Swanson School’s Department of Bioengineering Receives 2013 Chancellor’s Affirmative Action Award

The Department of Bioengineering in the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering has been selected as the recipient of the 2013 Chancellor’s Affirmative Action Award.

Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg presented the award to department chair Harvey Borovetz, Distinguished Professor of Bioengineering, during the University Senate Council’s June 12 meeting, held in Posvar Hall. The $2,500 prize goes annually to an “outstanding University program area or individual that has made a significant contribution in affirmative action.”

In his letter notifying Borovetz about the award, Chancellor Nordenberg wrote that the award selection committee praised the efforts of the Swanson School to establish a culture of inclusion throughout the school and noted that the Department of Bioengineering is “a clear leader in developing innovative and successful diversity programs.” Chancellor Nordenberg also wrote that he, like the selection committee, was “deeply impressed” by the department’s extraordinary outreach efforts that extend beyond campus borders.  

“The Department of Bioengineering is truly honored to receive this wonderful award, which recognizes the outstanding work and effort by the faculty, staff, and students in the department to enhance the Swanson School’s and University’s diversity missions,” said Borovetz. “We are very grateful for the encouragement and generous support of Swanson School Dean Gerald D. Holder and Associate Dean for Diversity Sylvanus Wosu, who have been our partners in the programs and activities.”

The department offers a summer program for high school students from underrepresented groups in underserved areas, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. This program has helped recruit talented students to attend Pitt.

In addition, the department has established a partnership with the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, N.C.—one of the nation’s oldest historically Black colleges and universities—from which Pitt’s Department of Bioengineering draws talented undergraduate and graduate students to enroll in its doctoral studies program.