8-4-23

The Pitt News

Annika Esseku | Senior Staff Illustratior

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I went to the

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and all I got was this lousy newspaper

THE YEAR OF DISCOURSE AND DIALOGUE AIMS TO UNITE THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY

Anna Kuntz Staff Writer

Following a series of ‘controversial’ Turning Point USA events in the spring of 2023, the issues of free and protected speech have become a hot topic across the University. As a response, the University of Pittsburgh is leading efforts to effectively foster conversation about difficult topics through their “Year Of” initiative for the 2023-24 academic year.

In a statement released by the Office of the Provost on April 27, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd announced that the 2023-24 academic year will be the “Year of Discourse and Dialogue,” and will feature programs geared toward the campus community to “respect divergent viewpoints — and the rights for various viewpoints to find opportunities for expression.”

Cudd also announced that Dr. Kenyon Bonner, vice provost of student affairs and Dr. Carissa Slotterback, dean of Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and Interna-

tional Affairs, will lead efforts for the Year of Discourse and Dialogue.

Bonner expressed his enthusiasm to be leading the efforts of this year’s “Year Of” initiative.

“Serving as co-chair of the Year of Discourse and Dialogue is a privilege and intriguing opportunity to help engage the Pitt community in experiences that build relationships, advance our understanding of our-

Fikayomi Olagbami | Staff Illustrator

selves and each other, and effectively communicate with others through discourse and dialogue,” Bonner said.

Cudd said that she is confident in Bonner and Slotterback’s ability to co-direct this year’s theme.

“Their individual and collective expertise makes them powerful voices on this critical topic — sure to engage others and certain to motivate dynamic conversations and explorations,” Cudd said.

University spokesperson Nick France said that issues surrounding free speech is a growing concern for universities nationwide.

“Across the country, campuses are balancing many different viewpoints and voices all the time,” France said. “This has become a more prominent issue over the last year or two.”

France said that co-directors Bonner and Slotter-

back will develop a team to support this year’s ‘Year Of…’ theme. This team will work on various aspects of the initiative, including the development of a website.

France said that following the announcement of the theme in April, most action taken toward the “Discourse and Dialogue” theme will begin in the fall.

“Traditionally, efforts begin in full at the start of the new academic year,” France said. “That is the time when the funding cycle for projects related to the Year Of [initiative] begins, for instance.”

Sydney Fiore, a sophomore double majoring in psychology and English writing, said that she hopes that this year’s theme will help students find common ground.

“I think it’s a good start, especially [because] of how angry and dissatisfied people on both sides were last school year,” Fiore said. “The whole idea of themes is also interesting, and hopefully it’ll do some good.”

JOAN GABEL

DISCUSSES PITT’S FUTURE DURING HER FIRST WEEK IN OFFICE

Pamela Smith

Editor-in-Chief

Joan Gabel, Pitt’s newest chancellor, described Pitt as a newly awakened “sleeping giant” in terms of opportunity and potential — a metaphor used by former chancellor Patrick Gallagher as well.

“There’s an incredible momentum here, that the vast majority of it is positive so that we can face the things that are more challenging,” Gabel said. “We have what we need to do that, and that we look at ourselves in the future and think that we’re serving students, that our faculty and staff are able to explore their professional and creative interests in a supported, fair and dignified way, and that we’re serving our community.”

Gabel started her term as Pitt’s 19th chancellor on July 17, replacing Patrick Gallagher, who held the position since 2014. The Board of Trustees announced Gabel as the University’s chancellor-elect following a vote on April 3, which was preceded by a lengthy and quiet search process by the Board’s search committee. She is the first woman to hold the chancellor position at Pitt.

Prior to her arrival at Pitt, Gabel served as the president and chief executive of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus and university system since 2019.

While at Minnesota, Gabel oversaw NXT GEN MED, a health sciences program between the university, Google and Mayo Clinic, as well as the conclusion of a 10-year, $4 billion capital campaign ahead of schedule.

Gabel received pushback following a controversial decision to take a paid corporate board seat at Securian Financial, which has more than $1 billion worth of business with UMN. She left Securian Financial in January. The decision led the university to review its conflict policies, following criticism from the governor and state attorney general.

Gabel publicly announced her new position as Pitt’s next chancellor in April.

In the interview, Gabel acknowledged that high university costs are likely the “top of every students’ concern list,” at Pitt and elsewhere. She said costs often increase as a result of inflation in order to ensure “quality for the student experience,” but believes that the University should spend strategically to offset costs placed on students.

“You make sure as a community, as a team, that the investment that every student is making, even if they’re on a completely free ride, with their See Chancellor on page 22

Chancellor Joan Gabel at a press conference on April 3. Pamela Smith | Contributing Editor

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OFFER ADVICE TO INCOMING FIRST-YEARS

Carissa Canzona Staff Writer

As a new class of incoming first year prepare to move into their dorms, Staff Writer Carissa Canzona asked upperclassmen to share some of their experiences and biggest pieces of advice for students beginning their college journeys.

What is your number one tip for balancing schoolwork and your social life?

Anna McDermott, junior biomedical science major: Honestly, it’s really difficult and it took me the first two years of college to be able to get where I currently am. Don’t worry if it takes time to figure out… that’s what college is all about!

My biggest recommendation would be to make sure you still have fun. Personally, being pre-med makes it too easy to get lost in schoolwork. However, you are not going to present your best in class if you don’t allow yourself to enjoy life along the way. Explore the city and set aside a few days a month for self-care — it makes all the difference.

Nicole Salkin, sophomore marketing major: My biggest tip for balancing school and a social life would be making sure all my work was done before the weekend so I could have those days to rest and socialize without worrying so much about schoolwork. Throughout the week, I would make sure to go study either alone or with friends from my classes, which helped a lot with balancing.

Where is your favorite place to go outside of campus?

Skelly: Go to the West End Overlook! My favorite spot to look out into the city.

McDermott: I love going to Lawrenceville for a nice night out. They have beautiful restaurants and a ton of ice cream joints along with a great lovely atmosphere. Another great area is the Waterfront, which has a ton of shops and restaurants to enjoy for the day.

Salkin: Outside of campus, I loved going to the Roxian Theatre. They host a lot of events, like disco nights, and smaller artists have concerts there!

What are some things you wish you knew before your first semester at Pitt?

McDermott: I wish I knew that I wasn’t alone in the struggle between class and social life. Especially for me being seven hours from home, living on campus was a large shift in my life. Once you find the right people and immerse yourself in the amazing activities Pitt has to offer is when you really find yourself at home. It is not easy but it is 100% worth it. I wish I had someone to be there and tell me that they went through it too and that college is indeed so much different from high school.

Fikayomi Olagbami | Staff Illustrator

Where is your favorite place on campus to study?

Jamie Gilligan, sophomore nursing major: My favorite place on campus to study is the Quad because it gets me outside while still getting work done and is well-shaded enough so I can see my computer screen.

Logan Skelly, junior human resources management major: Hillman ground/1st floor is the best, especially with the right people.

McDermott: I personally love studying in Posvar Hall. Sometimes the library can get overwhelming so changing scenery is very helpful. I also love the Starbucks on Forbes for a darker environment!

Sydney Gilmore, senior biological sciences major: I wish I knew more about the different extracurricular activities and opportunities offered on campus. Coming into college during the pandemic, I didn’t have a formal activities fair. If I were a freshman now, I would take advantage of that resource.

Gilligan: Something I wish I was reminded of before coming to Pitt is remembering every student is in the same boat, so don’t be afraid to be the one to put yourself out there.

Where are some of your favorite places to get food on campus?

Gilligan: Other than Chick-fil-A, I love going to eat at Shake Smart and The Roost on campus. Shake Smart has smoothie bowls and protein shakes and The Roost has different types of chicken, so it is very similar to Chick-fil-A.

Skelly: I eat True Burger almost every day, and don’t hate me, but I love The Eatery on special ocSee Advice on page 22

A STUDENT GUIDE TO THE NEW EATERY

Srinidhi Gopalan Staff Writer

The Eatery — the largest dining facility at Pitt — is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation to change the dining experience for students.

