Shortly after dark on Sunday evening, thousands of Pitt students and alumni gathered on the Cathedral lawn to celebrate the beginning of the academic year with Pitt’s annual lanternlighting ceremony.
Lantern Night, led by the Pitt Alumni Association and the Alumnae Council, registered over 3,000 first-year students on Sunday — 600 more than last year — according to Olivia Lynch, the associate director of young alumnae
and student programs. This is the largest recorded Lantern Night attendance to date.
”I think there were about 160 flame bearers and more legacy families,” Jennifer Greevy, the director of communications for alumni relations, said, referring to the attendees outside of the student body.
Lantern Night began in 1920 with a group of female students led by sisters Magaret and Stella Stein, the first women to graduate from Pitt. The event predates the Cathedral of Learning and is the oldest tradition on campus.
“It was an event that started for female students, which were very small in number 103
years ago,” Greevy said, “and they got together and they walked around campus, and they had Japanese lanterns, which is how the lantern started.”
Initially, the female upperclassmen, called “flame-bearers,” would pass the lantern to firstyear students as they paraded around campus. Today, the ceremony has evolved into Pitt’s alumni lighting the lanterns of new and transfer students.
“Lantern Night symbolizes the passing of the light of learning from one generation of learners to the next,” Greevy said. “The idea was [that] the glow of light, the love of learning, the light
of learning, were going to [be passed] forward.”
Although Lantern Night began as a small group of female students, it has gone through many changes to become the massive event it is today — currently, lantern night is open to all students.
Greevy explained how the pandemic played a role in broadening Lantern Night’s message.
“In 2020, we wanted people to feel like they could come together in some way, and they couldn't do it physically,” Greevy said.
“It seemed like a good time to open it up to all incoming students, male or female, however students identify. At a time when we couldn't be together, let's be inclusive,” Greevy added, demonstrating how Lantern Night’s symbolism has come to extend beyond just the alumni.
Sunday also marked the first Lantern Night experience for Pitt’s first female chancellor, Joan Gabel.
“I feel deep gratitude that this flame is now a powerful symbol to all Pitt students, to everyone who overcomes challenges, who experiences difficulties, who goes through whatever they go through to get a university education, and then can share the benefits with others and pass the flame on,” Gabel said in her speech during the ceremony.
When it came time to light the lanterns, the alumni flame bearers and new Pitt students raised their lanterns together. With the help of technology, the new students’ lanterns were lit, filling the Cathedral Lawn with thousands of blinking lights.
First-year students Ella O’Rourke and Tatiana Vahatia said they were surprised by the sheer number of people who attended, which made it hard to see the stage from the back of the crowd where they stood.
O’Rourke, a biochemistry major, added that she attended lantern night “because of the tradition and because it was started by two women who were valedictorians, so as women in STEM I feel like it's important to represent,” citing Lantern Night’s roots as a female-led tradition.
103 years later, Lantern Night’s meaning continues to evolve with every first-year class as it draws more students and alumni. Gable added another layer to the ceremony’s symbolism by emphasizing the importance of personal growth and leadership through the lanterns.
“When you're uncertain or you're searching, or you're asking yourself about this journey, look at your flame, look at your lantern,” Gable said. “It's a symbol of the journey of learning and expression and it will guide you through your academic career and your own growth.”
As students move back into Oakland and classes ramp up, the excitement around Pitt’s fall athletics begins to build. But with all the hype surrounding Pitt’s more well-known fall programs — like football, soccer and volleyball — students may find it hard to keep track of the lesser-known teams, such as cross country and swim and dive.
Here is a preview of what to look out for from these two programs in 2023.
As a program, Pitt cross country has struggled mightily in recent years. From both men’s and women’s teams regularly failing to finish in the top ten in the ACC to struggling to get a single qualifier for the NCAA championships, the Panther cross country program has trailed behind the rest of the NCAA for several years.
But the Panthers hope the hiring of new head coach Griff Graves will help rebuild the program.
Graves was only hired a few weeks ago, but fans can expect big changes in the near future, as the new coach has the experience to turn around this previously unsuccessful program. Prior to his tenure at Pitt, Graves was an assistant coach at Syracuse, where he helped the Orange become one of the most successful programs in the nation.
Along with a new head coach, the Panthers have a few returning runners that could make a name for themselves in 2023. On the men’s side, seniors Luke Henseler and Jack Miller are set to return for the Panthers. Last season, the pair were the Panthers only NCAA qualifiers, placing 195th and 204th, respectively, in the nation. Look for these two runners to build off of last season’s success and potentially make serious moves in the NCAA championship.
On the women’s side, the Panthers return senior Sadie Carey-Tharp for 2023. Carey-Tharp was a crucial member of the women’s team last season, as she was Pitt’s fastest finisher in the ACC championship, placing 58th in the conference. With Carey-Tharp leading the way, the Panthers will hope to improve off of their dread -
ful 13th-place team finish in the ACC last year.
