Greetings!
As the crisp mornings, warm afternoons, and comfortable evenings have settled in here at Pitt-Johnstown, our campus continues to buzz. Throughout our Fall semester, our students, faculty, and staff have been hard at work bringing back enthusiasm and optimism to the university. With a breathtaking back drop of red, yellow, and orange leaves unique to our Pitt-Johnstown campus, it is a site to see!
Since our last update, we celebrated tradition and excellence and welcomed our loved ones for Homecoming and Family Weekend. We shared rituals of decorating the Student Union, Live Band Karaoke entertainment, Mountain Cat athletics, Delta Chi’s annual pig roast, fireworks, and the crowning of Homecoming Royalty. Congratulations Rebecca Williamson represented by Delta Chi Fraternity and Student Government Association and David Binley of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity! I am thankful for all those who helped to create the true Pitt-Johnstown experience over this special weekend in the academic year.
With our 100th anniversary on the horizon, we continue progressing our Strategic Plan. Task forces are in full force, working to strengthen and amplify our People, Programs, and Place, and Building the Resources to achieve our Purpose. I am filled with hope and inspiration for our University as we concentrate on our current steps and measures while remaining focused on the future.
As I marvel at this important time within Pitt-Johnstown's history, I must share with you an experience that has defined the mark of our university: Delta Chi’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. After connecting with past and present Brothers of Delta Chi Fraternity over dinner, conversation, and music, the impact of Pitt-Johnstown was unmistakable. Individuals who have remained bonded over the years gathered from all over the world, including, world globetrotter and classmate of '92, Paul Amos who now resides in Ecuador. Similar to Paul, I felt the significant reach that many Delta Chi members have fulfilled across the globe. Over and over again, those I spoke with, like Dr. Edgar Hartle, classmate of ‘77 and anatomic pathologist of 41 years in the Charlotte Metro region of North Carolina, contributed their success back to the special Place that molded them, back to the People, the faculty, the staff who mentored them, and back to the responsive Programs that prepared them for achievement. As the evening carried on, the good time rolled along full of fellowship, laughter, and dancing. To my astonishment, a Delta Chi Brother and classmate of ‘21 shared his dance skills and performed “the worm” out on the dance floor. Shout out to Rob Baumgarten, you can move!
The history of our Delta Chi Fraternity Brothers extends far beyond our campus into the real world. Their successes and contributions have built a legacy strengthening our institution. Yet, apparent during our celebration, was the legacy that perpetuates beyond the life of our university through the current Delta Chi Brothers and students present. In years to come, we will continue to witness exceptional performance of leaders within the community from our world class institution. We can confidently exclaim that Pitt-Johnstown is indeed involved far and wide to make a difference in our world!
Embrace and Enjoy Your World!
Dr. Jem Spectar, President