and Lisa Volpatti Noah Johnson Wang’s Biomateri- enhancement of biomedical als Foundry labora- self-designed projects engineering in the United By Cara Masset tory, has won a 2013 States, contributing nearly Whitaker International that will enhance their $700 million to universities. University of Pittsburgh graduating ing at today’s Commencement—has been Summer Grant award. When the foundation closed senior Lisa Volpatti and doctoral candidate named a 2013 recipient of the Whitaker This summer, he will careers and develop in 2006, it committed its Noah Johnson have received awards from International Fellows and Scholars Program travel to the Univer- remaining funds to the Insti- the Whitaker International Program, which award. She will use the award to attend sity of Cape Town in their international ties. tute of International Educa- sends emerging U.S. leaders in bioengineer- Churchill College at the University of Cam- South Africa, where This is the fourth con- tion to create what is now ing overseas to undertake self-designed bridge in England, where she will pursue he will collaborate with the Whitaker International projects that will enhance their careers and a one-year research degree, the Master of researchers to test the secutive year that Pitt Program, whose goal is “to develop their international ties. This is the Philosophy in Chemistry. She will focus effectiveness of inject- assist the development of fourth consecutive year that Pitt students her research on examining the chemical ing growth factors into students have received professional leaders who are have received Whitaker awards. properties of amyloid fibrils to determine the walls of heart cham- not only superb scientists, Volpatti—who will receive a Bachelor whether they have the potential to deliver bers to repair hearts Whitaker awards. but who also will advance of Science in Chemical Engineering degree pharmaceuticals to parts of the human body. damaged by heart the profession through an from Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineer- Volpatti applied for the Whitaker award attacks. In 2012, he international outlook.”