Quintin Eason, the vice president of operations of Chartwells, said Pitt Eats’ goal is for the

you.”

Eason describes the new layout in “niches,” which took the effort of “culinary talent from campus and visionaries to take into account the food demands of the incoming class and future generations.”

One of the locations is known as Table 33, which represents 33 different states in Latin America. “This is not just Mexican food, but

all beef is halal beef and locally sourced along with a dedicated kosher area”

Despite the changes, The Eatery will remain open from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., with the possible addition of late night hours.

“This will be based on student feedback to have certain locations open,” Eason said. “We don’t have to keep all spaces open, and this is economical.”

Some students have displayed enthusiasm for the updates. Although many upperclassmen do not have a meal plan or only have a more limited meal plan, some are considering checking out the new Eatery.

“I lived on the upper campus the past school year, so I didn’t make it to the Eatery that often,” Sophia Pollex, a sophomore nursing major, said. “With that being said, the times I did eat there, it was either a hit or miss, like a typical college dining hall. So I’m excited to see the new renovations being made and I plan to check it out.”

Mariska Goswami, a sophomore computational biology major that will not have a meal plan next year, said she is still planning to try out the Eatery’s changes.

Eatery to be long-lasting and more efficient.

“It hasn’t been renovated since 2007, and this is a 48,000 square foot dining facility,” he said. “Our goal is to create more efficient equipment with sustainability goals in mind that falls under one pillar — can we build it for the future?”

Eason said they also plan to create a more unique and innovative space.

“Right now, it’s outdated — with this renovation, we have leapfrogged 5-10 years in innovation in new concepts that you wouldn’t see in the real world market if you go out to restaurants,” he said. “This experience is going to be future forward and food forward.”

The new model for The Eatery will change the style of food service, deviating from the buffet-style to self-serve model.

“In our future modeling concept, we have elements of themes with each space feeling like you are captured in a free standing restaurant,” Eason said. “This is going to be a Chipotle-style concept where we prepare food to order for

food from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and authentic crafted cuisines, like fresh made tortillas, churrascarias, agua frescas, etc.” Eason says.

Kakumi, another station, will include authentic food from across Asian cultures, such as kimchi, fried rice and scratch-made ramen noodles as well as Pho soup and bowls.

“Freshmen want comfort food, a really hard-to-find palate for students, but some really want homestyled crafted meals, and with population changing we wanted to make sure students coming internationally also feel at home” he says.

The Eatery plans to also accommodate students with dietary restrictions, such as allergies, vegan, vegetarian or faith-based restrictions like halal or kosher.

“We have a dedicated allergy station which removes common allergens milk, egg, soy, wheat, tree nuts, shellfish, sesame but we are also veg-forward in every station — if you’re a vegetarian, you’ll be able to eat off of every station every single day,” Eason said. “In addition,

“Whenever I ate at the Eatery, I noticed how constantly busy it was, which I think made it hard to get quality food sometimes” Goswami said. “But other times I enjoyed eating there in between or after classes or studying at Hillman. I’m curious to see changes to the interior design and the food being offered.”

The Eatery is going through a phased construction. Not every location will be completely done until the 2024-2025 academic year, but students will see the first changes around movein week in late August.

“Currently we are ahead of schedule, but we hope to have the first phase ready right when students move in or shortly after they move in,” Eason said. “There will be no interruption of service and students can get access to any meals they need.”

Right: A rendering of the Eatery changes. All images of the new Eatery are conceptual renderings and are subject to change.

Nick Pagano/Pitt Eats Directory of Marketing and the communication lead on The Eatery renovation project

The outside entrance to The Eatery in Litchfield Towers. Nate Yonamine | Senior Staff Photographer

Culture COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PITT COMMUNITY

Ryleigh Lord Culture Editor

For Juliana Agnolet, a senior psychology and political science major, joining a service organization when she started at Pitt was a way for her to immediately engage in the community around her.

“Service has always been super important to me, and I knew that when I came to Pitt that I wanted to stay true to that, and I wanted to find other girls who felt the same way,” Agnolet said.

Agnolet is the social programs coordinator of Gamma Sigma Sigma, a national service sorority and one of the many organizations on campus that connect students to different community service opportunities in the Pittsburgh area.

While many organizations focus on spe -

cific types of service or community outreach, Agnolet said Gamma Sigma Sigma is unique because it doesn’t have one set cause to focus

on.

“What we do specifically is work with existing service events and organizations not

just at Pitt, but in Pittsburgh as a whole to help out in all sorts of ways,” Agnolet said. “Essentially, what we do is connect our members to different service opportunities, as well as do some fundraising/collections of our own.”

Gal Yovel, a junior neuroscience major, is the president of Food Recovery Heroes, one of the many cause-specific service organizations on campus.

“Food Recovery Heroes recovers leftover food to reduce food waste and fight food insecurity,” Yovel said. “We recover food from campus dining halls, bagel and coffee shops and local restaurants. We then wrap the food and bring it to local pantries such as the Pitt Pantry to help students at Pitt, Jubilee Soup kitchen, Wilkinsburg Ministry and family

See Community Service on page 30

Annika Esseku | Senior Staff Illustrator

NOW HIRING ENGAGEMENT AMBASSADORS!

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PLACES TO VISIT DURING WELCOME WEEK

OUTSIDE OF OAKLAND

The fall semester is starting up again, and before the stress of classes and days spent studying at the library, here are some spots to visit with your friends during Welcome Week and explore the city of Pittsburgh.

BAKERY SQUARE

This is located in East Liberty and is called “Bakery Square’’ because it once was the home of the Nabisco Bakery factory. Although no longer a bakery, it does have a lot of fun food options as well as a ton of live events. They have Monday food truck lunches with different food every week. On Monday, Aug. 21, they will have food from Cilantro and Ajo, a Venezuelan food truck. On Tuesdays, they have tacos and trivia, live music on the lawn on Fridays, followed by yoga on the lawn on Saturdays. Besides live events, there are numerous places to shop and dine as well as a conservatory, which is an open-air atrium with places to eat or get work done. They also have “Sally’s Path,” which links Bakery Square to Shadyside for anyone who is a walker, runner or biker. There are many art installations located here that could set a great view for outdoor activities or just pictures.

ANDY WARHOL MUSEUM

This is one of the most comprehensive museums in the world dedicated to one artist and the largest in North America, so take the chance to visit it! It has the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials that cover the range of his entire career — from early work to his pop art paintings. There are 350 preserved Warhol films, more than 4000 videotypes showing his work in video and even his Time Capsules, which are 610 containers he sealed and sent to storage. Another bonus is that they offer internships and volunteer opportunities for students interested in art, so it could be great to familiarize yourself with it early on in this semester if art interests you!

Srinidhi Gopalan Staff Writer

Bakery Square. Image via Staticshakedown, Wikimedia Commons

The Andy Warhol Museum in the North Side. TPN File Image

DUQUESNE INCLINE

MARKET SQUARE

Located on West Carson Street, the Incline has some of the best views of Downtown Pittsburgh as it travels up to the Mt. Washington neighborhood. There is also a small museum in the upper station about Pittsburgh history, as well as a gift shop with Pittsburghthemed souvenirs. This is a great place to take pictures of amazing views or

Market Square is located downtown and there are a multitude of things to do here — be sure to come back again during the holidays for ice skating and holiday markets. From October through May, there is a farmer’s market showcasing a multitude of local vendors, fresh produce and small-batch foods. In the summer, there is a free outdoor yoga stueven bring along family that might be staying during Welcome Week. Remember to bring your Pitt student ID here so you can go for free!

WALNUT STREET

This hub for dining, coffee shops, bakeries, shopping and cute photo spots is located close to campus in Shadyside. There are retail stores like Apple, Lululemon, Sephora and J.Crew, but a lot of smaller independent boutiques as well, like EB Pepper and Apricot Lane Boutique. I’d recommend checking out places like Mercurio’s, Shady Grove, La Feria

(this is a Peruvian place to eat at that also has art on display!), Yoshino Asian Fusion and Sushi Too.

dio on a select few evenings for the public. In addition, there is a Saturday Night Market with pop-stores and local businesses from June to October. Be sure to check this place out for shopping, food and restau-

POINT STATE PARK

Point State Park is also located in Downtown Pittsburgh and is a great place to relax with friends, walk, run, bike or just enjoy the views. Additionally, there are sometimes events or live music here. It’s a great alternative to Schenley Park, with views overlooking the bridges in Pittsburgh.

