INSIDE Chancellor’s Senate testimony...... 2 Women’s history month...... 6-7 PittNewspaper of the University of PittsburghChronicle Volume XIV • Number 8 • March 4, 2013 Pitt and Philadelphia University Chancellor Names 2013 Awardees for Staff Enter Into an Agreement to Manage Excellence in Service to the University, Community Late U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter’s Archive By Sharon Blake and Debbie Goldberg

The University of Pittsburgh and two universities will collaborate on educa- Philadelphia University have entered into tional programming related to the archive an agreement to advance the preservation and facilitate access to it by students, of, and access to, late U.S. Senator Arlen researchers, and the general public. The Specter’s archive, the Arlen Specter Col- agreement forges a working partnership that lection, which is part of the Arlen Specter will allow the sharing of exhibitions and Center for Public Policy at other scholarly work emanat- Philadelphia University. ing from the archive by the The Arlen Specter Col- two academic institutions at Kenyon Bonner Sherry Miller Brown Gina L. Huggins lection—comprising more opposite ends of the Com- than 2,700 boxes of papers, monwealth, with Pittsburgh photographs, audio and video in the west and Philadelphia materials, and memorabilia— in the east. The center’s first includes a wide range of exhibition, focusing on the historic documents on such Warren Commission’s report, important events in modern will open in October 2013 and U.S. history as: run through April 15, 2014, • the Warren Commis- in observance of the 50th sion’s investigation into the anniversary of the Nov. 22, assassination of President 1963, Kennedy assassination. John F. Kennedy (as an aide Arlen Specter “Over the course of his to the commission, Specter distinguished career, Senator advanced the lone-gunman “single bullet” Arlen Specter played a key role in some of Nick Mihailoff Cheryl Paul Charles Staresinic theory); and the most significant political events of recent • Specter’s crossing party lines to American history. He also was a good friend By Adam Reger become the only Republican on the Senate to Pitt, to Pittsburgh, and to the region that Judiciary Committee to vote against the we call home,” said Pitt Chancellor Mark Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg has the awardees will be inscribed on plaques nomination of Judge Robert H. Bork to the A. Nordenberg. “The University of Pitts- announced the winners of the 2013 Chancel- displayed in the William Pitt Union. U.S. Supreme Court in 1987. burgh is extremely fortunate, therefore, to lor’s Awards for Staff Excellence in Service The Chancellor’s Award for Staff Under the agreement, Pitt’s University partner with Philadelphia University as the to the University and to the Community. Excellence in Service to the University Library System will organize and manage repository of the late Senator’s archive of The honorees were recognized during Pitt’s recognizes staff members who not only the Arlen Specter Collection over the next historically priceless materials—treasures annual Honors Convocation, which was exceed job standards and expectations in four years and store the collection for a that will benefit students, scholars, and the held Feb. 22 in the Carnegie Music Hall, performing their duties, but also make a period of 30 years. Philadelphia University Oakland. Each of the awardees receives a retains ownership of the archive, and the Continued on page 9 $2,500 cash prize. In addition, the names of Continued on page 3 History Maker Pitt alumnus, trustee William E. Strickland Jr. honored by U.S. Senator Casey at Black History Month celebration in the Capitol in Pittsburgh that grew out of Strickland’s unique and whose accomplishments are of passion for pottery. great consequence to African Americans “Bill’s career began with ceramics and and, in fact, to all Americans. … now it has come full circle,” Casey said. “Bill believes passionately in the idea “He’s here in the Capitol of the United that each of us, regardless of race, creed, States, walking across the or ethnicity, is born into this ornately patterned and col- world as an asset, not a liabil- ored tile floors through- “It was very moving ity, and that, when given the out the Brumidi Corridors, right training and opportu- where numerous other pres- to join other friends nity, each of us is capable of tigious men and women world-class results,” Casey have walked before him. So and admirers of Bill continued. “Or, in Bill’s own I thought it appropriate to Strickland as Sena- words, ‘Never give up on the present a man who appreci- poor kids.’ And Bill never ates beauty, ceramics, and tor Casey paid well- has. Today I am proud to history with a decorative share some of the extraordi- ceramic tile from the floor deserved tribute to nary achievements that have of the Capitol.” resulted from Bill’s simple The floor of the Senate Bill’s life of amazing but powerful pledge.” ©MARTHA RIAL ©MARTHA chamber is where Casey Casey then recounted impact from the elements of Strickland’s From left, Pitt alumnus and trustee William E. “Bill” Strickland Jr. (A&S ’70), president and CEO of the Manchester Bidwell began heralding Strickland’s achievements during the floor of the United story: How he grew up in the Corporation; Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson; U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey Jr.; and Pitt Chancellor Black History Month event. Manchester neighborhood Mark A. Nordenberg. Before an audience of sena- States Senate.” of Pittsburgh, on the city’s tors and, in the Senate gal- North Side. How he founded By Cara Masset lery, invited guests including —Mark A. Nordenberg the Manchester Craftsmen’s Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Guild in 1968, while still Last week in Washington, D.C., a sena- Casey Jr.’s Black History Month celebration Nordenberg and Pitt Pro- a Pitt student, to bring arts tor presented an unusual gift to an unusual Feb. 25, when Casey honored the accom- vost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia education and mentorship to inner-city man—a replica of a ceramic tile from the plishments of Pitt alumnus and trustee E. Beeson, Senator Casey said: “As I have youth in his area of the city. How two years floor of the hallowed Capitol building, William E. “Bill” Strickland Jr. (A&S ’70), every year since I came to the Senate, I rise later, he graduated cum laude from the Uni- where the nation’s legislators have convened president and CEO of the internationally to commemorate Black History Month. versity with a bachelor’s degree in history for most of American history. The occasion renowned Manchester Bidwell Corporation, This year, we are privileged to recognize was Pennsylvania U.S. Senator Robert P. an arts education and jobs training center Bill Strickland, a man whose approach is Continued on page 3 2 • Pitt Chronicle • March 4, 2013

Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg Inaugural G. Alec Stewart Student Achievement Awards Are Presented Maintaining Momentum During Challenging Times