Project, under the direction of Gil Rose. Pitt’s Radio Frequency Research Facil- Biology Professor Graham Hatfull The concerto will be loosely based on the ity, where she is developing technology last movement [Songe d’une nuit du sabbat for the advancement of Seven Tesla MRI Wins Undergraduate Teaching (Dream of the Witches’ Sabbath)] of Ber- Machines. Award News lioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. “It’s meant as a new piece that appropriates, transforms, Graham Hatfull, Eberly Family Pro- Of Note and interprets elements from the original,” Pitt’s Gerald D. Holder Elected Vice fessor of Biology and Howard Hughes said Rosenblum. “The idea is Medical Institute Professor, is the recipi- to mesh my microtonal musi- Chair of the Engineering Deans ent of the 2013 Carski Foun- cal language with David’s Council Executive Board dation Distinguished Under- improvisational sensibility graduate Teaching Award. Music Professor Mathew using aspects of Gerald D. Holder, This recognition, given by Rosenblum Named a 2013 Berlioz’s musical U.S. Steel Dean of the American Society for material and the Engineering in the Microbiology, recognizes an Guggenheim Fellow evocative theme Swanson School of exemplary educator in the of ‘witches’ Sab- Engineering, has been field of microbiology. Pitt Professor of Music bath’ as a reference elected to serve a Hatfull has been a Mathew Rosenblum has been point.” two-year term as vice member of Pitt’s faculty named a 2013 Guggenheim chair of the Ameri- since 1988, and he served Mathew Rosenblum Fellow—one of 175 scholars, can Society for Engi- Graham Hatfull as chair of the Department artists, and scientists selected neering Education’s of Biological Sciences from in recognition of prior achievements Doctoral Student Sossena Engineering Deans 2003 to 2011. During his eight- and exceptional promise. Rosen- Wood Named National Gerald D. Holder Council Executive year tenure as chair, he blum’s proposed project is a concerto Board. His term helped spearhead a for clarinetist David Krakauer, a Chair of the National will begin June department-wide effort major figure in classical music and Society of Black Engineers 26 at the conclu- to dramatically Eastern European Jewish klezmer sion of the soci- increase under- music. Krakauer will perform the new Bioengineering doctoral ety’s annual graduate partici- piece, titled Lament/ student and Pitt alumnus Sos- conference in pation in course- Witches’ Sabbath, sena Wood (ENGR ’10) has been Atlanta and based and labo- with the Boston elected chair of the National Soci- will conclude ratory research. Modern Orchestra ety of Black Engineers. Wood at the end of He encourages is the sixth woman to serve as the 2015 confer- many under- national chairperson since the ence in Seattle. graduate stu- society’s founding in 1975. The The Ameri- dents to assist his David Krakauer society’s 29,000 members, Sossena Wood can Society for team in conduct- including high schoolers, Engineering Educa- ing research in his college students, and professionals, tion, founded in 1893, devel- laboratory, where aim to increase the numbers of Afri- ops policies and programs that he studies molecular can Americans enrolling in engineering enhance professional opportunities genetics of myco- programs, provide support to retain for engineering faculty members bacteria and bacte- them at the college level, and grow and promotes activities that sup- riophages related to their ranks in the profession. Wood port increased student enrollments a number of medical is conducting her PhD research in in engineering disciplines. conditions. April 28, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 5 SeniorProfiles Art of Building Connections Amanda Wilson taps her Jewish heritage and communication skills to move forward into the world Wilson would return to Israel several times over the next four years, first for classes and then for service learning during GraduateSpotlight the spring breaks of her freshman and sopho- more years, respectively. During the spring semester of her junior year, Wilson studied at Nate Boros the University of Haifa, taking such courses as Jewish art history and the history of the 2013 Pitt degree: Bachelor of Science in Arab-Israeli conflict; she also took intensive Business Administration, College of Business classes in the Hebrew language and volun- Administration teered in Haifa’s community of Ethiopian immigrants. Hometown: Pittsburgh “I wanted to know what it was like to Favorite Pitt memory: It is impossible build a life there,” Wilson said of studying in to choose just one, but my very first move-in Haifa. “I learned a lot about the people and day comes to mind. There was a palpable the place and what it’s like to be a part of sense of excitement and possibility that I had that society and culture.” Away from Israel’s larger cities, where many speak English, never felt before. Wilson found her Hebrew improving. She Six words to sum up your Pitt expe- has worked to maintain her language skills rience: A life-changing, transformational, at Pitt, conversing with her roommates and and unforgettable reading short stories and Facebook updates milestone in Hebrew. Meanwhile, each summer Wilson rose Next move: Full- up through the ranks at Camp Harlam, pro- time position with moted first to assistant unit head, then to PNC Bank as a corpo- assistant supervisor. Her curiosity and drive rate and institutional for meaningful experiences led Wilson to banking analyst in intern with camp staff over the winter break of 2012. This summer, Wilson will return for Washington, D.C. her fifth consecutive summer at the camp, in the role of unit head—a “counselor’s counselor.” Her camp experiences have bolstered Wilson’s collegiate career. “The skills I’ve The position’s similarities to working at learned at camp have definitely made me summer camp are not lost on Wilson. “I’m successful throughout my years at Pitt,” very interested in what goes on outside the Wilson said. “I’ve learned about taking care classroom,” Wilson said, considering her of others and being concerned about the broader career aspirations. “I’m interested well-being of others. These have been hugely in extracurricular activities, summer pro- formative experiences for me.” grams. Whether my career will ultimately be in guidance counseling or camping, I’m MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE Next year, Wilson will take the skills not sure.” Amanda Wilson she’s acquired at Camp Harlam to a position at Thurgood Marshall Academy, a charter The connections made at camp and school in Washington, D.C., with a legal in Israel have equipped Wilson to experi- By Adam Reger emphasis. The position is a one-year oppor- ence a fuller Jewish life, she said, one that tunity through Avodah, a Jewish service exists “outside the doors of the synagogue.” Graduating senior Amanda Wilson has rich School of Arts and Sciences, who has corps dedicated to fighting poverty in the Coming to college, Wilson said, “You have perfected the art of making connections, advised Wilson during the last three years. United States. Wilson will serve as program to figure out what a Jewish life looks like both on and off Pitt’s campus. She has “She’s just incredibly insightful as to her own associate, tutoring students, facilitating on your own. The past four years have been spent her college career needs and highly motivated the school’s extracurricular activities, and an opportunity for me to explore what that connecting with her Pitt and self-directed.” overseeing student trips into the Washington looks like.” peers, her Jewish faith and “I wanted to know During the summer community to shadow working lawyers. Wilson has shared her insights into heritage, the Israeli people before her freshman year at that process with the Pitt community as a and the Hebrew language, what it was like to Pitt, Wilson began work as campus engagement intern for Hillel Jewish and Ethiopian refugees, as a cabin counselor at Camp University Center of Pittsburgh, where she well as with youngsters at a build a life there,” Harlam, a Union for Reform helps fellow students maintain connections Jewish summer camp near Judaism summer camp in GraduateSpotlight to their religious and cultural beliefs. Wilson Philadelphia—and this is Wilson said of study- Kunkletown, Pa., about 90 reaches out to approximately 60 Pitt stu- just a partial list. minutes north of Philadel- John Obeid dents, inviting them for coffee and asking “I like to be involved ing in Haifa. “I phia. For Wilson, it was her about what they might be missing in terms in meaningful experiences learned a lot about introduction to counseling of building a Jewish life on campus. It’s a and things that will encour- after growing up attending 2013 Pitt degree: Bachelor of Science position, she said, that didn’t exist when she age growth and help other the people and the other summer camps near in Chemical Engineering, Swanson School of first came to Pitt. people,” said Wilson, “and her home in Havertown, Pa. Engineering Wilson said that, along with her experi- I’ve tried to figure out as place and what it’s In December of that Hometown: Pittsburgh (Baldwin!) ences at camp and in Israel, her coursework many ways to do that as year, over Pitt’s winter break, Favorite Pitt memory: Being named has had a profound influence on her life. possible.” like to be a part Wilson participated in the She credits her communication and rhetoric Not only has she suc- Taglit-Birthright Israel pro- Pitt’s Homecoming King major with benefiting her work outside the ceeded in doing just that, of that society and gram, which sponsors cul- Six words to sum up your Pitt classroom. “The major provided a good but she’s done it all while culture.” tural trips to Israel for Jewish experience: “Gradu- foundation of resources and skills,” Wilson excelling academically, young adults. A10-day intro- ate? Can I stay here said, making special note of her classes in earning a 3.8 GPA in her ductory visit to Israel marked forever?” public speaking and nonverbal communica- dual Urban Studies and her first experience with the tion. “You’re communicating constantly, and Communication and Rhetoric majors (along land and culture that had been a focal point Next move: The if you can understand that, it will help you with a certificate in Jewish Studies). She in her religious upbringing. workforce, most in everything you do.” also earned membership in the Lambda Pi “It wasn’t until I went there that I under- likely at a chemical That understanding is just one of many Eta Communication Honor Society and the stood,” Wilson said. “I felt not just a love and manufacturing plant skills Wilson has acquired during her time at Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society. an appreciation that comes blindly, but one Pitt and already put to use. “I think the things “She’s pretty amazing,” said Carolyn that comes from really spending time there I’ve studied over the past four years I’ll be Carson, program advisor for the Urban and really understanding the history, what it using for the rest of my life,” she said, “as I Studies Program in Pitt’s Kenneth P. Diet- looks like today, and why.” work with kids, or in any capacity, really.” 6 • Pitt Chronicle • April 28, 2013 SeniorProfiles Sound Engineering Michael Cunningham, bioengineering student, brings music into the lab GraduateSpotlight

