Dr. Chris W. Brussalis Inaugurated as Ninth President of Point Park University Monday, September 23, 2024
"The Point Park community is a passionate one and it remains passionate about these goals and these values. The Board of Trustees believes very strongly that Dr. Chris W. Brussalis has this Point Park passion and fortitude to revive, renew, revamp and expand our University with these goals in mind for the next generation of students and for future generations."
Point Park University formally inaugurated Chris W. Brussalis, Ed.D. as its ninth president on Friday, Sept. 20. Brussalis took over as president of Point Park in February 2023. Under his leadership, the University has taken steps to establish time-honored traditions — such as the inauguration of a new president — that are standard in higher education.
Dr. Lisa Cibik, chair of the University’s Board of Trustees, expressed her enthusiasm for the event. “This event marks a significant milestone in Point Park’s history and tradition,” Cibik said. “The Inauguration of President Brussalis is not just a celebration of his leadership, but also a reaffirmation of Point Park’s mission to provide a world-class education and develop future leaders for our region.”
An academic procession, led by The Pittsburgh Steeline, began in Alumni Park at the corner of Wood Street and Third Avenue. The procession included Brussalis, University cabinet members, deans and Cibik, along with other special guests such as representatives from regional higher education institutions. A formal inauguration ceremony followed in the PNC Theatre of the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
Cibik presented Brussalis with the presidential medallion which is inscribed with the Point Park motto, which translated reads: for knowledge, for community, for career.
"The Point Park community is a passionate one and it remains passionate about these goals and these values," Cibik said. "The Board of Trustees believes very strongly that Dr. Chris W. Brussalis has this Point Park passion and fortitude to revive, renew, revamp and expand our University with these goals in mind for the next generation of students and for future generations."
Members of the University community, the City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education spoke words of support and congratulations. Student Government Association President Kyle MacLaughlin and Staff Assembly President Annie Shean shared their deep love for Point Park and dedication to support the President's efforts to continually improve the University.
Kathy W. Humphrey, Ph.D., president of Carlow University and the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education, had personal remarks for Brussalis, as the two have served on the board of Leadership Pittsburgh together: “It was there that I watched you lead the board with vision, grace and a deep love for this city, and I am confident that the same commitment to serve and lead will continue to guide you as you serve the Point Park community, ensuring it reflects the best of Pittsburgh.”
In his inaugural address, Brussalis highlighted recent successes including the move to the NCAA Division II Mountain East Conference and the creation of the Center for Experiential Narrative Technologies. Despite major headwinds in higher education, Brussalis said, Point Park has increased new student enrollment by 10%.
He then turned his attention to a vision for what could come next, including a significant impact on Downtown. "Point Park University will not only continue to produce amazing, hard-working, resilient, innovative graduates, we will also be a catalyst to revitalize Downtown," Brussalis said.
"Point Park's values of promoting divergent thinking, fostering diversity, encouraging innovation, ensuring integrity, and focusing on student needs will guide us forward," he said. "I pledge to uphold these principles and further integrate them into all aspects of university life."
The ceremony was followed by a reception in the Playhouse lobby.
A live stream of the event is available.