(This is Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg’s written testimony that was submit- ted to the Pennsylvania State Senate Committee on Appro- priations on Feb. 28, 2013.) This is the 226th birthday of the University of Pitts- burgh. Today, then, we will formally conclude our year- long celebration of the 225th anniversary of our founding as a log-cabin academy on From left, awardee Michael Deckebach; Carolyn Stewart, widow of University Honors College founding dean G. Alec Stewart; Feb. 28, 1787. The telling and awardee Rashmi Kumar; and Edward M. Stricker, dean of the University Honors College. Not pictured are awardee Joseph timeless example set by the Thomas, who was attending a student conference in Miami on labor issues, and awardee Julia Radomski, who is studying pioneering people of western Pennsylvania, in making edu- abroad in Cuba. cation a priority even as they struggled with survival at the By Cara Masset edge of the American frontier, reaffirms the key role that Four Pitt juniors who have demon- dence Life. He has tutored high school stu- education always has played, strated leadership and global awareness— dents in the Pittsburgh area, volunteered as both in individual pursuit of through activities such as fundraising for an English teacher in Peru, and participated the American dream and in North Korean refugees, translating Spanish in a leadership program in Israel. Deckebach our collective progress. documents for a U.S. Congressional com- is from Toledo, Ohio. The type of work done by mittee, and studying abroad on multiple Rashmi Kumar is majoring in molecu- Pitt and other research univer- continents—are the first recipients of the lar biology and English literature and minor- sities has become even more University Honors College’s annual G. ing in chemistry. The same critical thinking critical as we move further Alec Stewart Student Achievement Award, process through which I analyzed how water into the innovation economy established this academic year for Pitt channels transport water in a biochemistry of the 21st century. A recently Mark A. Nordenberg juniors and named to honor the memory of class can be used to analyze dystopian released report by the National the Honors College’s late founding dean. symbolism in a T.S. Eliot poem, she wrote Research Council (NRC)—requested by insulin, blood thinners, magnetic resonance The four awardees are Michael Deckebach, in her award application. She is president Congress, written by a blue-ribbon panel imaging, computers, and rocket fuel are Rashmi Kumar, Julia Radomski, and Joseph and cofounder of Pitt’s chapter of the Global chaired by the former CEO of DuPont, among the countless innovations in which Thomas, all enrolled in the Kenneth P. Diet- Medical Brigade, and she is working as and entitled Research Universities and the university research has played an essential rich School of Arts and Sciences. a student researcher in the laboratory of Future of America—strongly emphasizes role.” That list has special significance for The students were recognized Feb. Lisa Borghesi, an immunology professor in that point: the University of Pittsburgh, because insu- 22 at a reception following Pitt’s Honors Pitt’s School of Medicine. Kumar was born “America is driven by lin first was synthesized by a Convocation. Carolyn Stewart, G. Alec in India and later settled with her family in innovation—advances in Pitt faculty member in a Pitt Stewart’s widow, presented award citations Fort Collins, Colo. ideas, products, and pro- The type of work lab, and a Pitt graduate was and $1,000 prizes to the winning students. Julia Radomski, who is currently cesses that create new indus- awarded the Nobel Prize in The students selected to receive the award studying abroad in Cuba, is majoring in tries and jobs, contribute done by Pitt and Medicine for his critical role in had shown in their application essays that anthropology and economics, minoring to our nation’s health and the development of the science they are not only leaders and global citizens in Spanish, and pursuing a Certificate of security, and support a high other research of magnetic resonance imag- but students who are carrying out the life Latin American Studies and a Certificate standard of living. In the past ing. That Pitt is so strongly lessons that G. Alec Stewart was known for of Women’s Studies. Honors college advis- half century, innovation itself universities has connected to two of these imparting: follow a course of study with ing led me to take courses in a variety of has been increasingly driven seven key advances is a source breadth and depth, take initiative, and have fields in order to focus my broad interest in by educated people and the become even of institutional pride. a willingness to help others. humanitarian issues, she wrote in her award knowledge they produce. more critical as The NRC report goes on “This award serves several important application. Last summer she interned with Our nation’s primary source to create a different kind of goals,” said Edward M. Stricker, dean of the the Committee on Education and the Work- of both new knowledge and we move further list by cataloging the critical University Honors College. “The first is to force, Democratic Office, of the U.S. House graduates with advanced challenges facing America’s honor Dean Stewart by highlighting and of Representatives, where she translated skills continues to be our into the innovation research universities today. advancing important aspects of his legacy. documents from Colombian congressional research universities. Though we are affected by A second goal is to honor students for their labor committee staff, among other duties. “However, these institu- economy of the them all, we know one par- exemplary academic achievements while Radomski is from Silver Spring, Md. tions now face an array of ticularly well. As stated in they still are students at Pitt. A third goal is Joseph Thomas is majoring in biol- challenges, from unstable 21st century. the report, “State funding to make clear that in addition to providing ogy and political science and minoring in revenue streams and anti- for higher education, already a rich array of educational opportunities chemistry and neuroscience. I am both fas- quated policies and practices eroding in real terms for more for undergraduate students, the University cinated and driven by the interplay between to increasing competition from universities than two decades, has been cut further Honors College publicly recognizes and governments, their people, and the health of abroad. It is essential that we as a nation during the recent recession.” thereby draws attention to character traits populations, he wrote in his award applica- reaffirm and revitalize the unique partner- In fiscal year 2012, Pitt faced state fund- in our students that will foster outstanding tion. He is the business manager for the Pitt ship that has long existed among research ing challenges taking multiple forms. One citizenship before and after graduation— chapter of Liberty in North Korea, which universities, the federal government, the was coping with a steep reduction to our traits found in the students who have been raises funds for North Korean refugees, states, and philanthropy and strengthen its base appropriation. The budget originally honored this year.” and he is the cofounder and president of links with business and industry. In doing so, enacted reduced our appropriation by 22 Information on the 2012-13 G. Alec Americans for Informed Democracy at Pitt. we will encourage the innovation that leads percent, or about $40 million. Then, in the Stewart Student Achievement Award win- He has volunteered at a school in India and to high-quality jobs, increased incomes, fall of 2011, 50 percent of our capital proj- ners follows. at a health care clinic in Honduras. Thomas and security, health, and prosperity for our ects support, or another $20 million, was Michael Deckebach is majoring in is from Somerset, Pa. nation” (emphasis added). withdrawn, and in January of 2012, we were religious studies and history and minoring Next year, during their senior year, the Those are powerful words. In fact, with directed to place an additional 5 percent, or in political science. My studies have fas- four awardees will serve as ambassadors the increasingly competitive global economy $7 million, into “budgetary reserve.” That cinated me with the complexity of human for the University Honors College by intro- as a backdrop, the report refers to research totaled $67 million in sequential reductions life, he wrote in his award application. He is ducing incoming students to academic and universities as “a major national asset—per- to state support for FY 2012. The bad news president of Pitt’s Talk About It Campaign, cocurricular opportunities offered by the haps even its most potent one.” continued when an additional set of deep and which is raising awareness on campus about college—helping the next generation of The report goes on to list some specific disproportionate cuts was proposed for FY depression treatments and suicide preven- students to show initiative, explore multiple advances that can be attributed to this potent tion, and he is a program coordinator in fields of academic study, and become well- national asset: “Lasers, radar, synthetic Continued on page 8 Sutherland Hall with Pitt’s Office of Resi- rounded global citizens. March 4, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 3 History Maker Chancellor Names 2013 Awardees for Staff Pitt alumnus, trustee William E. Strickland Jr. honored by U.S. Excellence in Service to the University, Community Senator Casey at Black History Month celebration in the Capitol Continued from page 1 significant impact on the University through cited for his selection of Huggins was the Continued from page 1 their commitment and performance. The number of times students reported choos- following five staff members were chosen to ing Pitt over other law schools because of and foreign relations. And how, in 1972, he in the national conversation about education receive the award: Kenyon Bonner, associ- Huggins’ warmth and helpfulness during assumed leadership of the Bidwell Training was the highlight of the day,” Strickland ate dean of students, director of student life, the initial contact with Pitt’s School of Center—cofounded by Pitt alumnus Rev. said later. “I’m deeply grateful to Senator and program director of the RISE mentoring Law. The length to which Huggins will James J. Robinson (A&S ’51)—and molded Casey for bringing everyone together for program; Sherry Miller Brown, director go to provide personal attention was also it into a successful jobs training program this extraordinary event. It was a meaning- of the McCarl Center for Nontraditional mentioned, including Huggins’ visiting for disadvantaged adults. ful celebration of the work Student Success within the College of Gen- sick students at their homes—the sort of Manchester Bidwell that the center does, not eral Studies; Gina L. Huggins, program care that led one year’s class to nickname Corporation, a nonprofit “Bill believes passion- just me.” administrator for the Pitt School of Law’s Huggins “Mom.” The chancellor quoted a corporation comprising “It was very moving Center for International Legal Education; colleague who said, “If we had more people the guild and training ately in the idea that to join other friends and Nick Mihailoff, facilities manager of the like Gina in the University, we would need center, has proven to be admirers of Bill Strick- Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology in the fewer people in the University. She simply a successful model for each of us, regardless of land as Senator Casey Department of Biological Sciences within does it all.” change. Strickland’s orga- paid well-deserved tribute the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Mihailoff manages the facilities of nization is known for race, creed, or ethnicity, to Bill’s life of amazing Sciences; and Cheryl Paul, director of engi- the Department of Biological Sciences’s providing an empower- impact from the floor of neering student services in the Swanson Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology in ing atmosphere of art, is born into this world as the United States Senate,” School of Engineering. Linesville, Pa. Despite the enormity of light, music, and respect. an asset, not a liability, Chancellor Nordenberg The Award for Staff Excellence in the land and University resources under Through the National commented. “Bill has Service to the Community recognizes staff his care—25 buildings on 350 acres of Centers for Arts and and that, when given received many national members whose work in the community land—Mihailoff has drastically improved Technology, the newest and international honors, surpasses the expectations of the organiza- the site’s equipment and facilities, which segment of the Manches- the right training and but this clearly was one tions they serve and whose commitment and the chancellor noted were in significant ter Bidwell Corporation, of the truly memorable effort have made a significant disrepair prior to Mihailoff’s the model has been rep- opportunity, each of us moments of his life. At impact on the community. arrival. He has managed to licated in San Francisco, the symposium honoring This year’s award recipient is The Chancellor’s make these improvements Cincinnati, Cleveland, is capable of world-class Bill as a social entrepre- Charles Staresinic, director while saving the lab hun- New Haven, and Grand results. Or, in Bill’s own neur that was held in the of communication for aca- Award for Staff dreds of thousands of dollars Rapids, with 20 other Russell Senate Building demic affairs in the Office of by using surplus equipment. centers in development words, ‘Never give up on and attended by a large the Senior Vice Chancellor Excellence in Ser- The chancellor also praised in Israel, Canada, Ireland, audience of people from for the Health Sciences. Mihailoff’s “customer-first and the United States. the poor kids.’ And Bill around the country, Bill Bonner was praised for vice to the Uni- approach,” citing the assis- The newest center, the specifically recognized his role in improving the tance he provided to a pro- Brockway Center for Arts never has.” the important role that operations of Pitt’s Office of versity recognizes fessor who returned from and Technology, is sched- —Sen. Bob Casey the University of Pitts- Student Life. In his notifica- staff members who a field ecology class to find uled to open in Brockway, burgh had played in his tion letter, the chancellor that his car had been dam- Pa., this spring. life. That also was very wrote that Bonner has shown not only exceed aged by a destructive wood- Following Casey’s remarks on the moving, since Bill is one of our most extraordinary dedication to chuck. Mihailoff arranged Senate floor, a symposium titled “Bill distinguished graduates and one of our lon- the University, its students, job standards and repairs at a local mechanic’s Strickland and Social Entrepreneurship” gest-serving trustees, and has been honored and colleagues, and he cited shop, made calls to locate took place in the same room of the Rus- in many ways by the University, including as a number of colleagues who expectations in the needed auto parts, and sell Senate Office Building in which both the recipient of an honorary degree.” spoke of Bonner’s hands-on later live-trapped the guilty John and Robert Kennedy announced their Strickland’s 2002 Pitt honorary Doctor involvement in Student Life’s performing their woodchuck. campaigns for president and in which both of Fine Arts diploma is now part of a operations. They recounted duties, but also Paul was cited for her the McCarthy hearings and the Watergate memorabilia collection that Strickland says instances of Bonner staying service as volunteer faculty hearings were held. There, a distinguished his mother started for him when he was a until 2 a.m. to monitor the make a significant advisor to the University’s panel discussed how Strickland has demon- child; she kept a chest with clippings of Cub success of a student orien- Delta Chi fraternity. In his strated that people’s lives can be improved Scout reports and newspaper articles. Since tation event or assuming impact on the letter to her, Chancellor when the best practices of entrepreneurial then, his memorabilia collection has grown the duties of staff members Nordenberg quoted a fra- behavior and social change are brought to reflect his numerous honors, including whom he thought could use University through ternity member who wrote together to give disadvantaged youth and selection as a MacArthur “genius” Fellow some rest. Bonner’s leader- that Paul has “served as this adults the opportunities and skills they need in 1996; being named a Pitt Distinguished ship skills and ability to their commitment fraternity’s most valuable to overcome social and economic barriers Alumni Fellow in 1997; being engage students and staff and performance. asset.” Indeed, under Paul’s to success. inducted into the University’s were listed among his great- guidance, the fraternity’s The symposium panelists included inaugural Legacy Laureate est attributes. Vice Provost average grade-point average Chris Moore, producer and host with class in 2000; being named and Dean of Students Kathy has risen above the Univer- WQED Multimedia in Pittsburgh; Sally the 2007 Pittsburgher of the Humphrey applauded Bonner’s “measured, sity average. The chancellor also quoted a Osberg, president and CEO of the Skoll Year by Pittsburgh Maga- thoughtful, and conscientious leadership, fraternity member’s mother, who wrote to Foundation in Palo Alto, Calif.; Kath- zine; and receiving the 2011 even in the face of uncertainty, particu- describe the care and assistance her son ryn Merchant, president of the Greater Goi Peace Award from the larly during the chaos of last year’s bomb had received. “Although I realize Pitt offers Cincinnati Foundation; Carlton Goi Peace Foundation in threats.” excellent academics,” she wrote, “any Highsmith, board chair for the Japan that recognizes As director of the College of General school is only as good as the people they Connecticut Center for Arts individuals and orga- Studies’ McCarl Center for Nontraditional are lucky enough to employ and hopefully and Technology; former Pitt nizations that have Student Success, Brown works to support recognize for their commitment, effort, and School of Education fac- made outstanding the University’s nontraditional students not excellence in going so far above and beyond ulty member Bruce Jones, contributions toward only academically but personally and pro- what is expected.” who is now a professor of the realization of a fessionally. In his Feb. 13 notification letter As president of the Friends of the Law- education and political peaceful and har- to Brown, Chancellor Nordenberg praised renceville Library since 2009, Staresinic science at the Univer- monious world for her commitment to students, writing that has been instrumental in helping to keep sity of South Florida; humanity and all she consistently exceeds “the amount of four branches of the Carnegie Library of and Germaine Wat- life on earth. He also time, degree of enthusiasm, magnitude of Pittsburgh (CLP) system open, including kins, a graduate of has added his book involvement, and depth of personal con- the historic Lawrenceville branch. As a the Apprenticeship Make the Impos- nection” required by her position. Brown volunteer, he drafted promotional materi- Training Program at sible Possible: One uses her own story of nontraditional student als and organized fundraising events. The Strickland’s Manches- Man’s Crusade to success—having obtained a PhD over 18 chancellor’s letter quoted CLP President ter Craftsmen Guild Inspire Others years—to inspire both prospective and and Director Mary Frances Cooper, who and now a photogra- to Dream Bigger enrolled students who may be struggling lauded Staresinic for sharing his time phy instructor with and Achieve the as they pursue their educations. Norden- helping the library, “whether by speaking the guild. U.S. Senator Extraordinary berg’s letter relayed comments made by on its behalf at the Allegheny Regional Sherrod Brown from (Currency, 2007). Janet Owens, outreach coordinator for Pitt’s Asset District or staffing a lemonade stand” Ohio, and U.S. Repre- Strickland Office of Veterans Services, who wrote that to raise money for children’s programs. sentatives Mike Doyle is now proud Brown’s support has “literally saved the Staresinic is also held in high regard by and Tim Murphy, both from to add another lives of several student veterans who were his University colleagues, both within and Pennsylvania, were among those memento to his experiencing very dark days.” outside the schools of the health sciences. in attendance. collection—the As program administrator for the The chancellor’s letter praised Staresinic’s “Hearing the panelists who decorative ceramic School of Law’s Center for International “trademark serenity, gentility, kindness, came from all over the country tile from the floor Legal Education, Huggins provides a respect, and good humor,” adding that talk about this model that we’ve of the U.S. Capitol. friendly and professional public face to Staresinic has repeatedly demonstrated developed and why they believe current, incoming, and prospective stu- that his work does not have departmental this could make a big difference William E. Strickland dents. Among the factors that Nordenberg borders. 4 • Pitt Chronicle • March 4, 2013 HonorsConvocation It was a day to honor members of the Pitt community—and to reflect upon a rare, strong partnership between two neighboring research universities. Pitt held its annual Honors Convocation on Feb. 22 in Carnegie Music Hall. Jared L. Cohon, Carnegie Mellon University’s president, served as the event’s keynote speaker and was awarded an honorary degree by Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. Chancellor Nordenberg called Cohon “a devoted partner of Pitt and a wonderful friend to me…[H]e helped create an institutional culture that fostered levels of collaboration between Pitt and CMU that are unique in the world of higher education. That spirit of cooperation has made both institutions stronger and has provided a distinctive form of strength to the region.” 1. Pitt’s 2013 Distinguished Alumni Fellows addressed the convocation. From left, Tom R. Slone (CGS ’88), chair and CEO 2 of Touchstone Communications; Johanna M. Seddon (A&S ’70, MED ’74), professor of ophthalmology at Tufts University and director of the Ophthalmic Epidemiology and Genetics Service in the New England Eye Center; and Catherine U. Dischner (NURS ’79), assistant deputy under secretary for health for organizational integration in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 2. Chancellor Nordenberg smiles as Pitt Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy Humphrey (middle) congratulates Pitt senior Kate Malekoff on her receipt of the 2013 Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Senior of the Year award. ODK is an honorary society that recognizes students who maintain a high standard of leadership in collegiate activities. 3. From left, Pitt Board of Trustees Chair Stephen R. Tritch; Jared L. Cohon, CMU president; and Chancellor Nordenberg show the audience Cohon’s framed Pitt 1 3 citation and honorary doctoral degree diploma. PHOTOS BY MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE MIKE BY PHOTOS Transportation Top Concern for Pittsburgh, Says Regional Study by PittsburghTODAY and Pitt’s UCSUR By B. Rose Huber