Julianna Sincavage

2013 Pitt degree: Bachelor of Science in Communication Science, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Hometown: Media, Pa. Favorite Pitt memory: Traveling to Ireland through Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences’ study-abroad program last summer. Six words to sum up your Pitt experience: “This will be an everlasting love.” Next move: Pennsylvania State University’s graduate program in speech- language pathology. (But I will always be a Panther at heart!) B. ROSE HUBER Cunningham has assisted several musicians Michael Cunningham in the Swanson School of Engineering’s Music Engineering Laboratory in recording their own music, including a double-bass player and a flamenco guitar- By Danielle Cameron ist. He’s also been able to lay down a few of his own tracks. Michael Cunningham made his musical arship, Cunningham holds a 3.6 GPA in the approached by George Stetten to help plan When asked why he became involved debut before he could even walk—or talk, for Swanson School and, in 2010, was awarded and build the lab. Stetten is a professor of with the Musical Engineering Laboratory, that matter. His mother, a choral singer, per- the Best Paper in the Session at the school’s bioengineering in the Swanson School and Cunningham reflects on his childhood. formed the National Anthem at a Cincinnati Freshmen Engineering Con- a research professor Raised in a musical household, his passion Reds game in 1990. “She was pregnant with ference. He interned at the in Carnegie Mellon for the arts stemmed from his musically me at the time, so we always joke about how Pitt-UPMC McGowan Insti- When asked why he University’s Robotics gifted mother. He took piano lessons for it was my first on-screen debut,” he laughs. tute for Regenerative Medi- Institute. The Swan- years as a youth and, at age 12, was coaxed Cunningham has dual interests in music cine, where, as a sophomore, became involved with son School built the into playing bass guitar by a friend who told and science. He graduates today with a Bach- he studied skin regeneration. music laboratory so him, Everyone’s playing guitar. The world elor of Science degree in bioengineering He also interned at Cincinnati the Musical Engineering engineering students is going to need bass players. After that, from Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering. Children’s Hospital Medi- who are interested in Cunningham took up the acoustic guitar He has squeezed many music classes into his cal Center, where he helped Laboratory, Cunningham music engineering and double bass, and he has been a part of schedule over the past four years. Attending develop a drug-screening reflects on his childhood. can access a read- four different bands in the past 10 years, Pitt on a full-tuition Honors College Schol- technique that would more ily available studio. including two in which he is currently active. effectively stimulate the Raised in a musical house- Cunningham helped On campus, Cunningham is just as brain. He was also involved craft a set of rules active, performing in such a cappella groups in research seeking cures for hold, his passion for the that would ensure as the Pitt Pendulums, the Pitt Men’s Glee brain cancer. the lab remained a Club, the Panther Rhythms, and Pitch GraduateSpotlight This summer, after arts stemmed from his safe environment for Please—all while keeping up with his bio- touring in Europe with the musically gifted mother. students. engineering coursework. He also played Akiesha Gilcrist Pitt Men’s Glee Club, Cun- Cunningham on the Pitt men’s volleyball team until his ningham will join Venture He took piano lessons for was also one of 10 senior year. for America, a program in bioengineering stu- But as Cunningham sits in the music 2013 Pitt degree: Juris Doctor, School which young, talented college years as a youth and, at dents in the inaugural lab, adjusting his microphones and strum- of Law graduates help to revital- Audio Engineering ming his guitar, it is easy to tell that music Hometown: Harrisburg, Pa. ize American cities through age 12, was coaxed into class held at 7:15 a.m. is one of his biggest passions. Favorite Pitt Memory: Receiving entrepreneurship. For two every Thursday in “No matter what I do, or where I go, I’m years, he will work for a start- playing bass guitar by the fall 2012 semes- going to look for music opportunities along my admission letter to the University of up company in Cleveland, ter. “It was a one- the way,” he says. “And I’ll always remember Pittsburgh School of Law during my senior Providence, or New Orleans. a friend who told him, credit honors course, Pitt and how it helped me combine two of year as a Pitt undergrad Cunningham was able Everyone’s playing guitar. and there were 10 my greatest loves—engineering and music.” Six words to sum up your Pitt to combine his love for engi- students, give or Cunningham pauses, looks around Experience: Amaz- neering and music through his The world is going to need take two or three, the lab, and says, “Four years ago, I never involvement as a cofounder depending on who thought I’d be sitting in a place like this.” ing people, awesome of the Swanson School of bass players. was awake or who (To watch a video of Cunningham in experiences, phenom- Engineering’s Music Engi- could make it,” he the lab, scan the QR- enal education neering Laboratory. Tucked jokes. Code with your mobile Next move: Down- away in a quiet corner of , The Musical Engineering Laboratory device. Don’t have the town ... to work the music laboratory is a state-of-the-art has been a positive learning experience for scanner? Download it music studio housing an electric drum set, Cunningham. He has discovered not only from the Marketplace/ a Steinway, several microphones, a mixing how to run a music studio—but how to run App Store on your smart board, and a large computer screen moni- one well. After learning about the lab’s elec- phone [Search “QR tor. In the spring of 2012, Cunningham was trical makeup and how to use the equipment, Scanner.”]) April 28, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 7

Exploring Near and Far Cosmopolitan Jasmine Turner thrives on Pitt’s urban campus, excels in nonfiction writing arena GraduateSpotlight

Maryam Adebayo

2013 Pitt degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, School of Nursing Hometown: Baltimore, Md. Favorite Pitt memory: Screaming loudly and jubilantly at Pitt home football games Six words to sum up your Pitt expe- rience: Emotional rollercoaster, intel- lectual servitude, and discovery Next move: Ensign in the U.S. Navy

