I would like to thank Pittsburg State University for the education it provided me, my husband, parents, in-laws and countless others. PSU laid the educational foundation necessary for me to succeed in dental school and have a career that I absolutely love. The same can be said of my husband and most of those reading. At this time of giving thanks, everyone should be thankful for all Pittsburg State University has provided you, your family or your place of employment.
Has your business been supported by the money the students bring to Pittsburg? Yearly, each student spends more than $10,300 on anything from gas, food to entertainment. That has a positive impact on everyone in Pittsburg. Likewise, visitors to PSU spent an estimated $24.3 million in the surrounding communities. (Facts from Economic Impact Highlights 2007-08, Pittsburg State University)
Being the single largest employer in Pittsburg, it only makes sense to support the University’s continued success. After setting enrollment records again this fall, we all can see a track record of success that has come from market research and educated strategic planning. To continue down the path of success, Pittsburg State’s master plan includes the extension of the heart of the campus east, creating a more pedestrian-friendly campus.
This is a decision that may have an impact on those citizens who still choose to drive on the southernmost stretch of Joplin. It will have no impact on those who have already chosen to avoid Joplin Street as it passes through the campus. This topic is drawing discussion all over Pittsburg. Thank goodness this issue is minor compared to what the community has done before to help Pittsburg State University.
I recently enjoyed a historical presentation by Randy Roberts. He reaffirmed the importance that PSU has played in the history of Pittsburg and how if it were not for the love of the school and the foresight of the community, Pittsburg State University would never have become the great university we have today. Countless times, I have seen community members support the university, but nothing was as critical as the rally of support the people of Pittsburg provided when Russ Hall was destroyed by fire in June of 1914. President Brandenburg stood among the smoldering embers of the building and declared classes would go on.
Within 36 hours, $100,000 of private money was pledged to rebuild the principal building of the state school. Tents served as classrooms on the oval and downtown buildings were used as classrooms, as well. Amazingly, not a day was missed. The people of Pittsburg knew they could not wait for state funding since the legislature only met every two years. The administration did not want to lose students that summer, see enrollment drop in the fall or ultimately allow the school to close. Everyone felt a sense of urgency. The people of Pittsburg knew the important economic impact the school had on their current economy and the future of Pittsburg.
The community made the decision to support the University. Luckily, we are not faced with a tragedy like a burning building. We are blessed with a record number of students enrolled in the University, most of which actually come to campus in Pittsburg. We must remember these students are community members and we can only hope that they graduate and choose to live and work here in Pittsburg. I hope they have the opportunity to serve in leadership roles in the community and they continue to see Pittsburg State University build state-of-the-art buildings like the Student Recreation Center, erect monuments to heroes who serve in the armed services, like the Veterans Memorial and make groundbreaking discoveries in the Tyler Research Center.
It is my hope, in the future as these citizens are counting their blessings, reflecting on years past, they will recall the commitment the community gave to Pittsburg State University. The addition of the pedestrian plaza allowed the University to grow the heart of the campus. The community’s selfless act made it possible for the students of Pittsburg State University to walk from class in historic Russ Hall to their cars parked behind Brandenburg Stadium. I urge all of us to help make this a reality by continuing to support the growth of Pittsburg State University and the City of Pittsburg.
Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla.
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I would like to thank Pittsburg State University for the education it provided me, my husband, parents, in-laws and countless others. PSU laid the educational foundation necessary for me to succeed in dental school and have a career that I absolutely love. The same can be said of my husband and most of those reading. At this time of giving thanks, everyone should be thankful for all Pittsburg State University has provided you, your family or your place of employment.
Has your business been supported by the money the students bring to Pittsburg? Yearly, each student spends more than $10,300 on anything from gas, food to entertainment. That has a positive impact on everyone in Pittsburg. Likewise, visitors to PSU spent an estimated $24.3 million in the surrounding communities. (Facts from Economic Impact Highlights 2007-08, Pittsburg State University)
Being the single largest employer in Pittsburg, it only makes sense to support the University’s continued success. After setting enrollment records again this fall, we all can see a track record of success that has come from market research and educated strategic planning. To continue down the path of success, Pittsburg State’s master plan includes the extension of the heart of the campus east, creating a more pedestrian-friendly campus.
This is a decision that may have an impact on those citizens who still choose to drive on the southernmost stretch of Joplin. It will have no impact on those who have already chosen to avoid Joplin Street as it passes through the campus. This topic is drawing discussion all over Pittsburg. Thank goodness this issue is minor compared to what the community has done before to help Pittsburg State University.
I recently enjoyed a historical presentation by Randy Roberts. He reaffirmed the importance that PSU has played in the history of Pittsburg and how if it were not for the love of the school and the foresight of the community, Pittsburg State University would never have become the great university we have today. Countless times, I have seen community members support the university, but nothing was as critical as the rally of support the people of Pittsburg provided when Russ Hall was destroyed by fire in June of 1914. President Brandenburg stood among the smoldering embers of the building and declared classes would go on.
Within 36 hours, $100,000 of private money was pledged to rebuild the principal building of the state school. Tents served as classrooms on the oval and downtown buildings were used as classrooms, as well. Amazingly, not a day was missed. The people of Pittsburg knew they could not wait for state funding since the legislature only met every two years. The administration did not want to lose students that summer, see enrollment drop in the fall or ultimately allow the school to close. Everyone felt a sense of urgency. The people of Pittsburg knew the important economic impact the school had on their current economy and the future of Pittsburg.
The community made the decision to support the University. Luckily, we are not faced with a tragedy like a burning building. We are blessed with a record number of students enrolled in the University, most of which actually come to campus in Pittsburg. We must remember these students are community members and we can only hope that they graduate and choose to live and work here in Pittsburg. I hope they have the opportunity to serve in leadership roles in the community and they continue to see Pittsburg State University build state-of-the-art buildings like the Student Recreation Center, erect monuments to heroes who serve in the armed services, like the Veterans Memorial and make groundbreaking discoveries in the Tyler Research Center.
It is my hope, in the future as these citizens are counting their blessings, reflecting on years past, they will recall the commitment the community gave to Pittsburg State University. The addition of the pedestrian plaza allowed the University to grow the heart of the campus. The community’s selfless act made it possible for the students of Pittsburg State University to walk from class in historic Russ Hall to their cars parked behind Brandenburg Stadium. I urge all of us to help make this a reality by continuing to support the growth of Pittsburg State University and the City of Pittsburg.
Once a Gorilla, Always a Gorilla.