Although Pittsburgh is at or near the a broad range of sectors who weigh in on top of numerous quality-of-life rankings, the key challenges and opportunities facing transportation remains a key concern for Pittsburgh.” the region until a stable funding solution Findings are based on PittsburghTO- is found, according to a report released DAY’s reporting and UCSUR data. The Feb. 24 by PittsburghTODAY, a regional report’s key findings follow. indicators program based at the University Arts: Groups and organizations are of Pittsburgh’s University Center for Social finding ways to flourish despite challeng- and Urban Research (UCSUR). ing economic times. The seven-county Pittsburgh Today & Tomorrow 2013 Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area is draws a comprehensive profile of how Pitts- home to 486 arts and cultural organizations. burgh is faring compared Demographics: The with 14 other benchmark region is getting decidedly regions nationwide in 11 younger. The population of key quality-of-life catego- “Pittsburgh Today 20-to-34 year-olds grew by ries: the arts, demographics, & Tomorrow seven percent over the past the economy, education, is five years and is expected to the environment, govern- simply a must-read grow another eight percent ment, health, housing, public by 2020. safety, sustainability, and for Greater Pitts- Economy: Pittsburgh is transportation. The other one of the most affordable benchmark regions are: burgh’s leaders and places to live for moderate- Baltimore, Boston, Char- income families. It’s also lotte, Cincinnati, Cleveland, citizens who want one of only three U.S. cities Denver, Detroit, Indianapo- that have recovered from the lis, Kansas City, Milwau- the facts on how recession that began in 2007. kee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, the region is doing Education: The region Philadelphia, Richmond, and remains among the nation’s St. Louis. and what the most leaders in terms of the per- While most of the news centage of the population that deaths from cardiac arrest. Pittsburgh also Transportation: Funding for transpor- is positive, there are sev- critical issues are has a high school degree or its ranks poorly in health-related behaviors, tation has been a significant problem for the eral areas of concern for equivalent—or better. Gradu- with comparatively low levels of physical Pittsburgh region in the past several years. the region in addition to for its future.” ation rates have improved or activity and high rates of smoking. Despite Governor Tom Corbett’s recent transportation, according to —Douglas Heuck stayed the same in 70 percent Housing: The area remains in the transportation funding proposal, the fate of the report, among them the of schools in the area. midst of a solid housing recovery, and the public transit in Allegheny County remains environment, government, Environment: The air is appreciation of home values in the region is unclear. The steep cuts in transit service the health, and building sustainable communi- the cleanest it has been since the Industrial the envy of most of the benchmark regions. Port Authority avoided at the last moment ties. Revolution, but a chronic sewage overflow Third-quarter home prices appreciated 5.8 in 2012 remain a possibility until a stable “Pittsburgh Today & Tomorrow is problem continues to plague the region’s percent from 2007 to 2012. funding solution is found. Data show the simply a must-read for Greater Pittsburgh’s streams and rivers. Public Safety: Few regions can boast cuts could add an extra 11 minutes to a daily leaders and citizens who want the facts on Government: The region currently has lower crime rates than Pittsburgh, as bur- commute. Additionally, a national report on how the region is doing and what the most an overabundance of governments, making glaries and thefts have steadily declined structurally deficient bridges identified 1,133 critical issues are for its future,” said Doug- consolidation a popular topic. People resid- since 2006. such structures in the region. las Heuck, director of PittsburghTODAY. ing in the seven-county Pittsburgh Metro- Sustainability: Social equity is key to The report and additional information “The report looks at the key categories politan Statistical Area are ruled by more sustainable communities, and Pittsburgh are available at http://www.pittsburghto- of regional quality of life, showing how than 900 distinct government entities. has work to do. Sharp racial disparities day.org/special_reports.html in the spe- Pittsburgh compares with regions across Health: Despite the region’s broad in quality-of-life measures ranging from cial reports section. Print copies may be the country. We get behind the numbers health care network, the region has higher- household income to health insurance exist requested by contacting Emily Craig at through interviews with regional leaders in than-average rates of diabetes, obesity, and throughout the region. [email protected]. March 4, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 5 Pitt-Bradford Sport Center Named in Newsmakers Honor of Campus President Emeritus When Should Ultrasounds Be Used? Richard McDowell and His Wife, Ruth Pitt 2013 Marshall Scholar Paras Minhas participated in a Feb. 13 debate on the question “Should a Physician Be Mandated to Perform, Show, and Explain High-Resolution Ultrasound Images of the Patient’s Pregnancy to Each Woman Presenting for Abortion Care?” The debate, hosted by Pitt’s William Pitt Debating Union, was the fifth in a series of Marcella L. Finegold Memorial Public Debates and the first such debate stemming from a collaboration between the Department of Communication in Pitt’s Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and the Pitt School of Medicine. Minhas is a Pitt senior majoring in microbiology in the Dietrich School, an undergraduate debater, and a 2012 Goldwater Scholar and Amgen Scholar. He has been admitted to the Pitt School of Medicine through its Guaranteed Admissions Program. JOHN MONROE BUTLER II BUTLER MONROE JOHN

A Centennial Celebration Dr. Richard and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg

The University of Pittsburgh at Brad- ford has named its sport and fitness center in honor of Pitt-Bradford President Emeritus Richard McDowell and his wife, Ruth. The University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Dr. Richard and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center during its Feb. 22 meeting in Oakland. The sport and fitness center opened in the fall of 2002 and includes the KOA Arena, the Kenneth M. Jadlowiec Fitness Center, an exercise studio, the Tom L. McDowell Fieldhouse (named in honor of McDowell’s father), the Paul C. Duke III Aquatic Center, as well as offices, classrooms, and athletic training facilities.