GraduateSpotlight

Julie Gum

2013 Pitt degree: Doctor of Dental Medicine, School of Dental Medicine Hometown: Pen Argyl, Pa. Favorite Pitt memory: The 2007 Pitt in London study-abroad program while I was a Pitt undergraduate Six words to sum up your Pitt GEORGE MENDEL GEORGE experience: Best eight years of my life Jasmine Turner Next move: Back home to work in By Sharon S. Blake private practice Jasmine Turner stumbled upon a ticket proximity to art galleries and museums, and and a number of inspirational instructors. to the city of Pittsburgh—and a pass to many its soaring . She developed her nonfiction writing skills parts of the world—when she began her Intrigued, Turner traveled to Pitt to working as a journalist for several publica- education four years ago at the University of take her own tour. She liked what she saw, tions. Turner’s nonfiction work earned her Pittsburgh. Her tenure at Pitt, in fact, ended applied, and was accepted on a full four-year Pitt’s Al McDowell Memorial Scholarship— up with all the makings of a page-turner. Helen S. Faison Scholarship. She moved a prize for excellence in nonfiction that is A native of Bealeton, Va., Turner into the residence hall, chose awarded annually to one student selected by had just begun her college search when, to major in English writing with a focus on members of Pitt’s nonfiction writing faculty. by chance, one of her friends toured the nonfiction, and today, she graduates summa As a 20-year-old who grew up 40 miles University’s Pittsburgh campus. The friend cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. outside of Washington, D.C., is fluent in to the North Side’s Mattress Factory, where described to Turner the aura of the urban Turner describes her Pitt experience French, and—with a U.S. Navy radioman as Turner had grown to appreciate installa- campus—its mix of old and new buildings as a rich one, full of memorable courses, her father—lived as a toddler in Yokosuka, tion art. in the heart of a major metropolitan area, its exciting internships, a semester in Paris, Japan, Turner has as some of her happiest Pitt Turner tackled her studies with the same memories exploring the University’s urban curiosity and enthusiasm. One course she environment. particularly enjoyed was a digital nonfic- “I would definitely recommend to tion class, where the instructor did most of GraduateSpotlight incoming freshmen that they take advantage the teaching from her Boston home and the of the city’s culture,” she says. “Their Pitt students gathered in a campus computer lab. IDs can get them discounts at restaurants “It is so necessary now to know how Adebola M. Giwa and cultural events and free admission to to work in a digital medium,” said Turner, museums, and it’s so easy to hop on a bus adding that any path an English major might and get around for free.” take—publishing, journalism, or market- 2013 Pitt degree: Doctor of Medicine, School of Medicine Whether she was watching a baseball ing—requires that skill. Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y. game at PNC Park, sampling Caribbean Turner thoroughly enjoyed her part- Favorite Pitt Memory: Boat cruise during our first-year orientation cuisine at a trendy Strip District restaurant, time job at , where, as a copy week when I was challenged to a dance battle by one of my new classmates or buying funky jewelry on the South Side’s editor and later as assistant copy chief, she East Carson Street, Turner immersed herself scrutinized every story that crossed her Six words to sum up my Pitt experience: Open your eyes, so many in all that Pittsburgh has to offer. Bloomfield desk for spelling, accuracy, and style—and opportunities and Shadyside became favorite neighbor- engaged with writers and editors on a daily Next move: Pediatrician at Comer Children’s Hospital, University of Chicago hoods. She saw her first professional hockey basis. game at the Consol Energy Center. Out-of- town high-school chums were always taken Continued on page 8 8 • Pitt Chronicle • April 28, 2013 SeniorProfiles

Continued from page 7 at the Pittsburgh-based national Creative tional students from England, Sweden, sharp by watching French TV and com- Turner describes her Pitt experience Nonfiction magazine solidified her interest Korea, and Japan. municating often with good friends she met in writing creative nonfiction. “All my classes were in French, and it in Paris. as a rich one, full of memorable Fall semester of her senior year found was very intense. By the end of the day, I But she is certain that she is happiest Turner in Paris, studying French language was surprised—but happy—to find myself reading or writing nonfiction. courses, exciting internships, a and civilization at the Catholic Institute of thinking in French,” she says. “That’s what I’m passionate about— semester in Paris, and a number of Paris through a Pitt-related study abroad While Turner isn’t sure how she will people’s stories,” she said. “The idea of program. The cosmopolitan student felt right weave her minors of political science and encountering people’s lives, telling people’s inspirational instructors. She devel- at home eating lunches in Paris’ Luxembourg French into her writing career, she’s not stories, reading people’s stories . . . it’s fas- ruling anything out. She keeps her French cinating.” oped her nonfiction writing skills Gardens and befriending fellow interna- working as a journalist for several publications. Turner’s nonfiction A High Achiever work earned her Pitt’s Al McDowell Ohiremen Dibua serves younger generation by conveying the importance of education, Memorial Scholarship. sharing his love for engineering and the sciences Pitt News managing editor Cathy Butchy says Turner “viewed copy editing as a joy rather than a task.” “What makes a good copy editor is someone who truly enjoys improving lan- guage and who develops a humble confi- dence in his or her ability to do so expertly,” says Butchy, adding that Turner “caught on to the spirit of the job very quickly.” She says the young editor was a calm and reassuring presence in a busy newsroom of harried reporters and editors. The summer after her sophomore year, Turner found herself chatting on a train with the executive editor of the D.C.-based Avia- tion Week, who is also a friend of Turner’s father. Their commuter connection landed Turner an internship at the publication, where she not only edited copy, but also was given assignments on the Pentagon and Capitol Hill beats. “It wasn’t easy making contacts at the Pentagon,” recalls Turner, who wrote about commercial aviation as well as aircraft in Iraq. “But I did my best, and it was a great experience. It thrust me right into the world of journalism.” The following summer, Turner remained in Pittsburgh, writing and report- ing for Mt. Lebanon Magazine. And a pub- lishing internship during her senior year GraduateSpotlight

Harrison Brand

2013 Pitt degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health Hometown: Omaha, Neb. Favorite Pitt memory: Tailgating at my MENDEL GEORGE first Backyard Brawl Ohiremen Dibua Six words to sum up your Pitt experience: Study hard, superb profes- By Anthony M. Moore sors, write endlessly Ohiremen Dibua dedicated his four from Pitt’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of The organization holds regular activi- Next move: years at the University of Pittsburgh to learn- Arts and Sciences. ties and workshops for local K-12 students Postdoctoral training ing how to become a professional engineer Along with hitting the books, Dibua in order to spark what Dibua calls “latent at Harvard University and to sharing his love of science, math, and made volunteerism an important part of interests” in the science, technology, engi- engineering with K-12 students. his college experience. In the spring of neering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. “All kids love math and science; some 2011, he and two other Swanson School “It’s fun for me to see kids who were of them just don’t know it yet,” chuckles students cofounded Scientists, Engineers, once indifferent become excited about Dibua, who graduates today with a Bachelor and Mathematicians for Service, a student model airplanes and learn how the gadgets of Science degree in mechanical engineering organization that does educational outreach that they use daily actually work. These are from Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering to various schools and community groups in things that I’ve been interested in most of and a minor in economics and mathematics the Pittsburgh area. my life,” Dibua says. April 28, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 9

