University of Pittsburgh - Owl Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

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Jennifer Moritz photo Introduction 7

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The concept of growing pains can even be seen in the setup of the campus. There are throwbacks to the original Acropolis plan, an outstanding example of which is Alumni Hall. Gothic structures such as the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel tower majestically over the campus. The designs of these buildings were meant to give the campus the same solemn, academic air as the world's great established universities. It works, too. Few people have entered the Commons Room for the first time without becoming inspired by a sense of the classics. Once a hotel, the William Pitt Union is a building with a different kind of past. Symbolic of 1940's glamour, it’s hard to believe it has been restored as a student (Tenter. All around us, these richly historical buildings are tempered by the contemporary. Mervis Hall’s reflective windows mirror an eerily distorted image of the Cathedral — awesome on a sunny day. Chalk it up to growing pains. Several recent real estate ventures indicate the University’s commitment to research and technology. The two new software development centers on Fifth Avenue and on the old J L mill site have already brought Pitt national recognition. The acquisition one year ago of the Gulf Research Center opened a world of exploration to Pitt’s scientists and engineers. These buildings and the work done in them will help distinguish Pitt internationally as a leading educational innovator. The campus reflects the facts of growing pains. As we find the need to grow, we expand outward. We acquire and build new facilities equipped to lead us into the future. But we restore and treasure what is brilliant from our past. The city of Pittsburgh has also experienced its share of growing pains over the last few years. Unfortunately for some, this growth has meant some very very real problems. As with most incidences of progress, the changes in Pittsburgh have come slowly and with much opposition. The recent shift in the economic structure of the city has left many people out of work and untrained to find new jobs. This has meant heartache for several generations. These Pittsburghers are experiencing the very real effects of progress. In this transitional time for Pittsburgh, it looks to the future by making every effort to attract new industries. The new jobs that these industries produce may help put the depressed communities back on their feet, and the additional commerce which this generates will stimulate the entire Pittsburgh economy. The people of Pittsburgh are astonishingly resilient. Those who have felt the economic crunch will bounce back. Many have already embarked on new careers and are making it. The will to win is a built-in feature to the character of Pittsburghers. Much of that die-hard quality comes from the strong ties to our ethnic heritage. Many Pittsburghers still have relatives who have had to fight hard to make it to this country. There is still a real belief that everyone can make it here with a little hard work and a lot of love. Luckily, Pittsburgh people weather growing pains quite well. Just like die University of Pittsburgh, our home town and its people keep the dreams of the past alive as they progress into the future. by Lindsay Soergel 6 Introduction

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Panther Pride. Balloon Over Oakland. Bicentennial Homecoming Parade. John Brunugc photo 8 Introduction