A view of the Duquesne Incline and the Pittsburgh skyline. Image via Wikimedia Commons

Sephora and Coffee Tree Roasters on Walnut Street in Shadyside. TPN File Image

A celebration at Market Square on June 20. Nate Yonamine | Senior Staff Photographer

Point State Park in Downtown. TPN File Image

LESSER KNOWN CLUBS, CENTERS TO JOIN AT PITT

Adrienne Cahillane Staff Writer

Finding the perfect club or student organization to join can complement a balanced schedule and social life, and Pitt has a variety of clubs and organizations for every type of student.

Corporate Connections at Pitt is a club that connects students through the production of podcast interviews that was established last spring. Sissi Hai, a rising sophomore supply chain major and president of Corporate Connections, said the club helps with professional development.

“CCPB is a platform that offers students the opportunity to connect with business professionals through podcast interview production,” Hai said. “It will also help students with professional development as well as building a network.”

Despite being a new club, Corporate Connections had a busy first semester. Members of the club attended the Pitt Business Analytics Case Competition, hosted a networking event and began work on their first podcast episode. According to Hai, the club’s first podcast episode will be on streaming services by the end of July.

Hai says that Corporate Connections has contributed to a positive experience at Pitt.

“I think we are not only connecting to business professionals, but connecting with each other,” Hai said. “I think that’s really special.”

The Less Commonly Taught Languages Center (LCTL) at Pitt is home to 14 different languages that students can major, minor or receive a certificate in. LCTL offers scholarships for students such as Nationality Room Scholarships and FLAS Fellowships, which allow students to continue their foreign language studies or also study abroad.

LCTL hosts a variety of events that students can participate in, such as language lessons or celebrations of different cultures. The biggest event that LCTL hosts is the language coffee house, where each language department serves food and drink from their culture, and students get to try ordering coffee in the respective languages.

Assisting Philanthropic Professionals Lead Education (A.P.P.L.E) at Pitt is a club that cre-

ates a community for aspiring and current educators in the Pittsburgh area. Stephany Andrade, a rising sophomore in the School of Education’s C.A.S.E 4+1 program, founded A.P.P.L.E. because she feels the education profession is sometimes undermined and that there was a lack of education clubs at Pitt.

“Our purpose is to bridge the gap between aspiring educators, professionals, and students in the Pittsburgh community to increase learning exposure in our field,” Andrade said. “Our mission is to prepare and expose aspiring educators to the profession in order to create a community. A.P.P.L.E’s values are centered around connectivity and mentorship.”

A.P.P.L.E was also only established last semester, but Andrade has lots she’d like to accomplish in the upcoming fall semester.

“Over the semester we plan to host first year teacher panels for students going into the field after graduating this year, and creating clothing closets in underserved schools with donated clothes, have workshops on behavioral management and classroom projects and create a network of future educators in the Pittsburgh area,” Andrade said.

Closer than You Think is a group at Pitt where out of state students can make connections and share experiences, but all are welcome to join. Alexis Berg, a rising junior finance major from Denver, Colorado, and president of the club, plans many different activities for club members.

“We usually do a few on campus and a bunch in the Oakland neighborhood,” Berg said. “We have gone to Phipps and had game nights. We take the bus when we go off campus to help members learn how to use the bus and get around the city and we go to restaurants in different neighborhoods to learn the city.”

As President, Berg tries to make out-of-state students feel welcome on campus.

“I try to find a way to connect and support every person who joins our club,” Berg said. “I help plan our meetings and excursions as well as work on ways to create a safe and friendly space for out-of-state students.”

THE PERFECT PLAYLIST FOR WALKING AROUND CAMPUS

Annika Esseku Senior Staff Illustrator

Anna Kuntz Staff Writer

One of the most universal college experiences is romanticizing your walk across campus on a crisp fall day. As the fall semester is the perfect time to expand your music taste, take a look at the following songs to make that walk to your 8 a.m. lecture more bearable.

Can I Call You Tonight?

Dayglow

This coming-of-age classic is the perfect song to listen to as you walk to your morning class across campus, taking in the view of the Cathedral against the rising sun. With a hopeful vibe and catchy beat, this song captures the feeling of having your whole life ahead of you — something that every college first-year can relate to.

Little Talks Of Monsters And Men

The ultimate people-watching melody, this one is great for taking a trip down Forbes Avenue on a weekend and observing the myriad of people walking down the street. The fast-paced, celebratory nature of the song pairs well with the lively social scene in surrounding Oakland, just a quick walk away from lower campus.

Are you interested in social, economic, and political issues?

The Institute of Politics has been around for over 30 years. The Institute connects students across campuses through the Elsie Hillman Civic Forum with opportunities to engage in policy issues facing our region, regardless of political affiliation or major of study. Our programs provide a unique opportunity for students to meet elected officials, regional business leaders, and non-profit executives. We host a variety of student programs throughout the fall and spring semesters.

2023 Fall Programs

All Angles

Never a Spectator

2024 Spring Programs

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Legislator for a Day

Internships & Fellowships

Ambassador of Civic Engagement Fellowship (grad students only)

Elsie Honors Scholars Program

IOP Internship & Seminar

Marc Cherna Fellowship (grad students only)

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Learn more: elsiehillmanforum.pitt.edu

The World Tears for Fears

Listen to this ‘80s throwback to inspire you to follow your dreams, both inside and out of the classroom. The opening lyrics “Welcome to your life, there’s no turning back,” will inspire you to think about your goals and ambitions for the future. As the transition from high school to college can be intimidating, hopefully this tune will help you find your inner confidence to tackle those first day jitters.

SPACE GIRL FRANCES FOREVER

This sweet and cozy number perfectly encompasses the energy on campus on a fall day. Picture this — amber leaves are just beginning to fall off the trees, a gentle breeze blows through your hair and you’re sipping your overpriced latte on your way to your favorite class. Life is good.

Lovers Rock TV Girl

This song screams main character energy. Dramatic and mysterious, this song is sure to make you feel untouchable. Maybe you’ll be listening to this song when you lock eyes with your soulmate on your trek to class or going out with friends, only to mysteriously disappear until you randomly run into them the next day in the dining hall.

Midnight City M83

“Midnight City” by French electronic music group M83 is an impeccable song to set the tone for a fun night out to decompress from the stress of classes and exams. The combination of the bold intro and subtle bridge set the mood for a freespirited adventure.

Good Days SZA

The ambiance of this viral hit is truly unmatched. Listen to this song from SZA’s most recent album to enhance your focus during a study session or calm your mind on your way home from the library. You deserve it!

Electric Feel MGMT

Get ready to get all the feels with this timeless song by American indie rock band MGMT. With its high energy and unparalleled voice, you’re sure to be motivated and ready to take on the day.

Elsie Hillman Civic Forum

Sports MUST-WATCH ATHLETICS EVENTS THIS FALL

Jack Markowski Senior Staff Writer

Fall sports season is almost upon us, representing an exciting time at Pitt with plenty of athletic events scheduled over the course of the next few months worth indulging in. Keep an eye out for some of these must-watch events throughout the course of fall semester.

Volleyball vs. BYU at Ellesyn Invitational: Aug. 25 at 4 p.m.

Pitt volleyball has emerged as a national powerhouse and championship contender year in and year out. The Panthers finished 2022 with a 31-4 overall record and a 17-1 record in ACC play on their way to a Final Four appearance as the No. 2 national seed in the NCAA tournament.

Pitt’s first opponent of the 2023 season is BYU in a rematch of last year’s round of 32 tournament matchup. The Panthers swept the Cougars, who went 22-7 on the season last year, 3-0 in that bout at the Pe-

tersen Events Center.

