Newsmakers

Issue Date: 
January 13, 2014

ALL-AMERICAN AARON DONALD Aaron Donald, Pitt’s All-American senior defensive tackle, became the most decorated defensive player in college football during the 2013 season. His crowning achievement—being voted a unanimous All-American—makes him Pitt’s first defensive player to earn unanimous status since legendary defensive end Hugh Green in 1980. Donald also scooped up four other esteemed national awards in December: the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Outland Trophy, and the Rotary Lombardi Award. The 6-foot, 285-pound Donald leads the nation in tackles for loss, while ranking 13th in forced fumbles, and 12th in sacks. “It is tremendous as a coach when your best player is also your best worker,” Pitt head football coach Paul Chryst said. “Aaron truly enjoys the film study and preparation part of the game. He plays every day in practice like it’s a game day. Aaron has earned all of the accolades he has received, and we are all incredibly proud of him.”A THANKSGIVING TRADITION The University of Pittsburgh hosted Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 28 for 107 of its non-U.S. students whose homes and families are abroad. Turkey and stuffing were in abundance during the feast held at the Pittsburgh Athletic Club in Oakland. Guests were welcomed by Pitt’s Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson; Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy W. Humphrey; and Director of Cross Cultural and Leadership Development, Linda Williams-Moore. Vice Provost for Graduate Studies Alberta M. Sbragia explained the history of the Thanksgiving holiday. Later that evening, about 40 of the students boarded a bus for a University-organized Black Friday shopping trip to the Tanger Outlets in Washington, Pa. The well-fed and tired shoppers returned during the early-morning hours on Nov. 29 with new appreciation for a classic American tradition.Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg hosted the annual Music for the Holiday Season event on Dec. 4, which traditionally features a special performance by the University’s renowned Heinz Chapel Choir, directed by John Goldsmith (pictured below with Chancellor Nordenberg). Guests began their evening in Heinz Chapel, where the choir filled the beautiful space with seasonal songs from Renaissance motets to spirituals to popular holiday tunes. The program was taped in live performance and aired on Pittsburgh’s WQED FM radio on Christmas morning. After the concert, guests enjoyed a reception in the Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room, decked for the holidays and full of good tidings.Heinz Chapel Choir