Lashelle Brown: Making The Perch a home away from home

By Katie Hovan, Staff Writer • April 26, 2026

Pitt Eats worker and new lead cashier at The Perch Lashelle Brown has become a welcoming face and a reliable person for students and patrons needing someone to talk to or to put a smile on their face.

Hannah Powell: Pushing the University Art Gallery forward

By Amber Medved, Senior Staff Writer • April 26, 2026

In the back of the Frick Fine Arts building, Hannah Powell is one of two full-time employees tasked with coordinating exhibitions, planning educational programming and improving accessibility to a collection of over 3,000 pieces.

Adam Hebert: Film professor and friendly face

By Kelly Kowalewski, Staff Writer • April 26, 2026

From New Hampshire to Hollywood, Adam Hebert’s work led him to his purpose at the University of Pittsburgh’s Film and Media Studies Program. After his 10th year teaching at Pitt and first year as a teaching assistant professor, he credits the stories, setbacks and surprises along the way to his friends, colleagues and students.

Zach Davis: A leader in diversity committed to uplifting community

By Grace Longworth, Managing Editor • April 21, 2026

Zach Davis, director of engagement and wellbeing programs in Pitt’s Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing, helps create a positive student experience at Pitt by producing dozens of the university’s largest annual celebrations of diversity.

Harvey Borovetz: An ‘odyssey’ in bioengineering

By Kyra McCague, Assistant News Editor • April 21, 2026

Harvey Borovetz, a distinguished professor of bioengineering and Robert L. Hardesty Professor in the Department of Surgery, is in his 51st year at Pitt. His accomplishments from over the years have ranged from participating in Pittsburgh’s first artificial heart implant to helping form Pitt’s Department of Bioengineering.

Pitt Therapy Dog Tuesdays: ‘The best day of the week’ 

By Bridget Pohl, Senior Staff Writer • April 16, 2026

Pitt Therapy Dog Tuesdays can offer a space of comfort for students missing their dogs and going through a stressful semester. It began as informal meetings with six dogs in 2002. Now, it's a formal club with 50 dogs and multiple events throughout the entire week.

John Elavsky: So many more stories to tell

By Maxine Van Nortwick, Senior Staff Writer • April 15, 2026

John Elavsky, the owner of Hemingway’s Bar on Forbes Avenue, tells his story of ownership and leaving the famed business.

Tiwanda Taylor: Supporting students by being one

By Emily Harris, Contributing Editor • April 15, 2026

Tiwanda Taylor is the director of advising in student success in Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. She is currently pursuing Pitt’s Doctor of Education and is the recipient of the University’s 2021 Chancellor’s Award for Impact.

Ralph Guzzi: ‘Pittsburgh music royalty’ continues Pitt’s rich jazz history

By Conor Hutchison, Sports Editor • April 15, 2026

Google “Ralph Guzzi,” and it isn’t until page four that any summary of the lifelong trumpeter’s accomplishments appears. However, take a look at Pittsburgh music history, and Guzzi’s fingerprints are everywhere.

Brittany Graham: Bringing scripts to life, one costume at a time

By Madeline Ward, Senior Staff Writer • April 14, 2026

As the assistant costume shop manager in the Department of Theater Arts at Pitt, Brittany Graham has built a career around helping characters come to life, whether on stage or on screen. Since arriving at the University in December 2021, she has become a steady presence in Pitt’s costume shop, balancing intricate designs, student mentorship and a freelance design career that stretches well beyond campus.