Pitt Students, Alumni Rally in State Capitol’s Rotunda

Issue Date: 
April 11, 2011
Chancellor Nordenberg addresses the crowd of Pitt students and alumni in the State Capitol in HarrisburgChancellor Nordenberg addresses the crowd of Pitt students and alumni in the State Capitol in Harrisburg

About 360 Pitt students let their voices be heard in the State Capitol rotunda on April 5 as part of Pitt Day in Harrisburg—an annual opportunity for Pitt students, alumni, faculty, and staff to lobby state lawmakers about legislation important to higher education. This year’s event was made particularly meaningful as those in attendance appealed to lawmakers not to pass the Corbett administration-proposed budget’s 50-percent cut in the state’s appropriation for Pitt and the other state-related universities.

The Pitt students, many of whom have been writing letters to legislators in Harrisburg and rallying on campus, filled the rotunda staircase and chanted “P-I-T-T!” before a number of Allegheny County lawmakers spoke about their opposition to the proposed cuts.

State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-District 23), whose district includes the University’s Pittsburgh campus, says the proposed cuts have been “placed squarely on the backs of students.” Rep. Matt Smith (D-District 42) of Mt. Lebanon urged the young people to “fight for full restoration” of the money, which directly affects Pitt’s tuition rates.

Rep. Harry Readshaw (D-District 36) met with Pitt students (from left) Danielle Cameron, Jennifer Walsh, and Levonda Baldwin.Rep. Harry Readshaw (D-District 36) met with Pitt students (from left) Danielle Cameron, Jennifer Walsh, and Levonda Baldwin.

“It was really touching to see the people who have the power to rectify this proposed budget speaking on our behalf,” said Molly Stieber, president of Pitt’s Student Government Board, who attended the rally.

Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg reminded those in attendance that while Pitt has always stood ready to accept its fair share in helping to balance the state budget, Pitt’s state appropriation has been cut six times in the last 10 years.

Pitt students rallied in the Capitol rotunda on April 5, the annual Pitt Day, when they joined Pitt faculty, staff, and alumni and traveled to Harrisburg to meet with legislators and key staff members. The students expressed their concerns about the governor's budget, which proposes a 50 percent cut in Pitt's state appropriation.Pitt students rallied in the Capitol rotunda on April 5, the annual Pitt Day, when they joined Pitt faculty, staff, and alumni and traveled to Harrisburg to meet with legislators and key staff members. The students expressed their concerns about the governor's budget, which proposes a 50 percent cut in Pitt's state appropriation.

Even though the state House and Senate were in session for much of the day, a number of students seized opportunities to meet with local lawmakers or key members of their staffs. Stieber said she met with staff members of several Republican lawmakers as well as Gov. Corbett’s chief of staff, and none of them indicated they thought the 50 percent cuts would make it into the final budget.

Pitt Day was sponsored by the Pitt Student Government Board, Graduate and Professional Student Association, Office of Governmental Relations, and Pitt Alumni Association.