Getting Healthy

Here in the History Department, we think physical health is integral to maintaining intellectual health. Work out your mind AND your body!

The Power Center offers a tremendous amount of Fitness and Wellness Programs to faculty, staff, and students. Here are just a few (click on each image to enlarge):







Now, go get healthy!

Teaching Them While They're Young

We thought it important to share with you the first Public Service Announcement by one of our up-and-coming scholars: Dr. Elaine Parsons' daughter Charlotte. The topic? The Importance of Not Littering. And trust us, it's important.

Brilliance. Sheer brilliance. (And bless her cameraman, Dr. Jotham Parsons, for not taking her direction personally. Note her very serious "OFF!" at the end of the PSA. Watch out Scorsese.)

Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

When babies come into the world, it seems that they come in droves. Former graduate students Brian and Melissa Yurochko recently introduced us to their beautiful new daughter, Emma. And now, long-time instructor Doug Penhallegon and his wife Mariame just brought their new son Alexandre into the world.

Congrats Doug and Mariame! He's beautiful!


Alexandre Thaddeus Momo Penhallegon

November 28, 2009

2:18 p.m.

7 lbs. 15 oz.

Magee Women's Hospital, Pittsburgh

The family: Big brother Harrison, Doug, Mariame, and little Alexandre

Welcome to the world, Baby Alexandre! We can't wait to meet you.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us last week, we knew that there would be a rather slow and quiet vibe around the office. Many students left campus early, creating empty classrooms and hallways all around our building.

In order to be prepared, then, for the rush we'd experience once everyone returned from the long weekend (it being the last week of classes before finals begin), we thought we'd take the opportunity to dress up our office and hallway for the holidays.


This water fountain is at the very end of our long hallway, and we like to think that the Christmas lights just beckon everyone to come towards it to quench their thirst!



We also honor our friends, students, and colleagues who celebrate holidays other than Christmas:


We're in the process of getting Kwanzaa decorations, too!





Happy Holidays, everyone!

Who Loves Raising Money? WE Love Raising Money!

(Dr. Rahmon S. Hart, Sr., Director, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and Ms. Laura E. Miller, Administrative Assistant, Department of History)

Because of the extreme generosity of its faculty and students, The History Department raised $150 for the Office of Multicultural Affairs' 4th Annual Turkey Drive! We were thrilled to be able to help out with such a worthy cause. And we hope you'll feel compelled to help those in need in your own communities during this time of year.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Highlighted Course Offerings for Spring 2010

Still debating about your course schedule for Spring 2010? Not quite sure what to take? Here are a few courses we'd like to highlight for you. There are still plenty of spaces available!

A Blast from the Past!

What we love here in the History Department is when our students come back to visit. And if those students bring spouses and babies with them, all the better!

Today, graduate student Brian Yurochko flew in from Washington State to take his written comprehensive exam. He brought with him his beautiful wife, Melissa (who earned her M.A. in History from us this past year), and their darling newborn daughter, Emma.



Brian is definitely one proud papa. That little Emma has her daddy wrapped around her finger!

With a face as adorable as that, how could Brian have been nervous about his exam?

Congratulations, Brian and Melissa! We've missed you!