Moving onto the schedule, the Panthers are set to compete in seven meets this year, including the NCAA championship. Pitt will begin the season at home with the Panther Invitational on Sept. 1.
The Panthers will then compete in three more invitations before gearing up for the ACC championship on Oct. 27 in Tallahassee, Florida. There, the Panthers will face off against fierce competition, such as returning women’s national champions NC State.
Ultimately, the Panthers have a chance to turn their program around this season. With a new head coach and a few key returning runners, the Panthers have what it takes to make serious improvements in 2023.
Like the cross country program, Pitt swim and dive hasn’t had the best of luck historically — but the program is ready to make improvements in 2023.
Last season, the men’s swim and dive team posted one of its best seasons in program history, as it placed 33rd in the NCAA championship and seventh in the ACC. Meanwhile, the women’s team lagged slightly behind, placing 11th in the ACC.
But this season, the Panthers will look to build on last year’s successes and reach new heights as a program.
Like the cross country team, Pitt swim and dive recently hired a new coach, as the Panthers announced the hiring of former-Alabama coach Roman Willets as an assistant coach in early August.
The Panthers will begin their season with a swim-only meet against Army on Sept. 22 at home. The team will then hold its annual Blue and Gold intersquad meet on Sept. 29.
Pitt will then compete in several more meets, including two invitationals — the Ohio State invitational from Nov. 15 to 18 and the Minnesota invitational from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.
The Panthers will conclude much of their season in the winter, as the team will travel to the ACC championship in
Greensboro, North Carolina, from Feb. 20 to 24. Finally, the women’s team will hope to send qualifiers to the NCAA championship in Athens, Georgia, from March 20 to 23, while the men’s team will set their sights on competing in the men’s championship in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 27 to 30.
The Pitt News is one of the largest student organizations on campus, with roughly 200 students participating. Students create all of the content for the paper, but who is in charge? It’s time to meet the editors.
and pet any cat that I find.
Livia LaMarca, Assistant Opinions EditorBetul Tuncer, Editor-in-Chief
Hi everyone! I’m Betul, a senior media and professional communications and legal studies double major with a certificate in digital media. I’ve worked at The Pitt News since my first-year at Pitt and am really excited to take on the role of editorin-chief this year. I hope to help report on issues the Pitt community faces, uplift unique perspectives as well as support our amazing student writers, editors, photographers and illustrators at TPN.
Other than working at The Pitt News and being a full-time college student, I like to spend my free time taking film photos and traveling.
Pamela Smith, Managing Editor
Hello! My name is Pam and I’ll be the managing editor this year at The Pitt News. This is my fourth year at TPN; for the last two years I was the visual editor, and for my first year I was a staff photographer. I am a senior double majoring in English writing and history and philosophy of science, with a certificate in public communication of science and technology. During the rare moments where I’m not at TPN or taking photos, I enjoy playing the violin, listening to music and eating the El Jefe bowl at Roots.
Ryleigh Lord, News Editor
Hi! I’m Ryleigh, and I’m a double major in history and English writing on the nonfiction track. I’ve been working at TPN since my first year at Pitt and have filled a variety of roles since then, from staff writer to summer culture editor. I’m so grateful for the people I’ve gotten to meet and work with during my time at TPN and can’t wait to continue that as editor! When I’m not in the office, I can usually be found watching soccer (and cheering for the Arsenal and OL Reign), ordering chicken tenders at Stack’d or having a romcom marathon in my apartment.
Punya Bhasin, Assistant News Editor
Hi everyone! I’m Punya and I’m a senior. This is my fourth and final year at The Pitt News. I’m the assistant news editor this semester. I love journalism and hope to work in the industry after graduation. Aside from writing, I like to paint and play tennis. I’m looking forward to a fun and hopefully productive semester.
Donata Massimiani, Assistant News Editor
Hello everyone! I’m Donata and I’m a senior double majoring in English writing and film and media studies. This is my third year at The Pitt News, but my first time as a news editor! I was TPN’s multimedia editor last semester and spent the first year and a half as a writer on the news desk. Whether it be for TPN, class, or something I’m working on independently, nearly all of my time is dedicated to writing. Aside from writing, I love reading poetry, watching old musical films and working out. I’m quite eager to step into my new editorial role and wish everyone a seamless start to the semester!
