On Friday, Sept. 20, ahead of homecoming weekend events, the university held an inauguration ceremony for Chris Brussalis, appointing him as the ninth president of Point Park.
Chris Brussalis was appointed as interim president on Feb. 1, 2023, and the board of trustees officially removed interim from his title on July 25, 2023.
“It’s a great time to be a pioneer,” Brussalis said. “We’re positioning the university to grow and we have an opportunity to be a catalyst in the revitalization of Downtown Pittsburgh.”
Dr. Kathy W. Humphrey, president of Carlow University and chair of the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education, spoke at the ceremony, supporting President Brussalis’ appointment.
“Most would run away from the presidency, yet even with all of this negative noise, [Chris Brussalis has] raised his hand and said pick me,” Humphrey said.
Brussalis said that while several of Point Park’s peer institutions suffered declines in enrollment this year, Point Park saw a ten percent increase.
“We are bringing in new programs that we haven’t even had an opportunity to market yet,” Brussalis said. “Next year is going to be even more phenomenal.”
Marlin Collingwood, vice president of enrollment management, was also chair of the planning committee for the inauguration.
“It’s an important tradition that most schools do, and we’ve never really done it before,” Collingwood said. “This is the first inauguration we’ve had in a long time, and I think it’s an important day to recognize the new leadership of president Brussalis and give him the message that we’re all behind him and that we’re going to work together. It’s great to have eleven other schools here, and I think it’s just a great day for Point Park.”
Chris Brussalis said that it was an incredibly humbling opportunity to be inaugurated and to be able to lead the university at this point in time.
“This is all for the students,” Brussalis said. “We are here, myself and the leadership at the university, for the students. I was retired before this and this gives me an opportunity to change lives. What an honor.”
During his speech, Brussalis said through collaborative efforts the university can change the lives of students and bring vibrancy to the community.
“As we look into the future, I am committed to building upon this strong foundation and leading Point Park to new heights of excellence,” Brussalis said.
Brussalis referenced the university’s “Pioneer Vision 2030” plan.
“Our vision is to become one of the most dynamic urban universities in America. We are well on our way,” Brussalis said.
During the inauguration parade, there was a demonstration by the faculty union. The faculty union has been bargaining for a new contract since May.
Kyle Maclaughlin, senior political science major and SGA president, spoke at the inauguration ceremony and was present at the faculty union demonstration prior to their mobilization down Wood Street during the inauguration parade.
Maclaughlin was invited to speak at the inauguration prior to the demonstration by the faculty union.
“Both as a student and as SGA president, I am very much in support of the faculty union and I want to continue to give my support to them as much as possible,” Maclaughlin said. “In my experience, Chris Brussalis has so far been very open and willing to listen to student concerns and that is something that I hope will continue to be true, and I think that is something that students should make sure to keep in mind while showing support both for the faculty and for themselves.”
When asked about the demonstration outside, Brussalis said that he heard them asking for fair contracts and that’s what he wants as well. “It has to be a win-win,” Brussalis said.
