The Magazine of Point Park University | SUMMER 2018 POINTTHE Community Impact Educating agents of change in diverse community settings Lights Out A fond farewell to the “old” Pittsburgh Playhouse a positive impact in our own neighborhood Playhouse is an incredible, one-of-a-kind and in the greater Pittsburgh region. Last interdisciplinary center for all facets of fall, Point Park established a Department entertainment management, including of Community Engagement to incorporate our nationally ranked Conservatory of an interdisciplinary approach to academics, Performing Arts. initiatives, critical thinking and social entrepreneurship efforts. In 2018, members Ten years ago, Point Park embarked on of the first cohort in our new Ph.D. program a journey to transform our urban campus in community engagement will receive their through the Academic Village Initiative. 8 doctoral degrees. You can learn more about Piece by piece, through many projects, OF the many aspects of community engagement together we have transformed the TABLE CONTENTS at Point Park in this issue of The Point. neighborhood Point Park has been proud to be a part of for more than 50 years. 2 News and Views 22 Coming Attractions This summer, we bid a fond farewell to an This journey would not have been possible Conservatory of Performing Arts “old friend,” and we’re preparing to welcome without the support of the entire Point 8 Preserving the Past admitted students end a daylong an exciting new addition to our Downtown Park community. Historic street facades are campus visit with a sneak peek 15 campus. On June 18 we gathered together completely restored and installed at the new main stage theater. to share memories as we turned the lights We’re grateful that you’ve been along for at the new Pittsburgh Playhouse Dear alumni and friends, out at the “old” Pittsburgh Playhouse in the journey, and proud to share our progress in Downtown Pittsburgh. 24 Alumni Connection Oakland. The Lights Out event was a nostalgic with you. Stay tuned, the best is yet to come. It’s summer vacation season, but work is celebration of the history, entertainment 10 Community Impact 25 Class Notes humming along at a rapid pace at Point and friendships that have flourished in its The new Department of Community Engagement educates agents of 30 On Top Park. From new academic programs to 85-year history. Warm regards, change in diverse community Competitive cheer and dance new facilities, there’s a lot happening on 22 settings, through academics, teams are making a name for our Downtown campus and we are eager Today, we stand on the threshold of opening programs, initiatives and more. themselves in their second year. to share the news with you. the largest piece of the Academic Village Initiative – the new Pittsburgh Playhouse 15 Pro Bono Fashion One of the most vibrant aspects of our located along Forbes Avenue between Wood Dr. Paul Hennigan The Point Closet campus thrift community of students, faculty and staff Street and Smithfield Street in Downtown President shop combines fashion with giving has been a shared commitment to making Pittsburgh. Set to open in October, the new back to fellow students. TALK TO US! The Magazine of Point Park University | SUMMER 2018 ON THE COVER: The Point wants to hear from you. Send The first cohort of 16 Lights Out your comments and suggestions to: POINTTHE Alumni and friends gathered Community Impact doctoral students, who Educating agents of change in diverse community settings began in 2015 and will together in Oakland on June 18 Managing Editor Lights Out A fond farewell to the “old” Marketing and Communications Pittsburgh Playhouse receive their new Ph.D. in community engage- to reminisce and celebrate 85 Point Park University ment degrees in 2018, years of memories in the “old” 201 Wood Street volunteer together for Pittsburgh Playhouse. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Phone: 412-392-6108 Fax: 412-392-6185 Photo by Christopher Email: [email protected] Rolinson. President Managing Director, Graphic Designer Web Services Manager Photographers Paul Hennigan, Ed.D. Communications and Judy Sporka Stephen Shanahan John Altdorfer The Point is published by the Department of Marketing and Communications, Point Park University, 201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of Client Services published information. Please visit our web site at www.pointpark.edu for current information regarding University programs, departments, alumni activities and events. Nathan Gentry Vice President of Nancy Commella Manager of Printing Writers Nick