UNIVERSITY UPDATES
Here is a sampling of recent letters to the University community and other statements and opinion pieces penned by Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg.
March 8, 2011
Just last week, the University of Pittsburgh celebrated the 224th anniversary of its founding. Today, March 8, 2011, is another date that may long be remembered in the history of higher education in Pennsylvania. However, it will be remembered in a far less positive way, because earlier today our Governor released a proposed budget that contains stunningly deep cuts to the support that has long been provided to public higher education.
February 25, 2011
For 224 years, Pitt has been a powerful force in building brighter futures. As we move further into a new century characterized by a rapidly changing and highly competitive world and faced with the need to nurture a vibrant society and to rebuild a strong and sustainable economy, Pennsylvania cannot afford to let that light go dim.
January 19, 2011
The 20th century columnist and author Bill Vaughan once wrote this about New Year's Eve: "An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves." Particularly given some of the problems that have plagued us in the recent past, it is easy to relate both to the wish that we might leave at least some of our troubles behind us and to hope that the start of the new calendar year might bring the opportunity for more positive beginnings, at least on certain fronts."
October 11, 2010
Recent weeks have brought news coverage of two deeply troubling events. Though separated by thousands of miles and decades of time, both provide important reminders of the standards, values and human touch that must guide our work and characterize our community.
September 22, 2010
As everyone who lived through it knows, last year was both a time of trouble and a time of triumph here at Pitt. Right from the start, we faced a succession of daunting challenges. Not only did we effectively deal with each obstacle that the year presented, but we continued to build momentum as we pushed forward with our important work.
July 26, 2010
The early days of the new fiscal year brought some welcome news on the “budget front.” Most obviously, our Commonwealth appropriation was approved more than five months earlier than had been the case in the last year. That, of course, eliminated at least one dimension of the uncertainty that had been a significant complication through much of that year.
May 19, 2010
Pitt has consciously played a major role in the preservation of Black history, in the presentation of African American culture, and in the constructive consideration of issues of race.
March 24, 2010
The City of Pittsburgh has submitted a proposal to Google—with the support of the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and the Pittsburgh Public Schools—to make Pittsburgh a test bed for Google Fiber, an ultra high-speed, 1-gigabit-per-second network that will deliver the Internet to our homes at a speed more than 100-times faster than what most of us have access to today.
February 23, 2010
As we emerge from the current economic crisis, the interests of the people of Pennsylvania clearly would be served if more adequate levels of funding were restored to this important Commonwealth asset.
February 19, 2010
Generally, when I reflect on a past year, my focus is on an academic year or a fiscal year. Calendar years simply have less significance to the normal rhythms of life within the University. However, the year just past was an exception. Calendar year 2009 probably was one of the most difficult 12-month periods we ever have endured.
February 10, 2010
We now have endured one of the worst stretches of winter weather in the history of Western Pennsylvania. However, we have not done so without making some significant concessions to the forces of nature. Just as last weekend’s snow-storm was historic, so were our decisions to close the Oakland campus of the University for three consecutive days.
December 21, 2009
Our shared strength is one of our greatest assets, and I am grateful to the Mayor for mobilizing that strength today. Looking forward, I also welcome the opportunity not only to stand with him but to stand with distinguished and dedicated leaders from the Pittsburgh business and nonprofit communities in moving forward with a determined effort to secure the future of our City.
September 29, 2009
The University has just moved through what has to have been one of the most difficult and action-filled weeks in its history. Unfortunately, that week not only brought some very high points but also some very low points.
September 2, 2009
In so many ways, this is a very exciting time. Even if we cannot predict them all, we know that the new year will bring a wide range of important opportunities, and we will pursue them from a position of ever-growing strength.
July 7, 2009
Even as our Board's annual meeting was moving toward its conclusion, attention began shifting to Harrisburg, as the Governor announced a new series of budget cuts.
May 4, 2009
Ralph Cappy, who earned both of his degrees from Pitt, was totally committed to the University. He made enormous contributions to our progress, as our Board Chair and in countless other ways.
April 30, 2009
Delta Airline's new nonstop airline service to Europe is a vital component of ongoing efforts to stimulate this region's economy.
March 23, 2009
As we continue to meet the more general challenges of the recession, reports that Pitt may have been among the victims of an investment fraud have been deeply troubling to everyone who cares about the University. As those familiar with our recent history know, we have worked very hard to build financial strength at Pitt.
March 2, 2009
At last Friday afternoon's Honors Convocation, we celebrated the 222nd anniversary of the founding of the University of Pittsburgh, and we did so in true academic style—honoring alumni, faculty, staff, and students for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions. It would be impossible to participate in such an event without being inspired by the levels of talent and dedication to be found within our community, as well as the impact of the work being done here.
February 18, 2009
In certain respects, the early weeks of February were very good ones for our University, confirming that we continue to build momentum on many important fronts.