Pitt, in their quest for another ACC title and deep postseason run, can benefit greatly from opening their season against a quality opponent that has revenge on its mind. The Panthers will also face Montana and Texas Rio Grande Valley on Aug. 26 and Aug. 27, respec-

tively, as part of the Ellesyn Invitational in Missoula, Montana.

Football at West Virginia: Sep. 16 at 7:30 p.m.

The Backyard Brawl is one of college football’s most historic and contentious rivalries, while also epitomiz-

ing what makes the sport so special.

Pitt and West Virginia renewed the Brawl for the first time in over a decade last season as the Panthers earned a 38-31 win in exhilarating fashion. Pitt boasts a 62-40-3 record in the series, but building on that record could prove tough this year as they are tasked with navigating a rowdy crowd in Morgantown.

Both sides lost a number of key contributors from last year’s squads, giving this season’s game a new look and sense of unpredictability. The 106th installment of the Brawl will air nationally on ABC and is Pitt’s first road game of the season, providing a true test out of the gate.

Men’s soccer at Syracuse: Sep. 22 at 7 p.m.

Men’s soccer has quickly grown into one of Pitt’s strongest programs. The Panthers are coming off of a stellar 2022 campaign that resulted in a 12-5-5 record and a trip to the semi-finals of the NCAA tournament.

See Athletic Events on page 31

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Annika Esseku | Senior Staff Illustrator

One of the most anticipated features of fall semesters in Oakland is the return of Pitt football. In recent years, the Panthers gave fans plenty of memorable moments — such as their first ACC championship win in 2021 and their victory in the Backyard Brawl in 2022.

But unlike most other colleges, Pitt football games don’t actually occur on campus, and students must travel to the North Shore to see the Panthers take the field at Acrisure Stadium. This doesn’t make games any less exciting, though, and the travel to and from games creates bonds between students and memories that many of them don’t forget.

As a new student, games may seem intimidating and confusing. While it may take multiple football seasons for students to master, I’m here to give new students — and returning students who need a refresher — a guide to conquering football games in the fall.

Get to Acrisure Stadium early

The most important tip for students — and a mistake that I, along with many other students, have made — is not getting to Acrisure Stadium at least an hour before kickoff. A big part of games is the pre-game festivities provided both in and outside of the stadium.

Pitt students are blessed with the luxury of a shuttle driving them directly to the North Shore with pickups at Nordenberg Hall and Trees Hall. Students can also take free trips on the Regional Transit buses and light rail to get to Acrisure Stadium.

As a new student, make sure to give yourself time to enjoy tailgates in the various parking lots while beating the traffic and building excitement for the game. Missing any of the action on or off the field can negatively affect some students’ experience.

NEW STUDENT GUIDE TO PITT FOOTBALL GAMES

Dress for the occasion

This seems like a no-brainer, but there are multiple facets to dressing for the occasion. For one, students should definitely dress in regard to the weather. The weather in Pittsburgh can fluctuate from a sunny, beautiful day to a cloudy, rainy day at the snap of a

as Chaz’s shop outside of the William Pitt Union and The Pitt Shop. Both are perfect places to get clothes that are both on theme and proper for the forecast.

Pay attention to the band, cheer and dance squads

They’re called “football” games, but not all the

and effort during games are not an excuse for a bathroom break.

Don’t leave the game early

This tip goes hand in hand with the previous tip. There’s too much to miss if you leave the stadium prior to the game concluding. On the field, no matter the score, no one officially wins the game until the final whistle blows. Whether it's a close game or a blowout, there are amazing feats to witness as the athletes sweat it out until the end.

Off the field, students miss memorable moments and traditions such as Neal Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” after the third quarter and the Pitt victory song after wins. Sacrifice getting back to the dorms quickly for the long, traffic-filled and memorable trips on the student shuttle.

Try Chickie and Pete's crab fries

It’s the inner Marylander in me speaking, but there’s no other food in the Acrisure Stadium concession stands that compares to Chickie and Pete’s crab fries. The saltiness of the Old Bay seasoning on the crunchy french fries, partnered with the cheese dipping sauce, is a combination that I questioned originally, but it has slowly become a game-day tradition for me.

Fans celebrate after Pitt defeats Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium on Nov. 5, 2022. Pamela Smith |

finger. Dressing for the weather is important so students’ experience isn’t ruined by a rain storm or a blistering hot day.

On the other hand, students should dress for the theme of the game. Pitt football’s student section, The Panther Pitt, has dedicated themes for home games such as “Roc the Royal” — where students wear royal blue and wave yellow rally flags. Students should follow ThePantherPitt on social media to make sure they’re up to date with the student section and the theme for that upcoming football game.They’re also plenty of places to get Pitt football merchandise, such

action takes place between the white lines. The Pitt marching band and its cheerleaders and dance team entertain fans for the entirety of the game and give objectively impressive performances every game. It is distasteful for fans to turn their eyes or block their attention just because the play on the field stops.

Yes, fans and students both need time to get concessions and use the bathroom during the game. But I encourage students to do their best to witness the halftime performances of the Pitt marching band and the various performances of the cheer and dance teams during other breaks in the game. Their performances

I recommend all students try Chickie and Pete’s in their first few journeys to the North Shore, especially those who’ve never tried it before.

Enjoy your time

My final tip is to simply enjoy your time. While it is easier said than done, don’t let the outcome of the game affect your mood. Pitt football games are more about the spectacle, the camaraderie of the student section and the memories students make in the process.

No fan or student can control what happens on the field, but they can control their attitude. Enjoy watching Pitt football games as a Pitt student during your time here, as that is not a luxury many people have.

Pitt fans celebrate in the stands of Acrisure Stadium during the Backyard Brawl against WVU on Sept. 1, 2022. Pamela Smith | Contributing Editor

Contributing Editor

Jermaine Sykes

Senior Staff Writer

PREVIEW

Brian Sherry Sports Editor

PITT FOOTBALL ENTERS 2023 SEASON WITH A LOT OF QUESTION MARKS

After posting a 20-7 overall record and finishing in the top 25 over the past two seasons, Pitt football enters a crucial year in 2023. The departures of several key players has left the team in need of new leaders and a new identity.

By no means is this a sink or swim year for head coach Pat Narduzzi and company. The immense success the program saw over the past few seasons will keep Narduzzi out of the hot seat for years to come. Nonetheless, posting a third straight season with nine-plus wins would go a long way in earning national respect for the program. If Pitt wants to reach elite status, then another winning season in 2023 is a must.

But this is no easy task. As it stands right now, the team lacks an identity. In 2021, the Panthers were led by their electric offense. With quarterback Kenny Pickett at the helm, the Panthers were fast and fierce, which earned them an ACC title. In 2022, Pitt was led by its dominant defense. Even though the passing game held the team back, players like defensive lineman Calijah Kancey and linebacker SirVocea Dennis stepped up big time, leading the Panthers to an impressive 9-4 record.

But Pickett, Kancey and Dennis are all gone in 2023, along with a lot of other valuable players. Both the offense and defense will look nearly completely different this season, which raises a lot of questions.

Perhaps the biggest question entering the new season is whether redshirt senior quarterback Phil Jurkovec can successfully lead the Panther offense. Jurkovec transferred to Pitt from Boston College, where he played three years in the Maroon and Gold.

During his tenure at Boston College, Jurkovec was plagued by injuries and ultimately failed to live up to expectations. This was especially evident last season. Despite playing alongside first-round draft pick wide receiver Zay Flowers, Jurkovec managed to complete just 59.5% of his passes with eight interceptions and led the Eagles to an abysmal 2-6 record as the starter.

While Jurkovec undoubtedly disappointed many during his time in Boston, it doesn't mean that he does not possess the talent to succeed in Pittsburgh. Standing at 6 feet, 5 inches, Jurkovec is a tough, pro-style pocket passer who can utilize his size to make plays. If Jurkovec can stay healthy and improve his decision-making, then the Panthers’ passing game is in good hands. But if he can’t, then Pitt will likely end up like Boston

College did in 2022.

