Newsmakers

Professor, Neurosurgeon, Ironman finalist

Joseph C. Maroon, a clinical professor of neurosurgery and Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience in the University’s School of Medicine, finished 19th in his division in the grueling Hawaiian Ford Ironman World Championship Triathlon held Oct. 11 in Kona, Hawaii. Maroon finished with a time of 15 hours, 57 minutes and 20 seconds in what is considered the crown jewel of international triathlons. The event comprises a 2.4-mile ocean swim, a 112-mile bike race, and a 26.2-mile marathon. The 68-year-old Maroon, longtime team neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has completed five previous Ironman events.

Slovakian President Visits

Slovakian President Ivan Gasparovic (left) met with Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg in the Cathedral of Learning on Oct. 10. Gasparovic came to the United States to meet with President George Bush on Oct. 9 and then traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with U.S. Steel Corp. CEO John Surma and city officials. U.S. Steel bought a Slovak steel mill in 2000 that employs about 15,000 people in Kosice, Slovakia’s second-largest city.

Pitt Senate Plenary

Pitt’s University Senate held its Fall 2008 Plenary titled “Quality of Life in Oakland: Investing in University-Community Partnerships” on Oct. 23 in the William Pitt Union. Pictured are University Senate President John J. Baker (left) and Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg.