Campus in Brief

We finally got a piece of the pie

~Lisa Cunningham, Staff Writer

The Union lawn… We finally got a piece of the pie

~Lisa Cunningham, Staff Writer

The Union lawn was a sight of edible warfare Friday.

Delta Chi and Theta Phi Alpha held their second annual Pitt Pie-a-thon, which was attended by such campus celebrities as Levon Kendall and Student Government Board President Joe Pasqualichio.

Students – who may have been drawn in by the loud music and the advertisement signs – had the opportunity to throw a pie at anyone they wanted for the cost of $1 or to directly place a pie in someone’s face for $3.

Some people chased after others across the lawn with pies in their hands.

Gina Scozzaro, a member of Theta Phi Alpha, said that the sight of the event is what attracts people.

“All these people walk by and wonder what’s going on. They see people making fools of themselves,” Scozzaro said, adding that people feel comfortable enough to participate in the event after seeing others act silly.

All proceeds from the event go to the UPMC Cancer Institute.

Ryan Rhoades, coordinator of the event and a brother of Delta Chi, said that the philanthropic aspect of the event appeals to people as well.

“I think it attracts people because they can see it’s a good time, and they know that the money goes to charity,” Rhoades said.

The Truman show

~Lisa Cunningham, Staff Writer

A Pitt Honors College student won a 2006 Harry S. Truman Scholarship, making him the 10th winner in the University’s history.

Junior Adam Iddriss, a double major in chemistry and bioengineering, was selected as one of 75 students from different colleges and universities across the nation to win the scholarship, which recognizes those who have outstanding academic achievement and extraordinary leadership abilities.

Iddriss performs many leadership roles in multiple organizations.

He is the president of Pitt’s Pre-Medical Organization for Minority Students and is the service and technology chair for Facilitating Opportunities and Climate for Underrepresented Students.

Iddriss is also the founder and president of Engineers for a Sustainable World, which helps fund service projects in developing nations.

He tutors high school students as well through the College After-School Mentoring Team.

Helping people is a rewarding experience for Iddriss. _

“I’m involved to make an impact on the community, and the work is personally fulfilling,” he said.

Iddriss will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Missouri for Truman Scholars Week and for the award ceremony, both of which will be held during the week of May 14-21.

Barrio Fiesta celebrates culture, raises awareness

~Adam Fleming, News Editor

Harold Baguinon is a Filipino-American.

Until about a year ago – when he officially became a U.S. citizen – that was only half true.

Baguinon and his family moved to Kansas when he was nine years old. They later moved to Pennsylvania.

At the Filipino Student Association’s Barrio Fiesta 2006, Baguinon, who is a Pitt student, danced the estudiantina with other members of Pitt Barkada before giving a short speech about his experiences as a Filipino-American.

Estudiantina is “a very lively dance of Spanish influence,” according to a pamphlet that was handed out at the event Saturday. The Young Filipino Americans of Pittsburgh choreographed the event’s estudiantina.

After the dance, Baguinon told the audience his story, including some humorous anecdotes from the culture shock he experienced in America: He was surprised to discover that Americans didn’t take baths using a bucket; the way he held his fork and spoon differed from his American friends – despite which, he continued eating “the Filipino way.”

In addition to dance and food, Barrio Fiesta gave the audience in the William Pitt Union a chance to get active.

A slideshow reminded them of the victims of the Leyte Mudslide, and donations were accepted.

FSA’s pamphlet recommended that anyone who wishes to make a contribution visits www.globalgiving.com.

The pamphlet also made an appeal from the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh for donations for the construction of a Philippine Nationality Room in the Cathedral of Learning.