Jurkovec will have a solid supporting cast on offense, as the Panthers have several starters returning in 2023. The strongest unit on offense is arguably the wide receiver corps. The unit will have a good mix of veterans and up-and-coming players, as junior Konata Mumpfield and redshirt senior Bub Means return to lead a group filled with new faces. Means specifically is set to have a breakout year. The former Louisiana Tech transfer posted 84 yards and a touchdown in the Sun Bowl, which led the Panthers in receiving for the game.

The receiving corp will also have help from junior tight end Gavin Bartholomew. The returning junior had a disappointing sophomore season last year due to injury and lack of targets, but still showed promise as both a pass catcher and blocker.

On top of the receiving corps, the Panthers also have their running back room to rely on in 2023. Unlike last year, the unit will not have a clear cut starter and will likely implement a running back by instead. Junior running back Rodney Hammond will likely see the most touch es, but redshirt senior C’Bo Flemister and LSU transfer redshirt sophomore Derrick Davis will also see a lot of ac tion.

Finally, the offensive line looks solid this year. Led by redshirt senior Matt Goncalves, the unit will likely thrive with a quar terback that doesn’t go down easily in Jurkovec. Goncalves, in particular, is set for a big year, as he is already projected as one of the Panthers’ top draft prospects for 2024.

Defensively, the Panthers are set for a transition year in 2023. After losing much of their star talent, the Pitt de fense will need fresh faces to step up. Led by renowned defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, the Panthers’ front attack has several players capable of breaking out this season. Redshirt senior David Green and senior Dayon Hayes — who both posted 3.5 sacks in 2023 — are likely candidates for a breakout season, as they both showed promise in 2023 despite playing be hind bona fide stars like Kancey.

In the secondary, look for red shirt senior cornerbacks M.J. Devon shire and A.J. Woods to lead the way. Devonshire in particular will make an impact, as he possesses NFL-level speed and has proven himself as a clutch player. But Woods isn’t far behind Devonshire’s potential as he excels at breaking up passes and laying

down big hits. Plus, the Panthers have redshirt senior defensive back Marquis Williams in the secondary, too, which adds to an already stacked defensive back unit.

With all the new faces on Pitt’s starter roster, it is hard to predict how the team will fare in 2023 — especially

off against three Heisman-hopeful quarterbacks Drake Maye of North Carolina, Jordan Travis of Florida State and Sam Hartman of Notre Dame. On top of this already daunting challenge, the Panthers will play several solid teams such as Syracuse, Duke and Louisville. Plus, in undoubtedly the most important game of the year, the Panthers will have to travel to Morgantown for a showdown against West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl. All in all, Pitt will need to find its rhythm early if they want to compete against these top-tier opponents. Considering all the questions and uncertainty around this team, it’s hard to pinpoint how the season will play out. If Jurkovec lives up to expectation and the defense continues to build upon its already fearsome reputation, then expect a fun year. But that’s a lot of ifs. Realistically, Pitt should win 7-8 games at least. But in college football, nothing is guaranteed and anything can happen.

Pitt players at a game against Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium on Nov. 5, 2022. Pamela Smith | Contributing Editor

Pitt players celebrate at a game against Syracuse at Acrisure Stadium on Nov. 5, 2022. Pamela Smith | Contributing Editor

WELCOME BACK IN STYLE WELCOME BACK IN STYLE WELCOME BACK IN STYLE

PITT MEN’S SOCCER LOOKS TO RETURN TO COLLEGE CUP IN 2023

Dylan Grace Staff Writer

Entering his eighth season as head coach for Pitt men’s soccer, Jay Vidovich has set a new standard for the Panthers, turning the club from an ACC bottom feeder into a perennial championship contender. Following an impressive 2022 campaign (12-5-5, ACC 3-2-3) that saw the club reach their second College Cup appearance, expectations for the Panthers' upcoming fall season are high.

With seven key members of the 2022 team going on to play professionally, the Panthers are set to see many new faces and returning players fill in much more significant roles in the fall.

Senior midfielder Filip Mirkovic returns for the Panthers following an outstanding junior season. The 2022 All-ACC First Team midfielder exploded offensively last season, assisting on 12 goals while adding three goals of his own. Mirkovic set the Pitt program record for season assists last season with 12 and led the ACC in total assists.

Defender Jackson Gilman also returns for his sophomore season after starting all 22 matches his first year. Gillman quickly became a defensive leader for the Panthers last season and cemented himself as one of the top defenders in the country. The Pennsylvania native recorded three assists in 1,992 total minutes, earning ACC All-Freshman Team honors.

Junior forward Luis Sahmkow is also set to have a big season for the Panthers after serving as a key reserve during the 2022 tournament run. In 15 appearances last season, Sahmkow recorded three assists while netting four goals, ranking third on the team. In a critical road conference match against Virginia Tech last season, Sahmkow scored the game-winning goal in the 59th minute — displaying his ability to perform in the clutch.

Sophomore goalkeeper Cabral Carter will make his Pitt debut this season, replacing Joe van der Sar. In high school, Carter was lights out in the goalie box, posting a 0.25 goals-against average. Sophomore forward Eben McIntyre and sophomore defender Abraham Brown also stand to make their Panther debuts this season.

The Panthers will return to the pitch on Aug. 12 in an exhibition against Cleveland State, followed by an exhibition at home against Michigan State on Aug. 18. The Panthers faced off last year against Cleveland State in the first round of the NCAA tournament, where they defeated the Vikings 2-1.

The Panthers begin their regular season at home Aug. 24 against Penn State at Ambrose Urbanic Field. In their last matchup in 2021, Pitt edged out the Nittany Lions 1-0 in an interstate

clash in State College. Pitt will finish up August on the 28th against Howard, who they handily beat last year 5-0.

September marks a challenging month for Pitt, where they play six preseason top 25 teams. The Panthers will then travel for their first road against No. 10 Georgetown on Sept. 1. Last season, the Panthers knocked off No. 2 ranked Georgetown 2-1 at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

The Panthers will begin conference play against No. 5 Wake Forest at home. The Panthers have yet to win against Vidovich’s former squad during his tenure, losing the prior three matchups against the Demon Deacons.

Pitt will travel to play both No. 11 Boston College and reigning national champions Syracuse in the midst of their demanding September schedule. They will face the Eagles on the 15th and the Orange on the 22nd. To wrap up the month, Pitt will play No. 20 Denver on Sept. 25 and No. 8 North Carolina on Sept. 29 at Ambrose Urbanic Field. The Panthers defeated the Tar Heels last season 1-0 and tied with the Pioneers 2-2.

Pitt will face off against ACC rival Virginia Tech on Oct. 6 before traveling to Charlottesville to face No. 17 Virginia. The Panthers will also square off against cross-town rival Duquesne on Oct. 17 before hosting Duke on the 21st for their final home game. The Panthers will then close their regular season out Oct. 27 against No. 9 Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.

With a jam-packed schedule featuring many outstanding ACC and non-conference opponents, Pitt’s journey back to the College Cup is extremely difficult this year. However, with 11 out of 17

Pitt men’s soccer players celebrate after their win over NC State on Nov. 2, 2022. Pamela Smith | Contributing Editor games at Ambrose Urbanic Field and key stars slated to have outstanding seasons, the Panthers have a great chance of returning to the tournament.

Chancellor, pg. 5

time…that it’s an investment that returns, that the education that you get here, the experience that you have here, the network you build here, will serve you,” Gabel said. “Are we doing everything that we can other than raising tuition? Is raising tuition the last mile? Are we paying very close attention to student need? And are we ensuring quality?”

As the cost of tuition and fees continues to increase, some students continue to criticize the University’s affordability and financial decisions. Some students have even raised questions over the new chancellor’s salary. Gabel will receive a $950,000 base salary, a 36% increase from Gallagher’s, which he said is the median for AAU universities.

Gabel takes on the role of chancellor in the wake of several controversial campus events and subsequent protests in the last academic year, as well as student concerns over the University’s safety. She said as someone “between conflicting viewpoints” herself, she believes exposure to “points and counterpoints” is part of an educational environment. But she also believes it is important to recognize some of these points may cause distress.