Koehler Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Initiatives External Affairs Services Amanda Dabbs This policy affirms Point Park University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and the pursuit of diversity. Point Park University does not discriminate on the basis of: sex, race, ethnicity, religion, Martha Rial color, national origin, age (40 years and over), ancestry, individuals with disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, caregiver status Mariann Geyer Managing Director, Don Pastorius Gina Puppo or familial status, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities or with respect to employment or admission to the University’s educational programs and activities. Christopher Rolinson University Marketing and Kevin Taylor Managing Editor Public Relations Director of Online This policy is in accord with local, state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 Communications Barbara Vilanova of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Pittsburgh Human Relations Act. Inquiries regarding these regulations and policies, or complaints Cheryl Valyo Lou Corsaro of discrimination, should be referred to the vice president of human resources, phone number 412-392-3952. Inquiries regarding Title IX and the Title IX regulations should also be referred to the Title IX Keith Kuzmovich coordinator or to the deputy Title IX coordinators: the associate provost, the vice president of human resources or the vice president of student affairs. POINTPARK.EDU 1 NEWS AND VIEWS Professional Advancement técnica del Litoral in Guayaquil, Ecuador. former Disney College Program intern, colleagues in our thriving local community Sociable City Summit hosted by the Re- sports to 17. Sports added include men’s Knörr’s workshop, “Innovation and Social joined Mulvihill on the trip to Orlando. and the industry at large; re-evaluate our sponsibility Hospitality Institute Feb. 18-20 and women’s golf, men’s and women’s Sarah Schulz, Ph.D., LSW, assistant Entrepreneurship in the Context of Multi- Mulvihill’s leadership podcast series curriculum and its delivery by employing in New Orleans. The conference focused indoor and outdoor track and field, and professor of psychology and director of disciplinary Approaches,” focused on how launched in January 2018 with co-host best practices to support our students in on how cities can harness the power of competitive cheer and competitive dance. the M.A. in clinical-community psychology professors can incorporate their social Dennis Frketich, D.Ed., Point Park busi- their academic and artistic pursuits; and the nighttime economy. It was a continua- During Swalga’s time the Pioneers were program, was one of 13 individuals ap- innovation entrepreneurship projects ness management alumnus and part- think and act boldly in the best interests tion of the 2017 Sociable City Leadership accepted into the River States Confer- pointed to the City of Pittsburgh’s Gender when submitting proposals and applying time business faculty member. of all our students and the department, Summit Traversari attended in Austin, ence (previously known as the Kentucky Equity Commission. The Commission is a for grants. Knörr also gave a motivational by providing them with lasting tools and Texas, as part of his continuing efforts to Intercollegiate Athletic Conference). new effort by the Pittsburgh City Council to speech April 17 to about 35 women Garfield Lemonius has been appointed skills to ensure that they become suc- make Pittsburgh a music city. Traversari Since joining the RSC, the Pioneers conduct a five-year analysis on gender bias entrepreneurs from socioeconomic- chair of the Department of Dance. An cessful artists and innovators.” attended workshops titled “The Music City have claimed the RSC Commissioner’s within the city. Schulz’s research focuses disadvantaged communities in Ecuador. associate professor, Lemonius joined and Investing in Talent Development,” “Has All-Sports Cup three times. Swalga was on mental health, medical sociology and Point Park in 2010. He holds an M.F.A. in Tammy Ryan, an instructor at Point Park Your City Been ‘Studentfied?’” and “Busi- named the KIAC Athletic Director of the gender studies, with an emphasis on ad- Patrick Mulvihill, D.Ed. assistant profes- dance from Southern Methodist Univer- and a widely produced playwright, has ness District Management and Nightlife.” Year in 2014-15. Point Park also situ- dressing barriers to health care faced by sor of management, interviewed Lee sity and a B.F.A. in dance and Bachelor of been named a New Dramatists resident ated many athletics facilities during his members