Nordenberg celebrated, praised on honorary day

Looking out at the crowd of students wearing “We Love Nordy” t-shirts, Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg smiled as he began his speech of gratitude to Pitt students. 

“These ‘We Love Nordy’ shirts are just shorthand for ‘We Love Pitt,’” Nordenberg said Monday on We Love Nordy Day, held to honor the retiring chancellor. 

The Student Organization Resource Center, Residence Life, Student Government Board and Resident Student Association organized the event, which took place outside the William Pitt Union. Volunteers provided free food, including root beer floats and hot dogs, and free T-shirts with ‘We Love Nordy’ displayed on the front. Music played in the background as attendees socialized at the event. 

About 1,000 people attended the event throughout the day, according to Katy Demko, President of Resident Student Association. Demko said RSA began planning the event for Chancellor Nordenberg in January and hoped to model the event after I Heart Pitt Day, which took place in the fall. The association dedicated each Friday of this semester to planning We Love Nordy Day.

Elizabeth Mattingly, a freshman nursing major, was ecstatic upon receiving a T-shirt. 

“I waited 40 minutes for a shirt, but it was worth it,” Mattingly said. “I’m happy that the tour groups of potential students got to see this event as they walk by.”

Laura Kelly, a sophomore psychology and English major, volunteered at the event, which she said would be the only We Love Nordy Day. 

“I’m excited to be able to help with such an event,” Kelly said as she passed around a tray of vegetables to attendees. “It’s a great way to show Chancellor Nordenberg our appreciation.”

Amelia Brause, a senior majoring in natural sciences, was walking through the event and noticed that the volunteers needed help, so she assisted those already working. 

“I’m extremely impressed and happy with the turnout for this,” Brause said. “I’m happy he gets to be recognized by the students at such an event like this.”

Lynne Miller, who works with commuter student programs in the Office of Student Life, shared similar sentiments on helping out as she handed out smiley face cookies to the crowd. 

“It’s a fun atmosphere,” Miller said. “I’m excited to be here for it.” 

Nordenberg spoke at the event, keeping the crowd engaged and smiling with him the whole time. 

“I couldn’t be happier. I couldn’t be more grateful,” Nordenberg said at the conclusion of his speech. 

Members of the Resident Student Association marched to the event carrying signs that displayed the appreciation that each residence hall had for Nordenberg. The marching students also chanted “P-I-T-T” as they walked. 

Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” normally played at Pitt football games and known to students as a school anthem of sorts, prompted attendees to sing along at the event. 

Lauren Kucic, a sophomore studying marketing, enjoyed the event — especially the free food.

“The event is really cool, and the free food is nice,” Kecic said. “[Nordenberg] does a lot of different things for the students.”  

Jordan Shoup, president of the Oakland Zoo, Pitt basketball’s official student section, recalled a memory of Nordenberg that she will never forget: Shoup and other Oakland Zoo leaders presented Nordenberg with his own seat in the Oakland Zoo this season. 

“He wants to make things better for the long run, not just the short run,” Shoup said. 

According to Shoup, Nordenberg was already an honorary member of the Oakland Zoo, but the ceremony made it permanent. 

Nordenberg expressed his feelings about the day and the event dedicated to him. 

“I think that this event is unbelievable, and who would have expected anything like it?” he said. “I always thought that the University of Pittsburgh students were the best students in the world, and today proves just that.”