“As an engineering diversity A native of Nigeria who immi- GraduateSpotlight GraduateSpotlight educator who has worked in the grated with his parents to Balti- Stephanie L. Pinsky field for more than 18 years, Suyesh Acharya more, Md., when he was 6 years I can honestly say that Ohire- old, Dibua has accumulated 2013 Pitt degrees: Bachelor of 2013 Pitt degree: Bachelor in Bioengi- Philosophy in Social Work, University Honors men Dibua is one of the most neering, Swanson School of Engineering many honors during his time in College; Bachelor of Arts in Social Work, exceptional students that I have Hometown: Moon Township . Awarded Pitt’s Donald School of Social Work Favorite Pitt memory: Spending a Hometown: Pittsburgh encountered.” summer conducting research on bio materi- M. Henderson Engineering Favorite Pitt memory: Deciding to —Alaine M. Allen als in Hannover, Germany, and exploring Scholarship, he enrolled at Pitt pursue the Bachelor of Philosophy after Europe with fellow Pitt bioengineering being inspired by Chancellor Nordenberg’s students. in 2009. He was inducted into speech at the 2012 Honors Convocation mother who teaches in Baltimore City Com- Six words to sum up your Pitt Six words to sum up your Pitt munity College’s Department of English, Pi Tau Sigma, the international Humanities, and Visual and Performing experience: Best four years of my life experience: Good friends and life-changing Arts. Next move: I have accepted a position mechanical engineering honor learning Dibua recalls that his parents stressed with Regulatory and Quality Solutions, society. He also was a finalist Next move: Colum- the importance of education to him and his a medical-device bia University two younger brothers. consulting firm in for both the prestigious national “My father would double check every single homework assignment every single Pittsburgh. I plan Harry S. Truman Scholarship night. If he found even the slightest of errors, to pursue graduate we had to redo the entire assignment,” said school after a few and Pitt Omicron Delta Kappa Dibua. “It sounds extreme, but it taught us years in industry. that we couldn’t do our school work just half Senior of the Year Award. way. We had a standard of excellence in our home, and I don’t know where I would be right now if I didn’t have those kinds of high A native of Nigeria who immigrated expectations growing up.” with his parents to Baltimore, Md., when That insistence on excellence has paid tion summer internship. he was 6 years old, Dibua has accumulated “My father would double check major dividends for Dibua. He graduated Dibua is an avid tennis player and many honors during his time in Oakland. every single homework assign- in the top 5 percent of the 2009 graduating recreational swimmer, and he also enjoys Awarded Pitt’s Donald M. Henderson Engi- class of Baltimore’s Perry Hall High School. writing poetry. He often spends hours neering Scholarship, he enrolled at Pitt in ment every single night. If he As a Pitt student, he presented his research during summers composing poems and 2009. He was inducted into Pi Tau Sigma, at the 2011 International Symposium on stories or enjoying the literature of such the international mechanical engineering found even the slightest of errors, Terahertz Nanoscience in Osaka, Japan, novelists as Mark Twain, Khaled Hosseini, honor society. He also was a finalist for both and at Rice University’s 2011 Rice Quantum and Karen Miller. the prestigious national Harry S. Truman we had to redo the entire assign- Institute Summer Research Colloquium. In As he leaves Pitt, Dibua says the great- Scholarship and Pitt Omicron Delta Kappa addition, he has interned in research labs at est lesson he has learned is how to manage Senior of the Year Award. ment,” said Dibua. “It sounds Pitt, Rice, and the Massachusetts Institute his time and energies. But it is the development and growth extreme, but it taught us that we of Technology. “Schoolwork has always been my of Scientists, Engineers, and Mathemati- Following today’s commencement primary focus, but I’ve learned to maintain cians for Service of which Dibua is most couldn’t do our school work just exercises, Dibua will return to Baltimore to a balanced lifestyle in order to be the best proud. During his year as president of the spend a few weeks with family and friends student and engineer that I can be,” says organization, it grew to comprise more than half way. We had a standard of before starting a National Science Founda- Dibua. “That means making the time for 15 volunteers. volunteering, athletics, and all of the other “As an engineering diversity educator excellence in our home, and I things that will be important throughout my life.” don’t know where I would be right GraduateSpotlight GraduateSpotlight now if I didn’t have those kinds of high expectations growing up.” Dan Shetler GraduateSpotlight

Tony B. Amos 2013 Pitt degree: Master of Interna- who has worked in the field for more than Benjamin Cobb 18 years, I can honestly say that Ohiremen tional Development, Graduate School of 2013 Pitt degree: Doctor of Pharmacy, Public and International Affairs School of Pharmacy Dibua is one of the most exceptional students 2013 Pitt degree: Doctor of Medicine, that I have encountered,” said Alaine M. Hometown: Goshen, Ind., and Nyabange, School of Medicine Hometown: Houston, Texas Allen, Dibua’s academic advisor and director Tanzania Hometown: King George, Va. Favorite Pitt memory: Big East basket- of the Pitt EXCEL Program, a University- Favorite Pitt memory: The common ball in the Petersen Events Center sponsored student recruitment and retention Favorite Pitt memory: Blizzard of initiative. enemy of the statistics final bringing our 2010 … Imagine three feet of snow, the Six words to sum up your Pitt class together and making us bond experience: Welcoming, exciting, adven- “His motivation is evidenced not only Burgh’s hills, and cancelled exams by his exemplary academic record, but also Six words to sum up your Six words to sum up your Pitt turous, life-changing, rewarding, memorable by his commitment to the community and Pitt experience: Powerful tools to experience: Invigorating, growth, Next move: Post- to enriching the lives of others,” Allen says. nudge structural This fall, Dibua will pursue a PhD worthwhile, mentor- doctoral fellowship in injustice Philadelphia degree in mechanical engineering at Stan- ship, Steelers, Yinzer ford University. He hopes to establish a Next move: Next move: second chapter of Scientists, Engineers, Philadelphia and Anesthesiology and Mathematicians for Service, this time beyond in California. Ultimately, Dibua wants to residency, University become a tenured professor of engineering of Pennsylvania at a major college or university. Dibua is the eldest son of two college professors—a father who teaches history in Baltimore’s Morgan State University and a 10 • Pitt Chronicle • April 28, 2013 Scholars&Stewards

