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David Tenorio examines the connection between queer nightlife and political activism

Over the past year, David Tenorio, an Associate Professor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese and Director of Graduate Studies in the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Program at the Dietrich School, has been making the rounds in support of his new book. Tenorio published Queer Relajo: Feeling the Nightscapes of Mexicanidad in August of 2025 through the University of Michigan Press.
 

Voices of Pitt: Narratives of Resilience now on display at the Hillman Library

In our ever-changing world of technology and social media, people are having more difficulty than ever connecting with those around them. Voices of Pitt: Narratives of Resilience is a new multimedia art project by Natasha Tokowicz and Robin Kear that shows the Pitt community that they are not alone and are more alike than they realize.

Kanthak updates Faculty Assembly on expanded executive committee, SVC for Health Sciences search process, privacy policy

In her report to Faculty Assembly at its Oct. 7 meeting held in Posvar Hall, Senate Council President Kris Kanthak provided updates on the expanded Senate Executive Committee, the search for a new senior vice chancellor for Health Sciences, and the University privacy policy, among other items. 
 

Nancy Welfer (A&S ’40; LAW ’49) Leaves a Legacy of Service and Support for Pitt Students

By Alison Cooley

At just 5 feet tall, the late Nancy Welfer needed a step stool to make a speech—a small but telling detail about a woman who commanded rooms far bigger than her stature. Born in Pittsburgh in 1920, the same year women in America won the right to vote, Welfer would spend her life making her own mark in ways that were ahead of her time.

This art installation turns a century of Nationality Rooms history into poetry and pattern

Before reaching Hillman Library’s front doors, passersby can look through the windows and see a phrase in bold blue letters running the length of the grand staircase inside. It reads: “I am made to leave I am made again to return.”

Kornelia Tancheva, director of Pitt’s University Library System (ULS), reads the line through her own experience as an immigrant from Bulgaria.

“Your past is always part of you, and you change all the time, but you don’t forget where you come from,” Tancheva said.

Pitt Stages 2026-2027 season is officially here!

From Pitt Stages:

Pitt Stages has officially announced their 2026-2027 season, comprised of compelling stories showcasing grit and inner strength that will reflect a common theme of Perseverance. The mix of mainstage productions, musicals, and one-act plays will consist of classical adaptations, modern-day abstraction, and a bohemian musical that celebrates the seasons of life.  

Environmental science professor dives into swimming, fishing potential of city's rivers

Among elements most associated with Pittsburgh — Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, a bevy of unique bridges, several universities, French fries on sandwiches — the scenically striking confluence of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers to form the mighty Ohio might be the city’s key physical trademark.

As crucial as the three rivers are to the evolution and continued vitality to the city, however, when it comes their viability as far as fishing and human immersion, aka “swimmability,” well, it’s complicated.

Local high schoolers are soaking up the science at Gene Team 2026

Gene Team 2026 wrapped up this past week, with students presenting their projects last Thursday. The summer program began on June 22 and was open to all Pittsburgh-area high school students who completed at least one high school-level biology class. Becky Gonda, a teaching associate professor and Director of Outreach in the Department of Biological Sciences, is the head of the Gene Team.