Campus
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"After the success of last year's inaugural GoPitt!Fest, we’re excited to continue it this year to celebrate many of the people who make Pitt State a special place to be," said Jodeci Turner, chair of the planning committee.
March 31:
Students will thank donors throughout the week by tagging objects and items around campus that were made possible through the generosity of alumni and friends. The project is called T.A.G. (Thank-A-Gorilla).
April 1:
From 2 to 3 p.m., a celebration of faculty, staff, and service awards will take place in the Overman Student Center Ballroom. Featured will be this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Faculty Award and the new Outstanding Staff Award, both selected by Student Government Association, and Service Awards recognized by Human Resources on behalf of the university. Light refreshments will be served.
April 2: A
pple Day, the university’s longest-running tradition, recognizes the legislative action in 1903 that provided funding for Russ Hall and the university’s permanent location. For the second year, it has been reimagined as a celebratory outdoor gathering. The Apple Day Committee will host yard games for students, faculty, staff, and community at Gorilla Village east of Carnie Smith Stadium, and food trucks will be on site. T-shirts and stickers will be given to students while supplies last, and they may enter a drawing for one of two $500 scholarships to be awarded by the PSU Foundation. Faculty will hand out apples, and the City of Pittsburg will make a proclamation.
April 3:
At 8 a.m., the annual Community Campaign will kick off at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts during the Chamber Coffee to celebrate area businesses and community support. The Rex Crowley Outstanding Partner in Progress Award recipient will be named in recognition of an individual or business who has shown civic leadership and outstanding service to the university and the community.
At 7 p.m., attend a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Thomas Friedman, the bestselling author of “The World is Flat” and a New York Times foreign affairs columnist, and Chris Childers, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Friedman is renowned for his direct reporting and accessible analysis of complex issues shaping the world. The event is part of the ongoing H. Lee Scott Speaker Series. Tickets may be purchased at pittstate.edu/tickets.
April 4:
A public reception will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Wilkinson Alumni Center to celebrate recipients of the Meritorious Achievement Award, the university’s highest alumni honor, and the Dr. Ralf J. Thomas Distinguished Service Award. This year’s recipients for the Meritorious Achievement Award are Glenn Coltharp (BSEd ‘81, MSEd ‘83, EdS ‘85) (posthumously) and Dr. Frank Villamaria, MD (BA ‘77). Dan Alcala (BST ‘73) will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award.
From 6 to 8 p.m., Grapes & Gorillas, a philanthropic wine-tasting event, will be held at the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the center. Proceeds will support the Bicknell Center. The event will include gourmet appetizers and a presentation on select wines. Tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased at pittstate.edu/alumni
April 5: For the 22nd year, more than 400 student volunteers organized by the Student Government Association will fan out to homes across Pittsburg to rake leaves, clean gutters, wash windows, and more for community members who need a little assistance. Homeowners: sign up starting Jan. 21 at pittstate.edu/bigevent. Student volunteers: sign up starting Feb. 15 at pittstate.edu/bigevent. This event is designed to assist those with limited funds or limited physical ability.
April 7:
For the 29th year, the university will recognize student organizations, their leaders, events, and advisors, at the Leadership Awards Ceremony planned for 1 p.m. in the Overman Student Center Ballrooms. The event will showcase outstanding contributions to the university community through programs and leadership. Students: RSVP is required for attendance through Gorilla Engage by the end of the day on March 23.
At 3 p.m., the Order of Omega Awards will be held in the Bicknell Family Center for the Arts.
Greek Life will celebrate Outstanding Seniors, Emerging Leaders, and the Chapters of the Year, and will recognize excellence in scholarship, recruitment and retention, membership education, campus involvement, community service, Greek relations, Program of the Year, and Advisor of the Year.