A Gift From the City of Light Fine Foundation support helps Pitt Department of History of Art and Architecture expand its museum studies curriculum By Susan Zavage Grivnow

It was during a business trip to Paris in the late 1970s, Milton Fine (A&S ’49, LAW ’50) recalls, when The groundwork for The Fine he experienced “a critical moment which led to a lifetime passion.” The Foundation’s partnership with moment: passing an art gallery, catch- Pitt was laid in 2009, when ing a glimpse of a painting, entering the gallery, and impulsively buying the the University’s Department artwork. The lifetime passion: learning everything he can about art and giving of History of Art and Architec- others the opportunity to do the same. “The piece was surrealistic, very ture introduced a pilot course, colorful, vivid, and fun,” Fine says. “I obviously associated the painting with Museum Studies Exhibition my feelings for Paris, and in some way Seminar, to provide students it captured the pleasure I always felt about being in Paris.” with hands-on curatorial expe- Intrigued by the power of art to convey messages, Fine has been enthu- rience. Envisioning the class’ siastic about supporting Pittsburgh’s art community and helping others gain content were professor and an appreciation for artistic expres- sion. In keeping with that interest, The then-department chair Kirk Fine Foundation, a private foundation Savage and Eric Shiner (A&S that Milton Fine chairs, has created a partnership with the University of SUSAN ZAVAGE GRIVNOW ’94), who at the time was the Pittsburgh’s Department of History of The Fine Foundation funds three internships per year for Pitt History of Art and Architecture students interested in learning Art and Architecture. The foundation’s about the role of museum curators and other professionals in nonprofit arts organizations. The three Milton Fine Museum Milton Fine Curator of Art at support has spurred a significant broad- Profession Fellows work with local arts professionals as mentors. From left, Pitt senior and Fine Fellow Maria Castro; Gretchen ening of the department’s curriculum, Bender, assistant chair of Pitt’s Department of History of Art and Architecture; Sheila and Milton Fine; Pitt senior and Fine The Warhol. (Shiner is now The opening new pathways for exploration Fellow Natalie Sweet; and Fine Fellow Chanelle Labash (A&S ’12). and learning. Warhol’s director.) “The big takeaway is that a simple, reading about art, visiting museums when successful. But the department questioned generous act can reverberate and gener- possible, and developing friendships with how it would continue to fund the course ate enthusiasm among students, adding people “who knew a great deal more about year after year. have been offered by, in addition to the to a program a wholly new curricular art than I did,” he says. Enter The Fine Foundation, which Society for Contemporary Craft, the dimension that didn’t exist before. That “In the process of learning about art, agreed in 2010 to support the museum cura- Carnegie Museum of Art’s Contem- enthusiasm then leads to I have developed a strong torial class as well as create three annual porary Art and Decorative Arts and broader and longer-term appreciation for artists and internships for department students. The Design departments and The Warhol. [career] planning,” says Fine and his wife, how they make a significant Fine Foundation funded the class for three “These partnerships between stu- Gretchen Bender, assis- difference in our society,” years until last fall, when the Kenneth dents and arts organizations benefit tant chair and director Sheila Reicher Fine, he adds. P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences students, the arts institutions, the Uni- of undergraduate stud- Sheila Fine shares her assumed financial responsibility. The Fine versity, and the region,” says Fine. ies in the Department created The Fine husband’s commitment to Foundation continues to fund three Milton “Sheila and I love projects that have this of History of Art and Foundation in 1998 giving back. A volunteer and Fine Museum Profession Fellowships, multilevel impact.” Architecture. activist since her teen years, which provide a $3,500 stipend per intern Bender says The Fine Foundation- Fine and his wife, following the sale Sheila cofounded LEAD Pitts- and enable Fine Fellows to work with local funded initiative is helping history Sheila Reicher Fine, cre- burgh (Leading Education arts professionals who mentor the students of art and architecture students learn ated The Fine Founda- of the Interstate and Awareness for Depres- in performing curatorial duties and other about careers in museums and nonprofit tion in 1998 following sion). She, too, has served on museum operations. arts organizations. The department the sale of the Interstate Hotels Corpora- numerous Pittsburgh organi- Maria Castro, one of the three cur- also is planning a new 15-credit minor Hotels Corporation, zations’ boards. rent Fine Fellows, is interning with Janet for museum studies, including two the largest indepen- tion, the largest The groundwork for The McCall, executive director of the Society new courses to complement the core dent hotel management independent hotel Fine Foundation’s partner- for Contemporary Craft in the Strip District. museum studies exhibition seminar. company in the United ship with Pitt was laid in Castro is pursuing a double major in history The department also has cre- States. Fine was the management 2009, when the University’s and the history of art and architecture. She ated a spring internship program for company’s cofounder Department of History of is working toward a minor in Italian—and undergraduate students to learn about and chair. company in the Art and Architecture intro- is considering a career in academia. museum practice and to acquire gal- Milton Fine has duced a pilot course, Museum Castro served, as part of her internship, lery experience in the University Art served as a prominent United States. Fine Studies Exhibition Semi- as the teaching assistant for the Depart- Gallery. patron