MARY JANE BENT/CIDDE “I am tremendously pleased that one From left, Pitt Board of Trustees Chair Stephen R. Tritch, Pitt’s Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-lettered Black fraternity, marked the of the most vibrant buildings on campus Richard McDowell, and Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg centennial anniversary of its founding during a Jan. 18-21 celebration in Oakland. The Omicron Centennial now carries the name of a vibrant leader,” said Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford’s Ball and Dinner was held Jan. 19 in Alumni Hall’s Connolly Ballroom. Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg president. “Dr. McDowell’s unrelenting admissions, and as a faculty member. and Mark S. Tillman, the general president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, delivered remarks. The keynote enthusiasm, optimism, and dedication car- Following his retirement as presi- speaker was Chaka Fattah, U.S. Congressman for the 2nd District and an Alpha Phi Alpha member. From left ried Pitt-Bradford into the 21st century, well dent, McDowell taught courses in leader- are Nordenberg, Omicron chapter president and Pitt senior Matthew Sauers, and Tillman. poised for the national ship and fundraising at recognition we’re seeing Pitt-Bradford. He holds today.” “I am tremendously a bachelor’s degree from McDowell served as High Point University and FREELAND ADVOCATES CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL president of Pitt-Bradford pleased that one of the master’s and Doctor of from 1973 to 2002, lead- Philosophy degrees from ing it to some milestones most vibrant buildings St. Louis University. High of progress: the gain- on campus now carries Point University awarded ing of its baccalaureate- McDowell an honorary degree-granting status the name of a vibrant doctorate in 1996. In 2001, in 1979, the expansion of he was awarded the Pitt- the physical campus, and leader. Dr. McDowell’s Bradford Alumni Associa- the growth of the student tion Teaching Excellence body to 1,200. unrelenting enthusi- Award, and, in 2002, he McKean County was recognized for his Senior Judge John M. asm, optimism, and support of athletics by Cleland, chair of the Pitt- dedication carried Pitt- induction into Pitt-Brad- Bradford Advisory Board ford’s Athletic Hall of from 1995 to 2005, said, Bradford into the 21st Fame. “It is more than fitting that Over the years, the Dick receive this honor. century, well poised for McDowells have supported The campus is largely his a wide range of important vision, and his legacy is the national recognition initiatives at the Bradford being duly recognized. campus. They established And certainly, Ruth has we’re seeing today.” the Pitt-Bradford Athletics

MIKE DRAZDZINSKI/CIDDE been Dick’s partner for —Livingston Alexander Endowment; joined with Wendell G. Freeland, a former Pitt trustee as well as a prominent lawyer and civil rights activist, delivered many years, and it’s other donors and relatives a Jan. 31 talk titled “What You Should Know About Some of Our Past.” Freeland discussed the racial appropriate that they are of Richard McDowell to recognized together for the team they are.” create the Zelda N. Hyatt Undergraduate discrimination he faced while growing up and when he was in the U.S. Army, where he served as one of the When McDowell became Pitt-Brad- Student Research Fund; and gave gener- famed World War II Tuskegee Airmen. Freeland detailed his lifelong dedication to fighting discrimination, ford’s president at age 29, he was the young- ously to the Bradford Education Foundation seeking to ensure the civil rights of all. His talk in Forbes Tower was presented by Pitt’s School of Health est college president in the nation. Prior to at Pitt-Bradford, specifically for grants to and Rehabilitation Sciences and Office of Health Sciences Diversity. that, he had served the university in several expand and revolutionize the availability and other capacities, including assistant to the use of technology throughout the curriculum president for academic affairs, director of for all Pitt-Bradford majors. 6 • Pitt Chronicle • March 4, 2013 Women’sHistoryMonth Selected Highlights of Women’s History at the University of Pittsburgh

Margaret Stein Stella Stein

1895 Sisters Margaret and 1919 Virginia Proctor Powell Flor- Stella Stein are the first ence is the first African American women to enter the Western woman in the United States to University of Pennsylvania complete a professional education (now the University of Pittsburgh) program in librarianship. She gradu- as full-time sophomores. The sisters ates in 1923 from the Carnegie Library graduate in 1898, tied for first place School, which later became part of Pitt’s Pitt’s 1924 women’s basketball team in their class, and returned to earn School of Information Sciences. (In 2004, their master’s degrees in 1901. a plaque honoring Florence is installed in 1949 Flora Diemert begins her term as 1983 The Provost’s Advisory Committee for the Information Sciences Building lobby.) the first female president of Pitt’s Student Women’s Concerns is created. the first Virginia Proctor Powell Florence 1908 Pi Theta Nu, The Women’s Athletic Asso- Congress (now Student Government Board). The 1950 Pitt sorority forms in 1908. Women’s ciation forms to manage intramural sports. edition of The Owl credited the 1949-50 Congress, led 1996 Pitt establishes a Faculty Medical and organizations are rare until after Pitt’s first Dean of Women, Thyrsa Wealth- by Diemert, for fostering a more inclusive Congress by Family Leave Policy, which, among other benefits, 1910. eow Amos, arrives from the psychology department at establishing a Foreign Students Committee and a High allows pregnant women and new mothers time off. the University of Kansas. School Relations Committee.

Distinguished Professor 1957 Lucille B. Crozier (EDUC ’34, A&S 2000 Katherine Detre, ‘46G) becomes the first female Pitt Alumni Association of Epidemiology in Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health, president. She was also an Alumni Trustee from 1971 to begins leading a national study—involving 2,368 patients 1974 and Emeritus Trustee from 1977 to 1997. at 40 sites across the United States—to determine the best way to treat people with both Type 2 diabetes and early coronary artery disease. The study attracts funding 1969 Chancellor Wesley Posvar creates the Advisory for the largest combined grant in Pitt history, $65 million. Committee on Women’s Opportunities to address Pi Theta Nu, 1909 the agenda of the newly formed University Committee for Women’s Rights. 2001 Jeannette South-Paul (MED ’79) is the first female chair of a Pitt medical department and the first 1909 Shortly after the University moves to 1920 Lantern Night, a candlelight ceremony Black female chair in the nation of a medical department Oakland, Pitt opens its School of Education. for freshman women, begins. 1972 The Pitt Women’s Studies Program is at a nonhistorically Black college or university. South-Paul Women flock to the new program, with the number founded. is the Andrew W. Mathieson Professor and chair in Pitt’s of women students at Pitt jumping from about 40 to Department of Family Medicine. more than 300 in the first year. 1924 Women’s Varsity Basketball team sweeps its home game opponents and loses only one game 1973 Pitt establishes the Women’s Center on the road. The Pitt Board of Trustees elects Pitt Assistant 1910 Jean Hamilton Walls receives the to serve as an advising center to campus and community 2002 bachelor’s degree in physics at Pitt, the women. Chancellor B. Jean Ferketish to serve as the new first Black woman to do so at the 1942 Eighty-two percent of the secretary of the board. She continues to serve in that University. In 1938, she becomes students in the professional nursing position. the first Black woman to receive the program enlist in a unit of the U.S. PhD degree (in English) at Pitt. Cadet Nurse Corps organized by the University. Because of a wartime 1914 Women constitute shortage of nurses, the federal government 25 percent of Pitt’s mandates that nursing schools receiving student body, with 600 female federal money accept Black students. In students attending. 1943, Adena Johnson Davis becomes the first African American admitted to the School of Nursing. She graduates in 1947. 1914-15 Women’s basket- Jean Hamilton Walls ball organizes, the first competitive sport for women at Pitt. 1918 Pitt hires its first woman faculty member, Blossom Henry. Katherine Detre Jeannette E. South-Paul