“But that does not mean that there aren’t points expressed that don’t cause real and legitimate pain in different ways,” Gabel said. “And in some ways, it would be very nice if we could just say anything that’s painful, we won’t do, but in addition to that being illegal and unconstitutional, it is a lost opportunity to fully understand the spectrum of thought, even if the outcome of that under-

standing is to fundamentally reject it.”

In response to her thoughts on faculty union bargaining and staff unionization efforts that continue to persist across the University, Gabel said she is a believer in shared governance, and embracing the “agency that different stakeholders have” in expressing and advocating for their needs.

“That doesn’t mean that I diminish or don’t see that we come to this point with some challenges,” Gabel said. “I’m not [unaware] of the challenges that we’re facing. But I think that the questions being called are the right questions and I want to work together to try and find answers.”

Gabel looks forward to her new start at Pitt, describing how the University’s reputation in academia and research drew her to apply for the position. She also

shared that she notices the “heart” of the community as a Pitt parent.

Gabel said she looks forward to the challenges of leading the University, saying it will be “hard and interesting and fulfilling” all at once, and that there’s no “moment where a university is ‘done,’” improving.

Core Core Competencies Competencies

Advice, pg. 7

“There are great opportunities, obvious opportunities and academic strength in student programs,” Gabel said. “And those very same things are where some of the pivot points and forks in the road are in higher education. I don’t mean to minimize the work that we need to do, but I think we have what we need in terms of commitment and people and advocacy to get those things right, and to continuously get better, so that our students’ investment is meaningful.” casions with all my friends.

McDermott: I love the sandwich shop in the [William Pitt] Union if you are going for an oncampus option. But if you are going for a nice dinner on Forbes my all-time fave would have to be Roots. It is a great option to get some healthy food into your system and fuel your brain for studying. But it is also delicious, literally addicting.

Gilmore: I love Las Palmas on Atwood Street and Stack’d!

If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Gilligan: If I could give my past self advice it would be to join everything that looks interesting at the activity fair. Signing up for something does not mean that you have to keep showing up if you don’t like it.

Salkin: One piece of advice I would give my past self is you do not need to rush into things. I often felt the need to have an established group of friends, find my roommates for next year, and have my career all picked out within the first weeks of school. But a lot of things can change in the duration of a year, and I wish I knew to take my time and not be as stressed as I was about the future.

Gilmore: I would advise my past self to always make sure to take care of myself and my emotional well-being. Although college is tricky, you can find balance by surrounding yourself with a good support system.

McDermott: Live a little. College is all about trying new things and learning from mistakes. If you don’t give yourself the space to grow, then you’ll stay where you’re currently at. Please take the time to immerse yourself in clubs and activities on campus. Go to the football games and make amazing memories because it all goes by way too fast.

I found some of the most amazing people when I joined a sorority and immersed myself in a few clubs on campus. Don’t sell yourself short of amazing experiences! School is super important, but so is your mental health, so please take care of yourself while succeeding at your academic goals!

YOU DON’T NEED TO PARTY IN COLLEGE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME

Livia LaMarca Senior Staff Writer

Throughout middle school and high school, I always dreamed of going to college — getting away and doing whatever I wanted. While I certainly had friends and made the most of my time during my days back home in Illinois, I was excited for my chapter as a college student. I was looking forward to the parties, the boys and the freedom that being in university brought. I wanted my college experience to be that of a movie — you know the ones.

The movies that have scenes with red Solo cups littered across the ground of an old beatup frat house. The films where best friends hook up with some of the worst men imaginable. The ones where classes are an afterthought, and you live to get drunk at a party

while playing beer pong with the hot guy across the hall. That was what I thought I wanted. That is until I got to college, where I realized that none of that is what I really de -

sired. I thought I had to live my college days in some predestined, “stereotypical” way or else I wouldn’t have a fulfilling time. There is nothing wrong with spending your time in college

like that — many do. But just like it is okay to party and get drunk on the neighboring frat’s mysterious jungle juice, it is okay to have little interest. It is okay to not want that at all, actually.

The best piece of advice I can give any incoming freshman is this — do whatever you want. Saying no is always an option.

Whether it is implicit or explicit, you will

face pressure in college to do things you don’t necessarily want to do. Sometimes it’s verbal peer pressure from a roommate or friend who “needs you to go out with them.” Other times it is pressure from yourself and the internalized fear of missing out on a good time. You need to learn to leave the FOMO behind — learn that you can do whatever it is you want to do. While there are certainly events or situations you must attend — cough, cough, mandatory freshman commencement — most of the time you can say no. And with this, you need to find friends who respect your decisions and won’t give you any problems if you don’t want to go out with them.

For me personally, my ideal weekend night consists of hanging out with my friends in my See LaMarca on page 31

Annika Esseku | Senior Staff Illustrator

MY FINANCIAL TIPS AND ADVICE FOR COLLEGE

Kelly Xiong Staff Columnist

For many of us, going off to college pretty much means absolute freedom from your parents. No one is telling you to clean your room

or do chores. You’re kind of on your own now. While that may seem great — and it definitely can be — being on your own also comes with more responsibilities. One of the most important things to learn is financial responsibil -

ity. Yes, I know this is not a fun or exciting topic, but it will be super helpful in the long run. Going into my last year here at Pitt, I can attest to this. Here are some of my tips and advice and what I’ve learned about personal

finances since coming to college.

Bills and utilities come first!

This is a really important part of learning how to budget your money. If you are

living off campus, this is super important. If you have your own credit card, this is also for you. Make sure you have enough money every month to pay those off first. This might mean limiting how much you spend on the non-essentials. I still need to remind myself of this every once in a while, but it has definitely helped me keep a good credit score — which is going to be super, super important in the real world, so you might as well start early. As someone who has always lived with roommates in college, paying your share of the utility bills on time is a good habit to start building up. Not doing so can make you seem like an unreliable person to live with and can lead to roommate conflicts and possibly splitting up.

Understanding your credit card. Going off of my previous point about building up a good credit score, you first need to understand how a credit card works. I’m super grateful for my parents teaching me these things when I was 16 and making me an authorized user under my mom’s credit card. When I got my own at 18, it boosted my credit score right away because my mom managed to keep a great credit score. I would highly suggest opening a credit card right after you turn 18, or at least soon after. The most common one students have is the Discover Student Card. This is a really great way to start building up your credit, and you get many perks, such as cash back from purchases and earning rewards and gift cards. No matter which credit card you end up with, these things are super important to remember. Always pay off your credit statement on time, and don’t exceed your credit limit. These are some of the things early on that will really affect your credit score. This might mean cutting down on eating out. If you have a dining plan — Panther Funds and dining dollars included — try to use those up first before spending your

IT’S OK TO BE ALONE

arrived in a friend group. I made the rookie mistake of thinking that showing up alone for events was a typical thing to do.

Making new friends is one of the hardest parts about college. Putting yourself out there is challenging and can get exhausting after a while. This is especially difficult when everything is a new adventure. This is why firstyears travel in packs — going to the dining hall or the library alone for the first time is scary.

Not only is living on your own for the first time daunting, but college comes with many expectations. Every adult talks about their college friends, and it seems like there is an intense pressure to make lifelong connec-

tions. That can be a stressor throughout college, but especially at the beginning when you don’t know anybody.

After welcome week as a first-year, I felt incredibly discouraged. I went to as many events as I could and had a little friend group, but it felt like we were all just looking for the next thing. Even though the welcome week leaders will talk about making their best friends during the cheesy social events, it is totally normal for the night to end with ten new friends on Snapchat that you’ll never speak to again.

By the time an event starts, you’ll start to notice that the people who actually show up have usually already

GOT DINING DOLLARS OR PANTHER FUNDS? USE THEM HERE!

I let this discourage me from spending time alone. There were often times where I was out with people, but all I really wanted was a moment by myself where I could relax. First-years should remember that while putting yourself out there is important, taking care of yourself is also important. Social burnout is very real, and even though spending time alone is hard when you first arrive at college, it is an important skill. Eventually you will not feel insecure being alone out in public, but you must try.