of the local arts nar, to provide students with ment of History of Art and Architecture’s The Fine Foundation also supports scene and, for the past was the company’s hands-on curatorial experi- Museum Studies Exhibition Seminar, which Jewish life, science and medicine, and 30 years, has held a seat cofounder and ence. Envisioning the class’ McCall has taught since 2010. the enrichment of the Pittsburgh region. on the board of the Carn- content were professor and “Working with the [Society for Con- Milton Fine has served on the Pitt Board egie Museum of Art, chair. then-department chair Kirk temporary Craft] is a great experience, and of Trustees and the Joseph M. Katz serving as the museum’s Savage and Eric Shiner (A&S I have an opportunity to learn about how a Graduate School of Business Board of board chair from 1994 ’94), who at the time was the professor teaches a course and why certain Visitors. He was named a University of to 2000. Fine is a founder and emeritus Milton Fine Curator of Art at The Warhol. readings are assigned. Knowing I would Pittsburgh Legacy Laureate in 2000. board member of The Andy Warhol (Shiner is now The Warhol’s director.) work with Janet was a huge part of why I As for the Parisian surrealistic Museum. The Fine Foundation endowed For the new course, students curated applied for the Fine internship. I was really painting, Fine says he became less that museum’s Milton Fine Curator of a portion of the Barry Rosensteel Japanese excited about that,” said Castro, who will enamored of it the more he learned Art position. Print Collection, which was donated to continue her internship through the end of about art. He eventually sold it. But even Ever since making his impulsive Pitt in 2008. The course and its exhibition, this spring term. though he no longer owns the artwork, purchase of that surrealistic painting hosted by the University Art Gallery in The Fine Foundation has funded nine Fine knows the piece gave him the gift in Paris, Fine has dedicated himself to the , were very fellowships to date. Curatorial internships of a lifetime. April 28, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 11 Pitt University Center for Social and Urban Research Celebrates 4 Decades of Accomplishments who will discuss the center’s history and achievements during the past 40 years. Pitt Faculty from different disciplines have participated in the center’s pro- Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg will then introduce former U.S. Secretary of the grams in such areas as risk and emergency management, environmental Treasury and former Alcoa Chief Executive policy studies, intergenerational relationships, child development, ger- Officer Paul O’Neill, who will present a keynote address titled “Re-Booting the New ontology, survey research, geographic information systems and visual Federalism.” O’Neill has been a supporter of the center’s regional indicators project, analytics, and qualitative data analysis. PittsburghTODAY, which is an in-depth journalism program that compares Greater Pittsburgh with 14 other regions in hundreds regional econometric modeling; obtain, erational relationships, child development, of measures. format, and analyze spatial data; acquire, gerontology, survey research, geographic The center was established in 1972 as manage, and analyze large secondary data information systems and visual analytics, the University Center for Urban Research sets; and carry out computer qualitative and qualitative data analysis. The center now with a mandate to “bring together, in an analysis,” said Schulz. “These services are occupies its seventh different campus loca- organized and integrated fashion, the many used by faculty from every school in the tion (located at 3343 Forbes Ave., Oakland) research activities and some of the service University and provide a platform for train- and continues to expand. Richard Schultz activities of the University of Pittsburgh ing graduate students and postdoctoral fel- Among their landmark publications which focus on the urban phenomenon.” The lows, mentoring junior faculty, and serving are the Pittsburgh Regional Quality of Life By B. Rose Huber center provides state-of-the-art research and the community. They have also become an Survey (2013); Gender Wage Disparity in the support services for investigators interested invaluable resource to government agencies Pittsburgh Region: Analyzing Causes and After 40 years of “enhancing lives and in interdisciplinary research in the behav- and policy makers which rely on the center Differences in the Gender Wage Gap (2007), transforming communities,” the University ioral and social sciences. Center staff has for demographic and economic analysis, Black-White Benchmarks reports (2004); of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social been involved in hundreds of externally regional benchmarking on key indicators The State of Aging and Health in Pittsburgh and Urban Research (UCSUR) will celebrate funded research projects and peer-reviewed such as employment, transportation, and and Allegheny County (2003); The State of its accomplishments with a by-invitation- publications, published more than a dozen environmental conditions, as well gauging the Environment in Allegheny County: Land, only cocktail reception from 4 to 7 p.m. books, and received major national awards. the quality of life of the region.” Water, and Air (2001); Greater Pittsburgh April 30 at Pitt’s University Club. “In the last decade, we’ve been able Faculty from different disciplines have Revitalization Initiative (1993); Adult Devel- The 40th anniversary event will open to put a permanent research infrastructure participated in the center’s programs in such opment and Aging: Myths and Emerging with remarks by UCSUR Director and Pitt in place, giving us the capacity to conduct areas as risk and emergency management, Realities (three editions published in 1988, Professor of Psychiatry Richard Schulz, all types of survey research; carry out environmental policy studies, intergen- 1993, 1999); and State of the Region.