Blossom Henry March 4, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 7

More recently... 2003 Suzanne Broadhurst is elected vice chair of Pitt’s Board of Trustees and served in that position until 2012. She has made countless other contributions to Pitt, including her service as a member of several board committees as well as the boards of visitors of the School of Nursing and the School of Education. Broadhurst is director of corporate giving for Eat’n Park Hospitality Group. 2004 Wangari Muta Maathai, who earned the Master of Science degree in biology at Pitt in 1965, is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her 30-year effort to reforest her native Kenya and improve the economic status of women there, while fighting for democracy and against corruption and tribalism. Pitt conferred on Maathai an honor- Suzanne Broadhurst Wangari Muta Maathai ary Doctor of Public Service degree during an Oct. 26, 2006, ceremony in Alumni Hall. Maathai died Sept. 25, 2011, at age 71. Under the leadership of Irene Frieze, professor of psychology and then-president of the University Senate, the Senate sponsored a plenary session on the roles of women at Pitt that led to three Senate ad hoc committees addressing women’s concerns: the Committee for the Support and Advancement of Women at Pitt (2004-06); the Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equity (2007-08), and the Committee for the Promotion of Gender Equity II (2009-10). 2005 The director of Pitt’s European Union Center, Alberta Sbragia, is named Jean Monnet Chair ad personam by the European Commission, which also designates Pitt’s center a European Union Center of Excellence. Sbragia, a Pitt professor of political science, is one of only two academics to be named Jean Monnet Chair ad personam in 2005. In 2006, Sbragia is named the inaugural holder of the Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg University Chair and, in 2010 vice provost for graduate studies. Alberta Sbragia Helen S. Faison 2006 Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg tells the University’s Board of Trustees that Pitt will honor Helen S. Faison—Pitt alumna, emerita trustee, and trailblazing educator—by creating the Dr. Helen S. Faison Chair in Urban Education, the first fully endowed chair in the 96-year history of Pitt’s School of Education, where Faison earned her BS, MEd, and PhD degrees in 1946, 1955, and 1975, respectively. 2007 Anna Quider, a Pitt Honors College student majoring in physics and astronomy, the history and philosophy of science, and religious studies, is named a Marshall Scholar for 2007. Quider is the ninth Pitt student to win a Marshall Scholarship, one of the most competitive and prestigious merit scholarships available to graduating American seniors. Eva Tansky Blum (A&S ’70, LAW ’73) and her brother, Burton Marvin Tansky (A&S ’61), are named cochairs of the University’s $2 billion “Building Our Future Together” fundraising campaign. Blum is the senior vice president and director of community affairs for PNC Bank and president of The PNC Foundation. Eva Tansky Blum Angela Gronenborn The Pitt women’s basketball team earns its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance during the 2006-07 season. The Panthers post a school-record 24 wins that season. The Pitt team later advances to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen in both 2008 and 2009. Angela Gronenborn, the UPMC Rosalind Franklin Professor and Chair in the Pitt School of Medicine’s Department of Structural Biology, is elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences. She is a leading structural biologist and expert in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. 2008 The lab of Yuan Chang, a professor of pathology in Pitt’s School of Medicine, and Patrick Moore, a Pitt professor of microbiology and molecular genetics, discovers that the Merkel cell polyomavirus causes an aggressive skin cancer. In 2003, she and Moore discovered a herpes virus as the cause of Kaposi’s sarcoma, the leading AIDS malignancy. Pitt alumnus Lucile L. Adams-Campbell is elected to the Institute of Medicine. She is the associate director for minority health and health disparities research and Yuan Chang Lucile L. Adams-Campbell professor of oncology at Georgetown University Medical Center’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. 2009 Eleanor Ott, a Pitt Honors College graduate, is named a Rhodes Scholarship winner. A former Pitt Chancellor’s Scholar, Ott was a 2008 Truman Scholarship winner. During her time at Pitt, Ott tutored refugees who had come to the United States seeking better lives—and spent her summers working at a refugee camp in Zambia. 2010 Patricia E. Beeson is elected the first female provost and senior vice chancellor of Pitt by the University’s Board of Trustees. Beeson, with her successful 27-year career as a Pitt faculty member and administrator, was recommended by Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. 2011 Roberta Luxbacher is the first woman to be named a Swanson School of Engineering Distinguished Alumnus, an award presented annually since 1964. Luxbacher, who also serves on the Swanson School’s Board of Visitors, received her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1978 and is currently the general manager of corporate planning for ExxonMobil. Patricia E. Beeson Katherine Wisner Katherine Wisner, Pitt professor of psychiatry and director of Women’s Behavioral HealthCARE at the Western Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, receives the 2011 Women in Science Award from the American Medical Women’s Association. Since 1993, the annual award honors a woman physician who has made exceptional contributions to medical science, especially in women’s health. Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho (NURS ’92G), the first nurse and first woman appointed to the position, becomes the Army’s 43rd Surgeon General in a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall. She was nominated to the position by President Barack Obama May 10 and was later approved by the U.S. Senate. Nancy E. Davidson and Jeannette E. South-Paul are elected to the Institute of Medicine. Davidson is a Pitt professor of medicine, Hillman Professor of Oncology, associate vice chancellor for cancer research, and director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers. South-Paul is Pitt’s UPMC Andrew W. Mathieson Professor and chair, Department of Family Medicine. Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho Nancy E. Davidson 2012 Pitt trustee and alumnus Eva Tanksy Blum is elected vice chair of Pitt’s Board of Trustees. Blum, senior vice president and director of community affairs for PNC Bank and chair and president of The PNC Foundation, cochairs Pitt’s $2 billion Building Our Future Together capital campaign. Jennifer R. Grandis is elected to the Institute of Medicine. She is Distinguished Professor and vice chair for research, Department of Otolaryngology, Pitt School of Medicine, and leader of the head-and-neck cancer program at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. Elodie Ghedin, assistant professor in the Pitt School of Medicine’s Department of Computational and Systems Biology, is named a 2011 MacArthur Fellow. Ghedin, a parasitologist and virologist, said she will use the unrestricted award of $500,000 to expand her parasitology research and explore new avenues in the evolution of RNS viruses, such as HIV and influenza. Toi Derricotte, an English professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, is elected to the Academy of American Poets Board of Chancellors, the Elodie Ghedin Jennifer R. Grandis academy’s advisory board of distinguished poets. A renowned poet, Derricotte is the cofounder of the Cave Canem Foundation, which has been offering workshops and retreats for African American poets since 1996. 2013 Yuan Chang, Distinguished Professor and American Cancer Society Professor in the Pitt School of Medicine’s Department of Pathology, is elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Anna Balazs, a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, is named the 2013 Mines Medalist by the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Considered a pioneer in predicting the behavior of complex polymeric materials through theoretical modeling, Balazs is only the fifth researcher to win this prestigious award.

Toi Derricotte Anna Balazs 8 • Pitt Chronicle • March 4, 2013

Maintaining Momentum During Challenging Times

Continued from page 2 2013. However, encouraging revenue num- ranked by the National Science bers, combined with strong support from Foundation as among America’s the General Assembly and the cooperation top five universities in total federal During the past year, Pitt also was ranked by the National of the Administration, led to the restoration science and engineering research of those proposed cuts and a budget that held and development support. Our Science Foundation as among America’s top five universities Pitt’s funding flat, at the FY 2012 level. annual research expenditures, In addition to experiencing these recent which had topped $800 million in total federal science and engineering research and devel- cuts to state support, Pitt also is facing seri- when federal stimulus funding ous fiscal challenges from federal and local was supporting additional grants, opment support. Our annual research expenditures, which government. At the federal level, sequestra- still are close to $750 million per tion poses a grave threat to funding streams year and remain an important had topped $800 million when federal stimulus funding that are critical to Pitt’s principal missions— force in the economic rebirth of was supporting additional grants, still are close to particularly federal support for student aid the Pittsburgh region. And as and for university-based research. Locally, Pitt climbs ever higher within the $750 million per year and remain an important force the City of Pittsburgh, as directed by the ranks of this nation’s top research state-appointed Intergovernmental Coop- universities, we are advancing in the economic rebirth of the Pittsburgh region. eration Authority, has begun a new quest to the goal publicly adopted by our exact additional revenues from the nonprofit Board of Trustees more than community, even though Pitt was a leader in a dozen years ago—that “[b] the creation of the Pittsburgh Public Service y aggressively supporting the Fund. Pitt has made voluntary contributions advancement of Pitt’s academic to the City for many years, and City leaders mission, we will clearly establish that this Education produced a thoughtful and tem- Pitt’s accomplishments over the have expressed satisfaction with the level of is one of the finest and most productive perate report, identifying Pennsylvania’s those payments. universities in the world.” postsecondary education system as a key past decade were recognized by Given the funding challenges presented Pitt’s accomplishments over the past Commonwealth asset but also mindful of on the federal, state and local levels, it would decade were recognized by the Middle the economic challenges that remain with the Middle States Commission on not be inaccurate to characterize the last year States Commission on Higher Education in a us. That report specifically recommended as a time of great challenge for Pitt. However, reaccreditation report released last summer. that funding for the next fiscal year be main- Higher Education in a reaccredita- to stop there would miss a very important The Middle States team praised the Univer- tained, at a minimum, at FY 2012 levels, point. Even in the face of these challenges, sity of Pittsburgh as a “world-class research asserting its belief that “it is imperative to tion report released last summer. the “people of Pitt” were able to maintain the university” with an “unwavering commit- the health and vitality of our postsecond- The Middle States team praised University’s momentum by crafting another ment to excellence.” However, the team also ary system that funding not fall below this year of remarkable accomplishments. highlighted steep reductions in state support level.” The context for that observation was the University of Pittsburgh as a Indeed, Pitt maintained the sustained as the “greatest challenge to the University.” described by the Commission in the follow- progress that has propelled it into the very In the language of the report, “[w]hile the ing way: “world-class research university” top ranks of American universities. These University has been advancing, state sup- “Due to the economic downturn and efforts have been widely port has been diminished General Fund pressures, Pennsylvania’s with an “unwavering commitment recognized by outside at an alarming rate.” The higher education funding has declined over entities like The Prince- Given the funding chal- report further characterized 20 percent in nominal dollars from its FY to excellence.” ton Review, which just state funding cuts as going 08/09 peak. This level of funding impacts this month included Pitt lenges presented on the “beyond bone to marrow.” both the affordability of postsecondary in the next fiscal year but be maintained at in its “Best Value Col- The accrediting team education for families in the Commonwealth current levels. As we pledged at the time, leges” list for 2013. Kip- federal, state and local catalogued the University’s and the ability of institutions to maintain Pitt will work to keep tuition increases linger’s now has ranked extensive efforts to deal high levels of quality while advancing their as low as they can be. Given the context Pitt as a top value in levels, it would not be with these reductions. “In missions.” already described, doing so will be very public higher education inaccurate to character- response to these cuts, the At the University of Pittsburgh, current challenging—just as it was last year. As for eight consecutive University “already has levels of state support are equal to the levels the Commonwealth moves forward with years. Such rankings ize the last year as a made operational efficiency of support received in 1995—in nominal its budget-building process, then, we will are particularly mean- a priority; and it has under- dollars, with no adjustment for inflation. be examining available options within the ingful because they are time of great challenge taken budget cuts, redesign Of course, our expenses have not remained University Planning and Budgeting Com- grounded in assessments of benefits, efficiencies, pro- flat over that extended period. In fact, over mittee and with the Budget Committee of of both cost and quality. for Pitt. However, to ductivity increases, and the those years, the Consumer Price Index has our Board of Trustees. Kiplinger’s list of the imposition of University- risen by nearly 55 percent, and the Higher As noted, the Governor’s Commission top public university stop there would miss wide salary freezes.” After Education Price Index has risen by more had proposed flat funding as a minimum values “ranks schools on a very important point. that report was written, and than 75 percent. Dealing with a 2013 cost for the next fiscal year. It further proposed more-tangible measures in order to deal with the structure when state support has been taken funding increases, tied to the development of academic quality— Even in the face of these historically deep cuts that back to 1995 levels, then, is one very signifi- of a performance-based system for the including test scores were imposed for FY 2012 cant challenge. It also allocation of such increases, and four-year gradua- challenges, the “people followed by flat funding should be noted that in the years ahead. It is our tion rates—as well as for this year, the Univer- Pitt enrollments have With gratitude for sincere hope that, as we move affordability.” And The of Pitt” were able to sity instituted a program grown by nearly 3,000 to a time that is less chal- Princeton Review “con- that led 352 experienced students and our annual past support, we look lenging economically, further siders data on more than maintain the University’s staff members to take early research expenditures investments in institutions of 30 factors in academics, momentum by crafting retirement. have increased by more forward to a strong higher education, particularly cost of attendance, and The reaccreditation than $500 million since those that have demonstrated financial aid.” another year of remark- report also commented 1995, so the Common- partnership with the real impact—in education, in Given these “best- on the long-term conse- wealth is receiving a Commonwealth as we research, and in public ser- value judgments,” it is able accomplishments. quences of reduced funding much higher rate of vice—can and will be made. not surprising that Pitt for public higher education return from every dollar work to extend our In the words of our founder has become an insti- and for public research uni- invested in Pitt. Hugh Henry Brackenridge, a tution of choice for hard-working and versities, in particular: “[I]n the decades The report of the University’s strong, distinguished member of the high-achieving students from throughout ahead, great cities and states will depend Governor’s Advisory Pennsylvania Legislature and the Commonwealth. To give just one tell- increasingly on the existence of great uni- Commission explicitly unbroken, 226-year- a Justice of the Pennsylvania ing example, the undergraduate programs versities within them (the University today recognizes that “lower Supreme Court, “We well on our Pittsburgh campus attracted 7,826 is a wonderful example of this synergy) . . than average levels of old tradition of build- know the strength of a state applications for admission for the fall of . [R]educing public support for the Univer- state funding per stu- ing better lives. greatly consists in the superior 1995. Applications for admission to those sity of Pittsburgh and institutions like it is dent” have been a key mental powers of the inhabit- same programs for this fall had more than singularly short-sighted, even if judged in driver in positioning ants... .” We have been fortu- tripled, to 24,871, and applications for those narrow economic terms... .” This view also Pennsylvania below many states in terms nate to see the remarkable impact that Pitt, programs already have passed the 26,500 was advanced by the National Research of affordability. That report also focuses on as a top research university, has made—in mark for next fall’s class. Once enrolled, Council report, which asserted that only by institutional cost structures and urges that the lives of its students, in the economic these students have a record of perform- revitalizing support for research universities affordability be a shared commitment—of growth of its home region, and in the health ing at the highest levels. Pitt has become a will we “encourage the ideas and innova- the Commonwealth and of the postsecond- and strength of the larger society. leader, among other measures, in producing tions that will lead to more high-end jobs, ary institutions it supports. With gratitude for past support, we look students who earn such high national honors increasing middle-class incomes, and the A shared commitment to cost con- forward to a strong partnership with the as Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, Truman, security, health, and prosperity we expect.” tainment was central to the Governor’s Commonwealth as we work to extend our Udall, and Fulbright scholarships. In mid-November, the Governor’s well-received proposal that state support University’s strong, unbroken, 226-year-old During the past year, Pitt also was Advisory Commission on Postsecondary for higher education not be further reduced tradition of building better lives. March 4, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 9 Pitt and Philadelphia University Enter Into an Agreement to Manage Late U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter’s Archive

