State Senator Joe Pittman and State Representative Jim Struzzi welcomed students, faculty, and staff from Indiana University of Pennsylvania to the State Capitol in Harrisburg on May 8 to celebrate the university’s 150th anniversary. The IUP delegation joined Pittman and Struzzi in both the Senate and House chambers, where they were recognized during official legislative sessions.
The event highlighted IUP’s long-standing role in education within Pennsylvania. Pittman said, “It is a distinct honor to represent the Indiana University of Pennsylvania here in the state Senate, and to recognize everything the institution has stood for over the last 150 years, and what it will stand for in the years ahead.” He added, “IUP is indeed the flagship of the PA State System of Higher Education. With the College of Osteopathic Medicine being established, IUP will indeed be a tremendous asset to the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as we work to address rural healthcare needs.”
Struzzi also spoke about IUP’s importance beyond its home county. “IUP is not just special in Indiana County, but an asset for the Commonwealth, which is why I thought it was important to mark this milestone in Harrisburg,” Struzzi said. “From its humble beginnings in 1875 as the ‘Indiana Normal School’ to its current name bestowed in 1965, IUP has a proud past and a bright future. The university continues to be a leader among its peers in the PA State System of Higher Education with the planned College of Osteopathic Medicine.”
IUP President Michael Driscoll described how meaningful it was for students to be part of such recognition: “We were able to receive a citation from the governor, the Senate, and from the House of Representatives Wednesday, recognizing IUP’s 150th anniversary,” Driscoll said. “We were there with our students…and it was very rewarding…to see both chambers giving us rounds of applause in recognition of IUP and our contributions…” Graduate student Thomas Oraskovich called it “both educational and truly inspiring,” saying that witnessing government functions firsthand “was a transformative experience” that inspired him toward public service.
Struzzi’s efforts include promoting jobs and agriculture within his district; he serves as chair of the House Republican Appropriations Committee; advocates for reduced government spending; lower taxes; family-sustaining jobs; supportive business environment; authored children’s books including “The Christmas Secret”; represents areas within Indiana County; all according to the official website.
As part of this milestone celebration at Harrisburg, various photos documenting events from their visit are included below.
