Dear Editor,

Recently, I read about disappointment regarding the University’s decision to… Dear Editor,

Recently, I read about disappointment regarding the University’s decision to rehire Steve Pederson as our athletic director. I was surprised to see this knowing Pederson had turned both our football and men’s basketball programs around when they were reaching the point of no return. While Pederson is infamous for making us “the University of Pittsburgh” and taking away Pitt script, we, as students, need to see the bigger picture of all he accomplished. He brought in Walt Harris, who took us to our first bowl appearance in seven years. Our team went to five consecutive bowl games including the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. And let’s not forget that during Pederson’s time, the greatest wide receiver to play here was recruited.

Pederson’s work with our men’s basketball program is even more amazing. After careful thought, Pederson made the decision to tear down an already rundown Pitt Stadium and in its place, built what we all know as “The Pete,” one of the best college sports venues in the country. And anyone remember Ben Howland, who came during Pederson’s time? He only turned our program into a major powerhouse and brought with him current coach Jamie Dixon. Since then, men’s basketball has had eight consecutive winning seasons and seven consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.

Now, wouldn’t you rather wear block PITT and have an emerging football program and a top-ranked basketball program than wear Pitt script and have two terrible teams? I sure would.

Bringing Steve Pederson back is extremely exciting and great step forward.

Amanda Satryan Senior, biological sciences