Even Limited Physical Activity May Help Continued from page 1 Lower Rates of Depression in Bariatric public for generations to come.” rights champion and Pitt alumnus K. Leroy “The Arlen Specter Center for Public Irvis (LAW ’54), who in 1977 became Policy will be enriched by this new ini- the first African American speaker of the Surgery Patients, King-Led Study Finds tiative between Philadelphia University House of Representatives in Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh,” said and the first Black speaker of any state By Allison Hydzik Philadelphia University President Stephen house since Reconstruction; the late U.S. Spinelli Jr. “I am particularly grateful to representative and Pitt alumnus John P. Physically active adults undergoing who reported treatment were more likely to Elsie Hillman, a prominent political and Murtha (A&S ’61); and former U.S. repre- bariatric surgery are less likely than their report impaired mental-health functioning philanthropic leader in Pennsylvania, for sentative from Pennsylvania Jason Altmire less-active counterparts to have depressive and depressive symptoms, highlighting her efforts to initiate and (District 4). symptoms and to have recently received the need for better treatment modalities,” promote this beneficial “The collaboration medication or counseling for depression or King said. partnership and for her Specter passed away between Philadelphia anxiety, according to new research led by the The association between physical activ- philanthropic support of University and the Uni- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of ity and these outcomes was strongest when the Arlen Specter Center.” in October 2012 after versity of Pittsburgh will Public Health. only physical activity of moderate intensity Specter passed away be extremely beneficial in “Typically, clinical professionals was considered. However, the number of in October 2012 after having represented the helping to transform the manage their patients’ steps a person walked each having represented the Commonwealth for 30 deep and rich archive of depression and anxiety with day, no matter the pace, also Commonwealth for 30 Senator Specter into an counseling and/or antide- Adults with severe was related. years as Pennsylvania’s years as Pennsylvania’s outstanding research and pressant or anti-anxiety “Another goal of this longest-serving U.S. Sen- public information asset,” medication,” said Research obesity are nearly study was to determine the ator and one of the most longest-serving U.S. said Karen Albert, direc- Assistant Professor Wendy twice as likely physical activity thresholds influential U.S. senators tor of the Paul J. Gutman C. King, an epidemiolo- that best differentiated men- of his time. In Decem- Senator and one of the Library at Philadelphia gist within the Graduate to have a major tal-health status,” King said. ber 2010, he donated his University and coordina- School of Public Health and “We were surprised that the extensive archive, encom- most influential U.S. tor of the Arlen Specter lead author of the research, depressive disorder thresholds were really low.” passing 50 years of public senators of his time. Center for Public Policy. which is reported in Febru- Just one hour of moderate- service, to Philadelphia “The joint application ary’s issue of the Journal of (13.3 percent) or intensity physical activity University to establish the In December 2010, he of expertise, resources, Psychosomatic Research. a week—or eight minutes a Arlen Specter Center for and commitment will “Recent research has anxiety disorder day—was associated with 92 Public Policy. The cen- donated his extensive allow both institutions focused on physical activity (19.6 percent) when percent-lower odds of treat- ter’s mission is to foster to employ our distinc- as an alternative or adjunct ment for depression or anxi- greater understanding of archive, encompass- tive capabilities to orga- treatment.” compared to the ety among adults with severe political science, govern- nize, digitize, and manage Adults with severe obe- obesity. Similarly, just 4,750 ment, and history through ing 50 years of public these valuable materials, sity are nearly twice as likely general population steps a day—less than half the research, educational pro- service, to Philadelphia and we look forward to to have a major depressive 10,000 steps recommended gramming, and exhibi- working with our col- disorder (13.3 percent) or (7.2 and 10.2 per- for a healthy adult—reduced tions inspired by Spec- University to establish leagues at the University anxiety disorder (19.6 per- odds of depression or anxiety ter’s career as reflected of Pittsburgh.” cent) when compared to the cent, respectively). treatment by 81 percent. in his extensive archive. the Arlen Specter Center “This partnership general population (7.2 and “It could be that, in this The center is a $5 relative to the Specter 10.2 percent, respectively). population, important mental million initiative that for Public Policy. Collection will result in King noted the importance of treating these health benefits can be gained by simply not includes the restoration of the documentary records conditions prior to surgery, as preoperative being sedentary,” King said. Philadelphia University’s of Pennsylvania’s longest- depression and anxiety increase the risk of Because this was an observational, historic Roxboro House, where the center serving U.S. Senator being readily avail- these conditions occurring after surgery— cross-sectional study—meaning patients’ will be housed. Construction got under able to students and faculty here at Pitt, and have been shown to negatively impact regular physical activity behavior and way in December 2012 on the $4 million as well as to visiting researchers. In con- long-term surgically induced weight loss. depressive symptoms were measured at the renovation project, which is scheduled to be sidering the sweep of historical events and As part of the Longitudinal Assessment same time—it could not prove that a patient’s completed by February 2014. A ceremonial the changing political climate that Senator of Bariatric Surgery-2, an observational physical activity influenced mental-health groundbreaking for the center will take Specter not only witnessed but contributed study designed to assess the risks and status. place on May 23, 2013. Visit www.philau. to as a central figure, we know his col- benefits of bariatric surgery, King and her “Results of the study are provocative, edu/spectercenter for more information. lection will provide significant resource colleagues assessed participants’ physical but we would need further research to verify The Arlen Specter Collection will be material on a wide range of subjects. We activity for a week prior to undergoing bar- that physical activity was responsible for archived and housed in the University of look forward to working with Philadelphia iatric surgery by using a small electronic lower levels of depressive symptoms in this Pittsburgh’s Archives Service Center, 7500 University to advance the research interests device worn above the ankle. Participants patient population,” said study coauthor Thomas Blvd., Point Breeze, three miles in the collection,” said Michael J. Dabri- also completed surveys to assess mental- Melissa A. Kalarchian, a professor of psy- from the University’s Pittsburgh campus. shus, assistant university librarian at the health functioning, depressive symptoms, chiatry in the Pitt School of Medicine and As a state-of-the-art repository for manu- University of Pittsburgh. and treatment for psychiatric and emotional at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic scripts and records collections, the building Philadelphia University, founded in problems, including depression and anxiety. of UPMC. “Nonetheless, physical activity is equipped with a high-bay storage facility 1844, is a coeducational private university The study included 850 adults who were is a key component of behavioral weight that is unique in Pennsylvania. with 3,600 students enrolled in more than seeking bariatric surgery between 2006 management, and it is encouraging to con- Pitt’s University Library System has a 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. and 2009 from one of 10 different hospitals sider that it may have a favorable impact on history of archiving and managing collec- Philadelphia University includes the throughout the United States. mental health as well.” tions of important elected officials, includ- Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and About one-third of participants reported The research was funded through a ing the papers of Pitt alumnus and trustee Commerce; the College of Architecture and depressive symptoms, while two in five cooperative agreement by the National Insti- Dick Thornburgh (LAW ’57), former the Built Environment; and the College of reported taking medication or receiving tute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney governor of Pennsylvania and former U.S. Science, Health and the Liberal Arts. Visit counseling for depression or anxiety. “Those Diseases. attorney general; the late longtime civil www.PhilaU.edu for more information. 10 • Pitt Chronicle • March 4, 2013