For me and many others, college was the first time where I shared a very close living space with someone else and lived a short walk away from every single one of my friends. I also wasn’t used to the close proximity I had to all my classes. Sometimes it can feel like you are never really resting because you don’t get the same satisfaction of going home. It is hard to feel like you can settle down when your bed is a five minute walk from where you sit in lecture.

Exploring campus alone is fun. One of the best parts about college is the freedom of working anywhere. It took me a while to study alone in university buildings because for a few weeks I was constantly surrounded by friends who were equally as scared of exploring campus alone. Any new student should bite the bullet and get comfortable being alone on campus as quickly as possible. Now my happy place is sitting in a cubicle on the fourth floor of Hillman by myself where I can grind through my work without any distractions.

Working alone is one thing, but you should also prioritize relaxing alone. Finding a new hobby could be good for utilizing personal time. In college, everything is now viewed as an opportunity to meet new people. I grew up dancing with the same people for my whole childhood. Then in college I had to make new friends, so I thought ballet club would be a good way to do that. This is all good, and it is always nice to meet new people with common interests, but it is also nice to have hobbies that you do purely because you enjoy it. This can be anything as long as you are taking time for the activity by yourself.

Making friends isn’t easy, especially when you first get to college. Remember that within the chaos of it all, take time for yourself to reflect and relax. People will still be there when you are ready to socialize again, and there is nothing wrong with being alone.

Jameson Keebler writes primarily about pop culture and current events. Write to her at jrk162@pitt.edu.

Annika Esseku | Senior Staff Illustrator

Jameson Keebler

Staff Columnist

PITTSBURGH IS NOT PITT’S PLAYGROUND — IT’S OUR COMMUNITY

New chapter, new neighbors, new city. Settling into a new community doesn’t happen overnight. I’m entering my third year at Pitt, living off campus, have best friends and my partner in the city — yet Pittsburgh feels new to me every day. But Pittsburgh has a way of sneaking up on you until suddenly you realize it’s more home than your hometown.

More than 50% of Pitt students employed after graduation will work in Pittsburgh or the surrounding Western Pennsylvania area — so your odds of calling this city home in the long term are pretty high. But even if you don’t, it’s your responsibility as a resident to care, to be mindful of how you walk through this city as a college student and to be a good neighbor even in the smallest ways.

As you enter this phase of your life, it’s worth taking to heart that you’re not just here for a fun time for four years — you’re part of a community. That community isn’t just your classmates, TAs, professors and campus staff, though you

should hold your campus community close. The community I mean is bigger than Oakland, the neighborhood Pitt has largely taken over — it’s 90 neighborhoods and several ZIP codes wide.

I love having access to so many things to see and eat and do — but most importantly, I love being surrounded by a city that’s full of warm, unique people who are fiercely protective of their neighbors. I love being a part of something bigger than myself.

Part of loving your city, though, is loving it enough to care about healing its wounds. Pittsburgh markets itself as a “most livable city,” the “new Brooklyn.” Take one stroll through Lawrenceville and you’ll see why hipster travel bloggers drool over the city’s post-industrial charm.

Meanwhile, the city is one of the worst in the country for Black residents. A 2019 city report found that the mortality rate for Black Pittsburgh adults is higher than in 98% of similar cities, that the infant mortality rate for Black babies is over six times higher than that for white babies and that Black men are subject to high levels of occupational segregation. Forty-five percent  of

See Daggett on page 34

Annika Esseku | Senior Staff Illustrator Livia Daggett Contributing Editor

Photos by Amaya Lobato, Ethan Shulman and Nate Yonamine, The Pitt News Staff

houses.”

Many service organizations like Food Recovery Heroes offer flexible hours and opportunities to accommodate for the busy and often-changing schedules that college students are accustomed to.

“It’s really easy to join a recovery because we send out a sign-up genius every week and you can select the time that works best for you,” Yovel said. “A recovery is only around half an hour so it’s not a big commitment to help make an impact and you can sign up for any week and time that works best.”

Elise Rinke, a junior environmental science and biology major, is the Student Garden Manager for Plant2Plate, said she gravitated towards the organization because of the opportunity it presents her to work in green spaces within an urban environment.

“Our mission is to battle food insecurity by providing the Pitt and Oakland community with access to fresh, local produce and education about sustainable garden practices,” Rinke said.

Plant2Plate is a community garden located primarily in South Oakland, and it offers flexible times and opportunities for students to participate in gardening at the main site on

Oakland Avenue.

“We have group work shifts every Sunday where any members who can make it come help out at the garden,” Rinke said.

“Volunteers also come throughout the week to water the garden and help with other tasks.”

Other organizations like Planned Parenthood Generation Action and Ice Cream Sundays also offer a wide range of opportunities to meet every interest, and they are just two of many more service organizations that welcome new members.

PittServes, the University’s “initiative that supports community engagement opportunities working with communities and students,” is a hub of service opportunities and information for students unsure of the type of volunteering they’d like to participate in.

For students interested in meeting volunteers in person to get a better understanding of the work individual organizations do, the Student Activities Fair takes place during Welcome Week at the end of August. Most organizations on campus attend to meet new students and talk about their services.

Where’d All the Time Go? Dr. Dog

Nostalgic and bittersweet, this one has unique instrumentals and mellow vocals that pair well with an afternoon stroll in Schenley Plaza or the quad after a long day. When the realization that you’re growing up sets in, don’t panic, but instead turn to this relatable song to cope and know that you’re not alone.

Come a Little Closer Cage the Elephant

The beginning of this song reminds me of leaving your dorm room to attend that one giant lecture with a ton of students, only to find that a crowd of people is headed to the exact same building as you for the same class. Attending this lecture seems to be a core memory of everyone’s first semester, and this song really seems to highlight the excitement and anticipation of this universal experience.

Borderline

Tame Impala

This song is about indecision and insecurity, which holds true for a lot of freshmen learning to navigate college. With somewhat vague lyrics, it is up to you to decide what this song means on a personal level. Tame Impala even says that “They used to do this all the time in college,” so it just fits.

Campus Vampire Weekend

The word ‘campus’ is literally in the title of this one. This song is upbeat and fun and does a great job of romanticizing the college lifestyle. It references that attractive stranger whose path you seem to cross constantly but never gets the chance to talk to, the professor that you spot out and about and evening picnics in the grass. There’s really no song more fitting for this list than this one.

Vertigo Khalid

The mellow and relaxing fervor of this song is a nice change of pace from the energetic anthems on this list. Khalid’s voice is super soothing, and the calming aura is fitting for a hot-girl walk to clear your head amidst the stressors of school and life.

The Adults Are Talking The Strokes Lost Frank Ocean

This catchy song will have you humming to yourself for days. It is a great song to daydream to as you move in between classes or go to get food. You really can’t go wrong.

Contrary to what the title may suggest, you’ll never feel out of place on campus with this song by the beloved Frank Ocean. Optimistic and lively, this one is sure to give you an energy boost during your commute to class.

Sunffllower, Vol. 6 Harry Styles

This song has a summer sensation that you’ll be feeling long after the temperatures have dropped. This masterpiece by Harry Styles is a solid option for any occasion.

Party on Fifth Ave. Mac Miller

This one is pretty self-explanatory. The list wouldn’t be complete without this fitting song from Pittsburgh native Mac Miller. Put in your headphones and bop to this catchy beat to become truly immersed in the Pittsburgh experience.

Athletic Events, pg. 17

Syracuse, however, will present Pitt with a tough challenge on the road in September. The Orange went 19-2-4 last year and won the ACC tournament, as well as the national title, for the first time in program history.

The two rivals haven’t faced one another since 2021, and Syracuse hasn’t hosted Pitt since the 2020 season. The Panthers’ last loss against the Orange came in the 2016 ACC tournament, adding intrigue to a match that has massive ramifications.

Women’s soccer vs. Notre Dame: Sep. 24 at 1 p.m.

Pitt women’s soccer is on the rise. The Panthers ended the 2022 season with a 14-5-3 record and were rewarded with the program’s first-ever ACC and NCAA tournament appearances. While they didn’t come home with any hardware, Pitt still earned a Sweet Sixteen bid and laid the foundation for future success.

