Getting to Know You

More than180 parents, families, and their students visited Benedum Hall for the Swanson School of Engineering’s first – and incredibly successful – Family Weekend program. The itinerary included  meet and greet with Dr. Mary Besterfield-Sacre, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Dr. Irene Mena, Director of First-Year Engineering Program, and Jill Harvey, Director of First-Year Advising.

Hosted by the School’s Office of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, the event offered space for families to ask questions and learn about opportunities available to their students. Topics included adjusting to life as a college student, support resources available, professional development offerings in the Swanson School, information about co-ops and internships and global experiences, among others.

Families got an inside look at all the school has to offer and after the discussion were invited to take tours of the building with Swanson School Student Ambassadors.

Guests provided positive feedback, with one parent sharing that the information received affirmed confidence in their decision to send their student to Pitt. Because of the tremendous response and feedback, there are plans to make it an annual event.