Governor Honors News Kathy Humphrey as of note Everyday Hero tute for International Law nitrogen deposition, fluxes, and specia- and the Humanities, Allen tion between urban and rural environ- Pitt Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy responded to the critique of ments; examine the mechanisms that Humphrey was one of five African American leaders international human rights retain nitrogen in urban ecosystems; and from across the state honored by Pennsylvania tribunals as not “real” courts determine how the ecosystem responds to Governor Tom Corbett for their commitment and by analyzing the theatrical the addition of atmospheric nitrate. This dedication to their communities. nature of international rights research will be aided not only by this NSF adjudication and its effects. CAREER grant, but also by the Carnegie Part of the Corbett administration’s Black Museum of Natural History and Carnegie History Month activities, the ceremony at the State History Graduate Science Center. Museum in Harrisburg was held Feb. 27 to coincide Receives Award Elliott has been with the 150th anniversary of the signing of the for Dissertation on a member of the Uni- Emancipation Proclamation by Abraham Lincoln. Haitians in Cuba versity’s faculty since Recent gradu- 2007 and has had nearly Items from the State Museum’s Emancipation ate Matthew Casey a dozen articles pub- Proclamation exhibition were on display during the (A&S ’06G, ’12G) has lished in refereed jour- ceremony. received the 2011–12 nals since that time. “We honor five people today—a youth Eduardo Lozano She recently received advocate, two educators, a community outreach Memorial Disserta- an honorable mention tion Award from Pitt’s from the 2013 Carnegie leader, and a doctor,” Corbett said. “Generations to Center for Latin Ameri- Emily Elliott Science Awards in the come will see the impact they have on others and can Studies and Depart- Environmental Award their communities because of the dedication and Ryan Ahl ment of Hispanic Languages category for her examination of the pollut- optimism they share with all of us.” and Literatures for his dissertation, “From ants caused by power-plant stacks. Also recognized were Cassandra Vaughn, Army Officer Named Director Haiti to Cuba and Back: Haitians’ Experi- of Pitt’s Office of Veterans ences of Migration, Labor, and Return, Student Conduct Officer Selected to director of community-based services for Big Brothers Services 1900–1940.” The selection committee wrote Serve on County Advisory Board Big Sisters in Harrisburg; Denise Williams, executive Ryan Ahl has been named direc- that Casey’s dissertation, written for his PhD Deborah Walker (GSPIA ’03, CGS director of the Mount Ararat Community Activity tor of the University of Pittsburgh’s in history, “challenges the traditional percep- ’01), student conduct officer in Pitt’s Center in East Liberty; Deborah Witt, a Thomas Office of Veterans Services, where tion of Haitian workers in Cuba” and praised Division of Student Affairs, has been Jefferson University Hospital medical doctor and he will assist veterans in their transi- his use of Cuban nationalization records. selected to serve on the Allegheny County tion from military to University life, Casey is now an assistant professor of history Department of Human Services (DHS) an assistant professor of family medicine within support their academic successes, and at the University of Southern Mississippi. Block Grant Advisory Board. She will be Jefferson Medical College; and Ron Jackson, dean of help them and their families receive The award—presented annually for the responsible for helping to distribute state- students for the Community College of Philadelphia. military education benefits. Prior to best doctoral dissertation at the University allocated block grant funds for mental All five honorees were nominated by members arriving at Pitt, Ahl served for 10 of Pittsburgh on a topic related to Latin health, behavioral health, drug and alco- of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African years as an infantry squad leader America, the Caribbean, or Latin American hol abuse treatment, homelessness, child with the Pennsylvania Army National communities—is named after Pitt librarian welfare, and human services projects. Last American Affairs. Guard, participating in more than 500 Eduardo Lozano, who was born in Buenos year, the board distributed more than $128 The governor’s office said in a news release missions in Iraq. Since July 2012, Ahl Aires, Argentina, and directed the Latin million. The board comprises 48 members that “Humphrey has dedicated her career to helping has served as a maintenance control American collection at Hillman who reflect the diversity college students cultivate their purpose and find officer with the brigade support Library from 1967 until his death of the populations served their passion, as well as giving them the tools to battalion of the Pennsylvania Army in 2006, developing it into one of by DHS. National Guard. the most outstanding collections of “I’m honored to have find success in both the classroom and the world.” its kind. been selected as part of the Among Humphrey’s community activities are Law Professor Presents An honorable mention was DHS Block Grant Advi- her service as a board member of the American Red Research in Australia given to Laura Macia-Vergara sory Board, knowing that Cross of Southwestern Pennsylvania and as board Pitt Assistant Professor of Law (A&S ’12G) for her dissertation, I will help make a sig- vice chair of Leadership Pittsburgh. She also serves Jessie Allen—an expert on one of “Dealing with Grievances: The nificant impact on improv- the most important legal treatises ever Latino Experience in Pittsburgh,” ing the lives of residents on the board of Three Rivers Adoption Council. written in the English language, Sir which she wrote while earning a of Allegheny County,” “During Black History Month, we will continue William Blackstone’s Commentaries PhD in anthropology. She is a project Deborah Walker Walker said. to celebrate historic figures such as Martin Luther on the Laws of England (1765-1769)— coordinator with the Department of King Jr.,” said Karen Stokes, executive director and gave a presentation in December at Behavioral and Community Health in Pitt’s Pitt Business School Recognized as chair of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on an international sym- Graduate School of Public a Top 100 Social Media-Friendly posium at Australia’s Health. School African American Affairs. “But it is just as important University of Ade- The University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph to recognize the contributions made by people like laide. Allen’s paper, Geology Professor M. Katz Graduate School of Business little league coaches, teachers, and community “Reading Blackstone Awarded National has been selected as a Top 100 Most volunteers. Their strength and dedication is a hall- in the 21st Century Science Foundation Social Media–Friendly MBA School mark of the African American community.” and the 21st Century CAREER Grant for 2013 by OnlineMBAPage.com. Through Blackstone,” Emily Elliott, assis- Staff at OnlineMBAPage.com combined original tant professor of environ- compiled data from the social research on the U.S. mental isotope geochem- media accounts of more than 400 Supreme Court’s istry in the Department business schools, ranking them recent increased cita- of Geology and Planetary based on their presence and activ- tions of Blackstone’s Sciences within Pitt’s Ken- ity levels on social media plat- Commentaries with neth P. Dietrich School forms Facebook, Twitter, material from Allen’s of Arts and Sciences, has YouTube, LinkedIn, blog, Blackstone been awarded a five-year, Google Plus, Pin- Weekly, http://black- $550,000 CAREER grant terest, and Flickr. stoneweekly.word- Jessie Allen from the National Science This is the first year press.com. Black- Foundation (NSF). The the rankings have stone’s Commentaries consolidated CAREER Program offers prestigious awards been issued. English common law into a unified that support junior faculty members doing and rational system and greatly influ- groundbreaking research who demonstrate enced legal education in both England a great understanding of their fields. and America. Through her research, Elliott intends Allen presented a second paper, to prove that poor constraints on nitrogen “Theater of International Justice,” releases in urban environments have quite at Australia’s University of Mel- heavily influenced the nutrient sources of bourne Law School. At a freestanding urban ecosystems like streams and riverine Governor Tom Corbett seminar of the law school’s Insti- systems. She plans to compare the reactive (left) and Kathy Humphrey EVOY c OWEN M March 4, 2013 • University of Pittsburgh • 11

