Dozens of University faculty, staff, alumni and students traveled to the state Capitol for the annual Pitt Day in Harrisburg event organized by the Office of Community and Governmental Relations and the Pitt Alumni Association.
Pitt Day, held on May 23 this year, provides a chance for the University’s advocates to lobby for predictable and adequate state funding. This year’s event came at a crucial time, as state legislators begin working to pass an annual state budget by June 30.
“Nothing is as powerful as all of you coming here, sharing your work, your time, visiting their office, making connections and sharing your Pitt story,” Chancellor Patrick Gallagher told the crowd of Pitt advocates gathered in the state Capitol.
Chris Bonneau, incoming president of the University Senate and professor of political science in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, echoed Gallagher’s remarks.
“It is vitally important for the University community to remind our government leaders how important Pitt is to both the region and the state,” said Bonneau.
Governor Tom Wolf has proposed flat-funding for Pitt and other state-related universities in Pennsylvania. The state funding helps Pitt, a major economic driver in Pennsylvania, provide greater access and reduced tuition to in-state students.
“I have a lot of appreciation for Pitt,” said Camille Burgess, a long-time employee at the College of Business Administration and the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business. “We need to encourage more participation in the process.”