University President Paul Hennigan unveiled a revised mission statement. On Feb. 12, Hennigan sent out a message announcing the new change.

“I am pleased to announce that after a long collaborative effort that brought together students, faculty, staff and alumni, the Board of Directors on January 28, 2020 approved a new mission statement for Point Park University,” Hennigan said.

The new mission statement for Point Park is as follows:

“Point Park University provides innovative undergraduate and graduate education in a dynamic urban setting. Dedicated to academic excellence and community engagement, we prepare students of diverse backgrounds with the knowledge, skill, and experience to lead meaningful lives as informed citizens and successful professionals.”

The old mission statement was:

“Point Park University educates students in a diverse urban environment and prepares graduates to apply knowledge to achieve their goals, advance their professions and serve their communities.”

Paul Hennigan stated that the university would change branding around campus to align with the new statement.

“Operationally, in the coming weeks and months you will see updates to signage around campus in public areas to reflect the University’s new mission statement,” Hennigan said. “All materials moving forward where the mission statement is used will also reflect this change.”

Hennigan also expressed his gratitude for all of those who aided in the mission statement process in the update.

“This process is an example of shared governance at its finest,” Hennigan said. “I want to thank the many faculty, staff, students, and alumni who participated in discussions and offered recommendations through their leadership to the Provost and me. Thank you for all that you do to make Point Park University an engaged community of innovative thinkers and doers.”

Lee Starr, a freshman journalism major, said that she feels differently about the new mission statement.

“It sounds generic and full of buzzwords,” Starr said. “It does fit with the general gist of Point Park University, or at least what most of the faculty tries to do. If they put their money where their mouth is, I would like it a lot more.”

Austin Alkire, a freshman sports, arts and entertainment major (SAEM), thinks the change is an improvement.

“I think this new mission statement is an improvement upon the previous one,” Alkire said. “Including our diversity on campus, and the idea that we all can become informed citizens feels more accurate. It’s not too different, and by no means perfect, but it is an improvement.”