Frick Art and Historical Center, A Kind Literatures Nancy Condee, Pitt Assis- of Alchemy: Medieval Persian tant Professor of History Gregor Ceramics, a look at the diversity Thum, and Pitt Vice Provost of ceramics made in ancient for Graduate Studies Alberta Persia, through June 16, Sbragia, 12:30 p.m. 7227 Reynolds St., Point March 7, 602 Cathedral of Happenings Breeze, TheFrickPitts- Learning, Department of German, burgh.org, 412-342-4075. Humanities Center, Cultural Studies Program, and EUCE/ESC, 412-624-5909, Lectures/ www.german.pitt.edu “The Advent of Genome Medicine in Seminars/ Patient Care,” Hakon Hakonarson, direc- tor, Center of Applied Genomics, Children’s Readings Hospital of Philadelphia, noon March 8, A115 Crabtree Hall, Pitt Graduate School of Public “Ancient Perspectives Health, http://www.publichealth.pitt.edu on Plato and Platonism: The Creation of the Cosmos,” Christina Hoenig, Frick Art and Pitt PhD Dissertation PhD candidate from Cambridge Historical Center, University, 4 p.m. March 4, A Kind of Alchemy: Defenses 206 Cathedral of Learning, Pitt Medieval Persian Department of Classics, www. Ceramics, Liang-I Kang, School of Medicine’s Cellular classics.pitt.edu through June 16 and Molecular Pathology Program, “A New Role for Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator “Is the Ivory Tower an in Liver Injury,” 1 p.m. March 6, 1104 Scaife Iron Cage? Why We Need Hall. to Reform Humanities Education,” Russell Berman, Walter A. Haas Professor in the Humani- W. Gerald Heverly, Kenneth P. Dietrich School ties at Stanford University, 5 p.m. March 5, 602 of Arts and Science’s Department of Classics, Cathedral of Learning, Pitt Department of German, “Neglected Warnings in the Iliad: A Study in Humanities Center, Cultural Studies Program, Characterization,” 11 a.m. March 6, 817 Alumni EUCE/ESC, 412-624-5909, www.german.pitt.edu Hall. “The No Miracles Argument: A Fallacy?” Leah Jason Flatt, Graduate School of Public Health’s Henderson, fellow of the Center for Formal Epis- Department of Behavioral and Community Health temology, Carnegie Mellon University, 12:05 p.m. Sciences, “Exploring the Relationship Between Beverly Hills, California, 1980, by Garry Winogrand. Gelatin silver print. Collection of the UAG (1984.6.2) © The Estate of Garry Winogrand March 5, 817 Cathedral of Learning, Pitt’s Center Cognitive Health and the Environment of Older for Philosophy of Science, 412-624-1052, pittcntr@ Adults,” 10 a.m. March 8, 309B Parran Hall. University Art Gallery, Capturing the Street: Garry Winogrand and Ned Bosnick, pitt.edu, http://www.pitt.edu/~pittcntr through March 22 Lauren Collister, Dietrich School’s Department “The Confucian Analects and the Invention of Linguistics, “Multimodality As a Sociolin- Department of Music, 412-422-8042, http://www. of the Human in Early China,” Vincent Leung, guistic Resource: A Case Study of A World of Concerts music.pitt.edu Pitt assistant professor of history, noon March 6, Warcraft Community,” 10 a.m. March 8, G24 3703 Posvar Hall, Pitt’s Asian Studies Center, http:// Cathedral of Learning. University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orches- www.ucis.pitt.edu/asc/ tra, program including Benjamin Britten’s Simple Exhibitions Elizabeth Delorme-Axford, School of Symphony and Department of Music alumnus Wyatt “Figuring out Europe: Nation, State, and Medicine’s Cell Biology and Molecular Physiol- True as violin soloist in Roger Zahab’s vioentel- University Art Gallery, Capturing the Street: the European Union in the German Public ogy Program, “Virus-Host Interactions at the echron, 8 p.m. March 6, Bellefield Hall Auditorium, Garry Winogrand and Ned Bosnick, photographs Sphere,” Russell Berman, Walter A. Haas Profes- Maternal-Fetal Interface,” 1 p.m. March 14, 503 Pitt’s Department of Music, http://www.music.pitt. of people captured in fleeting moments of everyday sor in the Humanities at Stanford University, with Bridgeside Point II. edu life, through March 22, Frick Fine Arts Building, responses by Pitt Professor of Slavic Languages and www.haa.pitt.edu/collections/university-art-gallery The Early Mays, American folk music, noon March 8, Cup and Chaucer Café, Hillman Library Senator John Heinz History Center, 1968: The The Early Mays, ground floor, The Emerging Legends Series, Year That Rocked America, collection of artifacts Cup and University of Pittsburgh Library System, Calliope: and displays revealing how 1968 shaped our country, Chaucer Café, The Pittsburgh Folk Music Society, http://www. through May 12; From Slavery to Freedom, March 8 calliopehouse.org antislavery movement to the modern quest for civil rights, including material from Pitt-produced IonSound Project: Android Ballet, the second exhibition Free at Last? Slavery in Pittsburgh in the installment of CreatION Sound, featuring students 18th and 19th Centuries displayed at Heinz History and their created instruments and compositions, Center in 2008-09, ongoing, 1212 Smallman St., 7 p.m. March 9, Bellefield Hall Auditorium, Pitt’s Strip District. Pitt-UPMC Program Guides Expansion of Telemedicine Use in Pediatric Emergencies or OUTREACH, a hospital administrators, physicians, nurses, selves and decide on the best treatment.” project designed to emergency transport personnel, patients, and In Kobe’s case, the doctors determined make telemedicine families to identify issues surrounding pedi- that he needed to be flown by medical more effective in atric emergency care and potential obstacles helicopter to Children’s Hospital, where pediatric emergen- to using telemedicine in rural hospitals. they were able to quickly intubate him and cies. That information will be used to craft stabilize his breathing. “About one- a standardized educational program to help In addition to improving care and saving quarter of all pedi- these hospitals best use tele- lives, the program could cut atric emergency medicine to improve pediatric down on unnecessary travel visits are to hospi- emergency care through consul- for children and their families, tals in rural areas, tations with Children’s Hospital as well as reduce medical costs. yet these hospitals of Pittsburgh specialists. The “There is an inherent value rarely possess the team will then partner with the in keeping a sick or injured child equipment, expe- Pennsylvania Department of in his or her community when rience, and exper- Public Welfare, which oversees possible,” Kahn said. “They tise necessary to the state’s Medicaid program, can recover with their family provide effec- to evaluate the effects of the and friends close by and avoid tive emergency program. excessive disruption to their care to children,” If successful, the program family’s routine.” said Jeremy Kahn, could be used as a model for Jeremy Kahn In the last year, more than project leader and pediatric emergency care nationwide. 400 children were transferred from a rural a professor of criti- “Our goal is to reduce unnecessary emergency department to Children’s Hos- cal care, medicine transfers while providing the same level pital of Pittsburgh—a journey that can and health policy of world-class service using telemedicine involve several hours of travel time—only By Allison Hydzik in Pitt’s School that our patients receive when they come to be immediately discharged back to their of Medicine and directly to the Children’s campus,” said communities. If these children were triaged When a child ends up in an emergency Graduate School of Public Health. “Our Harun Rashid, vice president of global health via telemedicine, $800,000 could have been room at one of Pennsylvania’s rural hos- goal is to make it quick and easy for rural services and chief information officer at saved, according to data collected from the pitals, the emergency doctor has a tough emergency doctors to consult with pediatric Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital Emergency Department. decision to make: treat the child there with specialists at UPMC to determine the best Kobe Long, a two-year-old from Wash- Initially, the OUTREACH program will limited pediatric expertise or send him or treatment plan for each child.” ington County, has cerebral palsy and be in five rural hospitals: UPMC Northwest her to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of The project is paid for with a grant of has been helped twice in the last year by Hospital in Seneca, Venango County; UPMC UPMC, often hundreds of miles from home. almost $1 million from the U.S. Depart- telemedicine. Both times, Kobe’s mother, Horizon Hospital in Farrell, Mercer County; A new University of Pittsburgh Schools ment of Health and Human Services Health Christa Bolen, had taken the child to Wash- Washington Hospital in Washington, Wash- of the Health Sciences project will use tele- Resources and Services Administration. It ington Hospital due to breathing problems. ington County; Armstrong County Memo- medicine to make the decision easier. Today, is designed to address critical deficiencies “Having the doctors examine him with rial Hospital in Kittanning, Armstrong March 4, a team of doctors, scientists, and in pediatric emergency care reported in the telemedicine was different—but very easy,” County; and DuBois Regional Medical emergency pediatric and rural health offi- Institute of Medicine’s “Emergency Care for she said. “You didn’t have to try to explain Center in DuBois, Clearfield County. More cials will launch “Optimizing Utilization Children: Growing Pains.” what was happening over the phone. The hospitals will be recruited as the project and Rural Emergency Access for Children,” Kahn and his team will interview doctors at Children’s could see for them- progresses.

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12 • Pitt Chronicle • March 4, 2013

Connecting the (Quantum) Dots PittChronicle New spin technique moves researchers at Pitt and Delft University of Technology closer to creating first Newspaper of the University of Pittsburgh viable high-speed quantum computer PUBLISHER Robert Hill ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER John Harvith By B. Rose Huber EXECUTIVE EDITOR Cara Masset Recent research offers a new spin on This approach—featuring nanoscale EDITOR Jane-Ellen Robinet using nanoscale semiconductor structures size and a higher density of devices on ASSISTANT EDITOR Adam Reger to build faster computers and electronics. an electronic chip—is far more advanta- ART DIRECTOR Gary Kohr-Cravener Literally. geous than magnetic control, which has STAFF WRITERS Sharon S. Blake University of Pittsburgh and Delft been typically employed until now, said Diane Hernon Chavis University of Technology researchers Frolov. John Fedele reveal in the Feb. 17 online issue of “Our research shows that holes, B. Rose Huber Nature Nanotechnology a new method or empty spaces, can make better spin CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Allison Hydzik that better preserves the units neces- qubits than electrons for future quantum Debbie Goldberg sary to power lightning-fast electronics, computers.” Kimberly Marcott Weinberg known as qubits (pronounced CUE-bits). “Spins are the smallest magnets in HAPPENINGS EDITOR Danielle Cameron Hole spins, rather than electron spins, can our universe. Our vision for a quantum keep quantum bits in the same physical computer is to connect thousands of The Pitt Chronicle is published throughout the year by state up to 10 times longer than before, spins, and now we know how to control University News and Magazines, University of Pittsburgh, the report finds. a single spin,” said Frolov. “In the future, 400 Craig Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. “Previously, our group and others we’d like to scale up this concept to Phone: 412-624-1033, Fax: 412-624-4895. have used electron spins, but the prob- include multiple qubits.” E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chronicle.pitt.edu lem was that they interacted with spins Coauthors of the paper include Leo The University of Pittsburgh is an affirmative action, equal of nuclei, and therefore it was difficult Kouwenhoven, Stevan Nadj-Perge, Vlad opportunity institution that does not discriminate upon any to preserve the alignment and control of Pribiag, Johan van den Berg, and Ilse van basis prohibited by law. electron spins,” said Sergey Frolov, assis- Weperen of Delft University of Technol- tant professor in the Department of Phys- ogy; and Sebastien Plissard and Erik ics and Astronomy within Pitt’s Kenneth Bakkers from Eindhoven University of P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, Technology in the Netherlands. who did the work as a postdoctoral fellow The paper, “Electrical control over PUBLICATION NOTICE Items for pub- at Delft University of Technology in the single hole spins in nanowire quantum lication in the newspaper’s Happenings Netherlands. bits, or qubits, is necessary,” said Frolov. dots,” appeared online Feb. 17 in Nature calendar (page 11) should be received at Whereas normal computing bits hold “With our work, we have gotten one step Nanotechnology. The research was sup- least two weeks prior to the event date. mathematical values of zero or one, quan- closer.” ported by the Dutch Organization for Funda- Happenings items should include the tum bits live in a hazy superposition of both The holes within hole spins, Frolov mental Research on Matter, the Netherlands following information: title of the event, states. It is this quality, said Frolov, which explained, are literally empty spaces Organization for Scientific Research, and the name and title of speaker(s), date, time, allows them to perform multiple calculations left when electrons are taken out. Using European Research Council. location, sponsor(s), and a phone number at once, offering exponential speed over extremely thin filaments called InSb (indium Frolov and his Netherlands colleagues and Web site for additional information. classical computers. However, maintaining antimonide) nanowires, the researchers were recent winners of the 2012 Newcomb Items may be e-mailed to chron@pitt. the qubit’s state long enough to perform created a transistor-like device that could Cleveland Prize, an annual honor awarded edu, or sent by campus mail to 422 Craig computation remains a long-standing chal- transform the electrons into holes. They to the author/s of the best research article/ Hall. For more information, call 412- lenge for physicists. then precisely placed one hole in a nanoscale3 report appearing in Science, which is pub- 624-1033 or e-mail [email protected]. “To create a viable quantum computer, box called “a quantum dot” and controlled lished weekly by the American Association the demonstration of long-lived quantum the spin of that hole using electric fields. for the Advancement of Science.