One of Pitt’s toughest matches on its 2023 schedule is Notre Dame, who knocked the Panthers out of the first round of last year’s conference tournament in a penalty kick shootout. The Fighting Irish were a No. 1 seed in the national tournament, but lost to North Carolina in the Elite Eight, dashing any hopes of winning their fourth title in program history.

The Panthers can make an early statement with a win against one of the nation’s most prestigious programs and truly announce their arrival on the scene. It isn’t an easy task, but having the home crowd behind

them certainly helps and makes a victory all the more attainable.

Football vs. Florida State: Nov. 4, time TBD

Under the new ACC format, no opponent on Pitt football’s schedule stands out quite like Florida State.

Starting this season, there are no more divisions in ACC football. The league adopted a new format that pits the two teams with the best records against one another in the conference championship game, abolishing the Atlantic and Coastal divisions in the process.

An ACC championship game berth is no longer as simple for Pitt as beating out the other six teams in the Coastal, while juggernauts such as Clemson and Florida State slug it out in the Atlantic. Instead, the Panthers will go toe-to-toe with those resident blue bloods as they search for another title.

Pitt is coming off of two top-25 finishes in a row and has its eye set on contending for the ACC title once again. So does Florida State, who went 10-3 last season while finishing ranked No. 11 in the country and returning a boatload of talent in 2023.

This game, which comes toward the end of the regular season, may very well carry huge implications for both sides as it pertains to the race for a spot in the conference championship game. As a result, this shapes up as one of the best matchups on Pitt’s schedule.

LaMarca, pg. 23

apartment. You’ll find us sitting across our drink-stained rug playing UNO or crowded together on the couch playing Jackbox games, poking fun at one another. My roommate and I insist that Jason Derulo and Taylor Swift’s entire discography is played before we let anybody else change the music. At the end of the night, my friends and I discuss the nitty-gritty details of our relationships, rehash old gossip and debate the morality of different issues. If it has been a particularly long week, I usually just want to lay in bed, snuggled under copious amounts of blankets, watching a movie I’ve seen a thousand times before.

I have been out a handful of times, but nine times out of 10, nothing sounds worse than a sweaty, smelly frat party that is over a 30-minute walk away. For most of my friends, this weekend activity also falls short of appealing, but we have our own fun — even though you don’t see anybody making a movie about our college experience. Most people’s lives aren’t made into a movie. It certainly doesn’t mean your life isn’t fun or interesting just because you step outside of the usual expectations. Not everyone’s college experience has to be or must be that of a “typical college experience.” In fact, there’s no such thing as a typical college experience. Media likes to portray

university students as avid partiers, promoters of hookup culture and apathetic to their gradepoint average. While there are those that boast these characteristics, there are even more who do not. Not everyone wants to go out on a Saturday night, and not everyone skips class to attend a party. Many are so focused on making the most of their time at college that it’s easy to forget what it is one actually wants to do. While I mostly have discussed the college party scene, all this advice also applies to other areas of life and your time in college.

You have to find people who support you and respect the choices you make for yourself. There is no need to do anything you really don’t want to do — except for classes, of course. Make your own path through school finding the activities you enjoy and spending time with those who make you feel good. Whether that’s at a party or on the couch in your apartment, it doesn’t matter. There is no typical college experience, so do whatever it is you want.

Livia LaMarca is the Assistant Editor on the Opinions desk who misses using the oxford comma. She mostly writes about American political discourse, US pop culture, and social movements. Write to her at lll60@pitt.edu to share your own opinions!

pg. 24

Make sure you have some emergency savings.

This one really came in handy for me. Try to have at least a few hundred dollars in your savings account in case anything comes up — such as a medical emergency. This saved me my freshman year when I had to get a procedure done. I had bad out-of-state insurance at the time, so naturally, none of it was covered. I had to pay $745 out of my own pocket for the procedure. Yes, my bank account took a hit, but it was definitely better than the alternative of being in pain constantly. I’m not saying that serious medical emergencies will be super common in college, but you should always be at least somewhat prepared. Having some backup money can save you a lot of trouble. While the “student health fee” charged with the rest of our college tuition does cover some basic health services and counseling, it is not the same as insurance. More advanced or se -

rious health services are not covered by the fee. They would usually charge those to your insurance instead. For places like UPMC, the

best way would be to contact them directly, as insurance companies usually all have different providers they do and don’t cover.

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4

actual money. One really helpful thing I’ve learned was to pregame at home. This saved me so much money at bars, where drinks will add up super fast, and suddenly you’ve spent more than you planned.

Daggett, pg. 27

Pittsburgh’s Black children live in poverty — more than in 95% of comparable cities.

Now, gentrification and the expansion of Pittsburgh’s “nonprofit” giants — Pitt, Carnegie Mellon, UPMC and Duquesne — continue to threaten the neighborhoods and livelihoods of families who have been here for decades. I say “nonprofit” in quotation marks because these eds and meds benefit from the infrastructure, culture and people of Pittsburgh every day without paying their fair share in property taxes.

Black Pittsburghers are being pushed out of the city by gentrification, skyrocketing rents in historically Black neighborhoods and illegal evic-

tions, resulting in a whopping 13.4% decline in population between 2010 and 2020 — one of the highest for comparable cities, with many residents lost to surrounding suburbs with more affordable costs of living.

You might also know that Pittsburgh has a long, storied history as a city of unions. Originally a hub for steel production and transportation thereof, unions have been a part of Pittsburgh’s local fabric since the city made a name for itself — and they continue to be essential to fighting for better conditions not only in the workplace, but at home.

There have been some big wins for Pittsburgh unions recently, including a win for fairer sched-

uling and more favorable tipping policies at local chain Coffee Tree Roasters and a union for Pitt’s own faculty currently aimed at just compensation for adjunct professors and salary floors for fulltime faculty, among other issues.

Other efforts have been met with fierce opposition. Journalists and craft union members from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have been on strike for over eight months now demanding affordable healthcare but have yet to receive a satisfactory response. Meanwhile, Pitt’s own graduate students have expressed a need to unionize as they struggle to cover rising bills with the University’s stipend.

As you’ll see, it’s graduate students who will teach your lab courses, grade many of your assignments, tutor you and put together course materials. When the people responsible for educating you aren’t being taken care of, your education is bound to suffer.

I don’t mean to sound negative by raising current issues in the city. Rather, I want more students to understand the context of our existence here. We have the privilege to live and grow in this vibrant city whose residents I promise will make you feel at home. All Pittsburgh asks in return is that we’re aware of the inequalities present in our city and that we care about participating in the solutions. The worst thing Pitt students can do is be ignorant about city issues and stay checked out in our Oakland bubble, treating campus like a personal playground.

It’s hard to pin down quite what I mean by treating Pittsburgh like home. It might mean choosing a local business for your morning coffee, even if it’s a little more expensive, because you value investing in Pittsburgh ideas and lives.

Maybe it means spending more time in one of the city’s countless unique neighborhoods. It means voting in county elections, not just national ones, because it’s the county executive who sets the priorities for all county decisions. It means taking out your trash promptly from your off-campus apartment. It means treating unhoused people around the city like humans, not demonizing them online or ignoring them outright.

Most of all, it just means living with an awareness of your identity as a student, a sensitivity to how the rest of the city might be both wary and weary of oblivious college students, an ear to the ground to local happenings and a heart that cares about what your neighbors think and need. Talk to chatty strangers on the bus. Go to Jam on Walnut. Show up to Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board meetings and make public comments on its leadership’s unacceptable callousness toward inmates.

Pittsburgh has 300,000 permanent residents but over 80,000 university students. Imagine the potential if every one of us spent just a little bit more time catching up on local news, or joining a single off-campus community organization, or making an effort to get to know someone who lives here and what they care most about — it could be a coworker, a professor, someone you always see at the public library or anyone.

Mobilizing this many people, even as voters alone, would drastically change the way our city is governed and the priorities of its leaders. I hope that you, from the moment you step on campus, no matter how overwhelming college life can be, commit to being a part of that wave.

The worst thing Pitt students can do is be ignorant about city issues and stay checked out in our Oakland bubble, treating campus like a personal playground.

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