The Magazine of Point Park University | SUMMER 2019 POINTTHE Steel City Showdown Great Entertainment Point Park and pro sports teams Playhouse presents new season kick off premier esports event of world-class productions Last Print Issue Going all digital! See page 33. One of the most vibrant aspects of our premieres, dazzling dance and compelling community of students, faculty, staff and speakers. The new Playhouse is a one-of- alumni is our shared commitment to making a-kind interdisciplinary center for all facets a positive impact in our own neighborhood of entertainment management, including and beyond. For example, the new Center our nationally ranked Conservatory of for Veterans Excellence at the Rowland Performing Arts. We hope you’ll join us for School of Business recently partnered with a performance or speaking event this fall Pittsburgh Hires Veterans to host an all- or spring. day workshop for active duty veterans and 12 their spouses. “The Starting Point to a New Finally, you’re holding the last print issue of Career” gave participants an opportunity The Point, which is undergoing an exciting CONTENTS to build job-fnding skills while networking transformation into a fully digital magazine. with business professionals. The University’s The new online version, which will be 2 News and Views 22 True Pioneer Center for Media Innovation recently produced twice a year in fall and spring, Anna Shields, Point Park’s most will enable us to continue to share Point announced the All Abilities Media Project, 12 Going Green decorated student-athlete, runs in which people with disabilities can receive Park stories and profles in a creative and School of Education students toward her professional dreams. free training in media production and podcast robust format. Be sure to share your contact 16 gain professional skills and new hosting, as well as the establishment of the information with us, especially your email, so cultural experiences while serving 24 Alumni Connection Doris O’Donnell Innovations in Investigative we can let you know when each new issue as student teachers in Ireland. Reporting Fellowship, which is designed to of The Point is online. See page 33. 25 Class Notes 14 Coming Attractions spotlight and address the growing number of Dear alumni and friends, The Pittsburgh Playhouse features 30 On the Ball “news deserts” (underserved news markets) Thank you for being a part of Point Park’s a new season of extraordinary Pioneer Softball is soaring high in the United States. These projects, and story. We are proud to share the journey It’s summer vacation season, but work theatre, captivating dance and on and off the feld. many others, underscore Point Park’s and our progress with you. The best is yet 22 continues to hum along at Point Park. From thought-provoking speakers. longstanding commitment to community to come! new academic programs and events to engagement. 16 Steel City Showdown premiere entertainment productions, there Warm regards, Point Park partnered with pro sports is always something innovative happening After an extraordinary inaugural season in teams to present the frst major on campus and we enjoy sharing the news the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, as well esports event in Pittsburgh history. with you. as hosting Pittsburgh’s frst major esports TALK TO US! 20 Broadcasting Esports event last spring, Point Park’s award-winning The Magazine of Point Park University | SUMMER 2019 ON THE COVER: The Point wants to hear from you. Send Alumnus Ryan Bailey is an esports Pittsburgh Playhouse has announced The Steel City Show- your comments and suggestions to: Dr. Paul Hennigan THE POINT down brought sponsors specialist and commentator for Steel City Showdown Great Entertainment a 2019-2020 season flled with world Point Park and pro sports teams Playhouse presents new season President kick off premier esports event of world-class productions such as the Pittsburgh Skillshot Media. Managing Editor Penguins and the Marketing and Communications Cleveland Cavaliers Point Park University together with hundreds 201 Wood Street of esports athletes and Pittsburgh, PA 15222 spectators for a week- end of esports at the Phone: 412-392-6108 Fax: 412-392-6185 Email: [email protected] Last Print Issue Pittsburgh Playhouse. Going all digital! See page 33. Photo by John Altdorfer. President Managing Director, Graphic Designer Web Services Manager Photographers 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 Paul Hennigan, Ed.D. Communications and Judy Sporka Stephen Shanahan John Altdorfer published information. Please visit our web site at www.pointpark.edu for current information regarding University programs, departments, alumni activities and events. Client Services Emma Federkeil Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Initiatives Vice President of Nancy Commella Manager of Printing Writers Nick Koehler This policy affrms 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, External Affairs Services Amanda Dabbs 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 Hannah Johnston 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. Mariann Geyer Managing Director, Don Pastorius Gina Puppo Christopher Rolinson University Marketing and Kevin Taylor 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 Managing Editor Public Relations Director of Online 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 Communications Barbara Vilanova 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 Cheryl Valyo Lou Corsaro coordinator or to the deputy Title IX coordinators: the associate provost, the vice president of human resources or the vice president of student affairs. The Title IX coordinator, Vanessa Love, may be reached Keith Kuzmovich at [email protected], 412-392-3980 or 201 Wood Street, 800 Academic Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. POINTPARK.EDU 1 NEWS AND VIEWS will continue to oversee admission into coast of Italy in 1761 in which 13-year- Jayne Olshanski, M.B.A., C.P.A., as- STANDING Point Park’s doctoral programs, master’s old Joseph Carlos and his cousin have sistant professor in the Rowland School programs and all undergraduate and been kidnapped by the British Navy and of Business, led a group of students ROOM ONLY graduate online programs. pressed into service on the Deptford, a from her Advanced Accounting Theory British man of war. “Just the day before, class in meetings with PNC executives Freshmen, sophomores, juniors the two boys were happily sailing with Katy Reeping, vice president of fnan- and seniors in the Conservatory of their uncle on a routine merchant passage, cial reporting and analysis, and John Performing Arts gathered together dreaming of owning their own ship one (J.J.) Matthews, director of fnance on the steps in the lobby of the new day and returning home to the warmth governance and SEC reporting, among Pittsburgh Playhouse to celebrate and safety of their family. What was sup- other PNC professionals. Olshanski’s the frst day of classes during the posed to be a ‘punishment’ for a childish course focuses on acquisition account- 2018-19 academic year. Aaron misadventure turns into a fght for survival ing and SEC reporting. Her students Bollinger, associate professor and on foreign seas.” Highet teaches courses apply course concepts in cases that chair of the Theatre Department, in College Composition, The Short Story require fnancial analysis and accounting and Alex Yargeau, administrative and Intro to Literature. policy verifcation of SEC reports of real assistant in the Conservatory, companies. “Our PNC visit allowed the coordinated the photo. Jose Muniain, part time professor in the students to witness accountants work- Cinema Arts department, produced and ing with these complex concepts. I was directed a VR/360 video in collaboration impressed to see these PNC executives Marshall Highet, part-time instructor with the dance group “slowdanger.” The take the time to review the organization’s for the Department of Literary Arts and production was shown in conjunction with entire Form 10-K with our students.” One Social Justice, co-authored the book an exhibition on dance and flm at the the students was accounting senior Ryan Hold Fast, a novel taking place off the SPACE Gallery in Downtown Pittsburgh. Bytzura — who joined PNC’s fnance and Professional Advancement 30 years, Helen has been a student ing and management in radio, TV and advocate at Point Park ... instrumental Internet. She was senior director of sales Career-ready. in creating the Honors Program and for Comcast Spotlight Pittsburgh and her ensuring its successful operation Pittsburgh media career included WRRK- THAT’S THE POINT. every year,” said Tina Cafasso, Honors FM (Benns Communications), WWSW- Program graduate assistant. “She FM (Clear Channel) and WPXI-TV’s Our distinctive, innovative, experiential education encourages students to give back to the Pittsburgh.com (Cox Interactive Media). leads to student success. Refer or bring someone community, create lifelong friendships “Paige keeps evolving and learning and to undergraduate open house to learn more: and work hard to conquer their goals.” exploring.