Newsmakers: Pitt's Community Focus Recognized by the City

City of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl recognized the community spirit of the University of Pittsburgh with a proclamation retroactively naming Oct. 19, 2012, as “University of Pittsburgh Day of Caring” and Oct. 20, 2012, as “Pitt Make a Difference Day.” The proclamation was delivered Nov. 8 in the Mayor’s Office, Downtown.

Pitt Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy Humphrey and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community Relations John Wilds were joined by members of the University’s student government and Pitt staff members in accepting the honor. Pictured in front row, from left, are Wilds; Humphrey; Mary Mallampalli, a Pitt sophomore who is chair of student outreach, Student Government Board and Pitt Make a Difference Day; and Ashlie Prioleau, a Pitt freshman. In back, from left, Paul Supowitz, vice chancellor for governmental relations; Kannu Sahni, director for community relations; and Kenyon Bonner, associate dean and director of Student Life. 

About 3,300 volunteers pitched in during the Pitt Day of Caring, which featured faculty and staff, and Pitt Make a Difference Day, which featured students. The volunteers worked on 88 projects in more than 60 communities in and around the city of Pittsburgh, including all nine Pittsburgh council districts. The projects undertaken included painting and decorating; laying flooring; food preparation, packing, and distribution; planting, weeding, and litter and trash removal; landscaping, tending community gardens, and trail maintenance; and providing a memorable day of companionship for the elderly in senior homes. (Photo courtesy City of Pittsburgh)