Miscellaneous Second Annual University of Pittsburgh and Tsinghua University Joint Symposium on Medical Sciences, universities collaborate to Happenings produce sessions on neuroscience, immunology, infectious diseases, reproductive and stem cell biol- ogy, and more, April 29-30, 11th Floor Scaife Hall, 412-383-9963, www.pitt-tsinghua2013.pitt.edu 15th Annual Russian Film Symposium, titled “Reimagining Class: Recent Russian Cinema,” presents recent films depicting Russia’s often-over- looked middle class, April 29-May 4, padunov@ pitt.edu, www.rusfilm.pitt.edu/2013 Opera/Theater/Dance Our Class, theatrical performance inspired by the Jan Gross book, Neighbors, through May 4, , Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, 412-561-6000, www.picttheatre. org, PITT ARTS Cheap Seats, 412-624-4498, www. pittarts.pitt.edu Pitt PhD Dissertation Defenses Daniel Jones, Dietrich School’s Department of Frick Art and Historical Center, Economics, “Three Essays on the Economics of the A Kind of Alchemy: Medieval Persian Ceramics, Nonprofit Sector,” noon May 3, 4716 Posvar Hall. through June 16

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Forest, through September 2 Newsmakers Exhibitions Fun With Satirist Stephen Colbert Senator John Heinz History Center, 1968: The birds, rotating stained-glass towers, and a large, Year That Rocked America, collection of artifacts articulated woolly mammoth skeleton, through and displays revealing how 1968 shaped our country, Oct. 6, One , Oakland, 412-622-6914, through May 12; From Slavery to Freedom, www.phipps.conservatory.org antislavery movement to the modern quest for civil rights, including material from Pitt-produced exhibition Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the Lectures/Seminars/ 18th and 19th Centuries displayed at Heinz History Center in 2008-09, ongoing, 1212 Smallman St., Readings Strip District. “Does Family Planning Increase Children’s Frick Art and Historical Center, A Kind of Opportunities? Evidence From the War on Alchemy: Medieval Persian Ceramics, a look at Poverty and The Early Years of Title X,” the diversity of ceramics made in ancient Persia, Martha Bailey, professor of economics, University through June 16, 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze, of Michigan, 3:30 p.m. April 30, 4716 Posvar Hall, 412-342-4075, http://TheFrickPittsburgh.org Pitt Department of Economics, 412-648-1793, www.

econ.pitt.edu MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE Carnegie Museum of Art, Associated Artists of Comedian Stephen Colbert made a long-awaited visit to Pitt, speaking April 19 to an audience in Carnegie Music Pittsburgh 102nd Annual Exhibition, the exhibition “Synthesis of Polycyclic Aromatics for Use celebrates 102 years of exceptional art by mem- as High Performance Electronic Materials,” Hall. His visit was the grand prize in Colbert’s “The Super PAC Super Fun Pack Treasure Hunt” challenge that was bers of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Timothy M. Swager, John D. MacArthur Professor won almost a year ago by four Pitt Swanson School of Engineering students and alumni. Pitt Chancellor Mark A. through June 23, Heinz Galleries, 4400 Forbes of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technol- Ave., Oakland, www.cmoa.org ogy, 4 p.m. April 30, 150 Chevron, Pitt Department Nordenberg introduced Colbert, and the four winners gave Colbert a Pitt football jersey. Nordenberg also announced of Chemistry, www.chem.pitt.edu that the male peregrine falcon living on top of the Cathedral of Learning had been named “Stephen” for the day. From Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, left: Nordenberg and the four contest winners, Ben Zaczek (ENGR ’12), Daniel Stough (ENGR ’09, ‘12G), Justine Butterfly Forest, includes such beautiful species as “Savage Games,” Simon Grant, professor of eco- Monarchs and Zebra Longwings, through Sept. 2; nomics, University of Queensland, 3:30 p.m. Buchman (ENGR ’09), and Daniela Aizpitarte (ENGR ’12, A&S ’12). Colbert is in foreground, wearing a baseball cap. Summer Flower Show: Glass in the Gardens, featur- May 2, 4716 Posvar Hall, Pitt Department of Eco- ing lifelike floral forms, whimsical long-legged nomics, 412-648-1793, www.econ.pitt.edu

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12 • Pitt Chronicle • April 28, 2013

Precious Pages of Pitt History PittChronicle Tattered notebook reveals ‘rigorous’ training received by students who attended Pitt progenitor, Pittsburgh Academy Newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh By Sharon S. Blake PUBLISHER Robert Hill ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER John Harvith The faded pages of a student’s math- EXECUTIVE EDITOR Cara Masset ematics notebook, beautifully penned some- EDITOR Jane-Ellen Robinet time between 1801 and 1803, comprise the “It is clear the ASSISTANT EDITOR Adam Reger only artifact in the University Library Sys- ART DIRECTOR Gary Kohr-Cravener tem’s archives dating back to the time when training one STAFF WRITERS Sharon S. Blake the University of Pittsburgh was known as Diane Hernon Chavis the Pittsburgh Academy—a received at such a John Fedele small structure, presumably B. Rose Huber a log house, in what is now ‘frontier academy’ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Danielle Cameron Downtown Pittsburgh. was thorough and Susan Zavage Grivnow The notebook HAPPENINGS EDITOR Anthony M. Moore belonged to Pitt alumnus rigorous,” noted Joseph H. Larwill, and its The Pitt Chronicle is published throughout the year by well-worn ornate brown Nicholas Rescher, University News and Magazines, University of Pittsburgh, covers encase 162 pages of 400 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. notes on geometry, interest Pitt Distinguished Phone: 412-624-1033, Fax: 412-624-4895. calculations, square roots, and University Professor E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chronicle.pitt.edu fractions. The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal “It is clear the training of Philosophy. “We can opportunity institution that does not discriminate upon any one received at such a ‘frontier basis prohibited by law. academy’ was thorough and rig- see how mathematics orous,” noted Nicholas Rescher, Pitt Distinguished University was actually taught in Professor of Philosophy. “We can see how mathematics was the 1780-1820 era and actually taught in the 1780-1820 PUBLICATION NOTICE Items for pub- era and what the teachers actually what the teachers actually lication in the newspaper’s Happenings demanded. The laboriousness of the calendar (page 11) should be received at work is striking.” demanded. The laborious- least two weeks prior to the event date. Historical records show that ness of the work is striking.” Happenings items should include the Larwill was studying surveying at the following information: title of the event, Pittsburgh Academy. In 1804, the U.S. name and title of speaker(s), date, time, Land Office appointed him to survey edu/u/ulsmanuscripts/pdf/31735066264767. location, sponsor(s), and a phone number Wayne, Stark, and Columbiana counties pdf to view it online. and Web site for additional information. in Ohio. In 1810, he oversaw the laying a successful career in Ohio politics. Said Assistant University Librarian Items may be e-mailed to chron@pitt. and opening of the Ohio road that linked Larwill’s math notebook, acquired in Michael Dabrishus: “Because we have so edu, or sent by campus mail to 422 Craig Canton to Mansfield. Larwill also drew the 2011 from a private collector, is housed in very little information about the Pittsburgh Hall. For more information, call 412- original map of Fort Meigs, a fortification the University Library System’s climate- Academy, any shred of information is help- 624-1033 or e-mail [email protected]. in Northwest Ohio that was used during the controlled Thomas Boulevard facility. The ful to our understanding of that part of Pitt’s War of 1812. Larwill eventually went on to public can visit http://digital.library.pitt. history.”