Thomas Riley, Opinions EditorHello! I’m Thomas, a junior double major in politics and philosophy and English writing on the poetry track. I joined The Pitt News as an opinions columnist in my sophomore year, and this is my first year as editor for the desk! I love reading all the content our columnists put out, whether they choose to speak out on controversial current events or offer silly commentary on student life. Outside of The Pitt News, I write for Pitt’s best and only late night comedy show, Pitt Tonight, collect CDs
Hey guys, thanks for reading! My name is Livia and I am a third-year here at Pitt studying political science and sociology. I am also a first-time editor and had so much fun working with the writers this summer! I personally write a lot about politics and social movements, but I’ve had a blast working on other topics as well as the more satirical work that our wonderful writers have pitched to us these last few months. Along with my work in The Pitt News, I am also involved in a slew of law-based extracurriculars and spend a lot of my free time crocheting, sewing and watching movies. I’m looking forward to a great fall semester here at TPN!
the culture desk since my first year at Pitt –– as a junior, I have the privilege of serving as culture editor. Writing for The Pitt News has given me an opportunity to meaningfully engage with communities on campus and around the city. Encountering so many fascinating people and documenting their stories has helped me call Pittsburgh home. Outside of TPN, I’m an economics major with a minor in Hispanic language and culture planning to study law. You can see me around campus wearing a jean jacket and stomping spotted lanternflies.
Hannah Wilson, Visual Editor
Hi, my name is Hannah Wilson, and I am the Visuals Editor this year. I joined The Pitt News my first year as a photographer and I am so excited to take on the role of editor as a junior this year. I am majoring in marketing with a certificate in digital media. I love capturing moments in time that people want to remember for years to come!
Brian Sherry, Sports Editor
Hey everyone! My name is Brian Sherry — sports editor for this year at The Pitt News. I joined TPN in my first semester at Pitt and immediately fell in love with this organization. I started off as a staff writer and gradually worked my way up to my current position. Currently, I’m a junior studying history and hope to attend law school after graduation. When I’m not in the office or in the press box at Acrisure Stadium, I enjoy rock climbing, running and traveling. I can’t wait to bring sports coverage to the entire Pitt community this semester!
Jermaine Sykes, Assistant Sports Editor
I’m Jermaine Sykes and I’m the assistant sports editor at The Pitt News. I joined the sports desk back in the fall of 2021 as a staff writer, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Outside of TPN, I’m a marketing and human resources management major and a sports fanatic. I can’t wait to keep Oakland up to date with the latest from Pitt Athletics this year.
Amaya Lobato, Assistant Visual Editor
Hi! I’m Amaya, assistant visual editor at TPN this year. I’m a junior majoring in media and professional communications and minoring in film and media studies. Joining the visuals desk as a photographer during my freshman year encouraged me to pursue a career in photojournalism. I fell in love with photographing current events and meeting the most random people on photo assignments. I’m passionate about capturing everyday moments and I always carry a camera with me (preferably film).
Patrick Cavanagh, Multimedia Editor
Hi, my name is Pat Cavanagh and I’m excited to be the multimedia editor this year. Like many others, I found my passion for journalism working for The Pitt News, beginning my sophomore year as a photographer. As a senior majoring in film and digital media, my goal is to create more advanced video stories and help build a stronger foundation for the multimedia department to continue. When I’m not taking videos or photos for TPN I enjoy singing, frolicking, and general tomfoolery.
Annika Esseku, Layout Editor
Patrick Swain, Culture Editor
I’m Patrick, your campus cultural content correspondent. I’ve been writing for
Hey! I’m Annika Esseku and I’m the layout editor for this year. I started working at The Pitt News during my first year at Pitt, but I originally started as an illus -
trator. I’m currently a junior majoring in neuroscience and minoring in chemistry and studio arts. If you see me around campus I’ll most likely be blasting music through my headphones.
Srinidhi Gopalan,z Audience Engagement Editor
Julia Smeltzer, Digital Manager
Hi everyone! My name is Julia and I am the digital manager this year! I am a senior studying media and professional communications with a concentration in digital media and professional writing and a minor in sociology. I started off as a staff writer my first year and I am looking forward to everything in store for the digital desk this year. When I am not by my computer writing or working on homework, you can find me listening to my favorite artists like Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing at home.
Hey! I’m Srinidhi Gopalan, the audience engagement editor for this year. I started off as a news writer last year as a first-year, and fell in love with journalism right away, even though I have not been at TPN very long. Currently, I am a sophomore majoring in neuroscience with minors in economics and chemistry. When I’m not busy with school or working for TPN, you can find me curating Spotify playlists, finding a new coffee shop, or simply under the covers in bed binge-watching Netflix.
Allison
Schaeffer, Copy ChiefHello Pitt News readers! I’m Allison, our beloved paper’s copy chief for the second year in a row, and this is my third year working here at the copy desk. It may sound strange to you, but grammar is my passion, and it is my honor to clean up all the hard work our writers do in order to make sure it’s ready for the public eye.
If I’m not sitting in The Pitt News office reading through unpublished pieces, you can find me rewatching videos from my favorite concerts, practicing French, German or Irish (learn less-commonly-taught languages, folks!) or picking up a Thai tea from Fuku Tea after class.
Livia
Daggett, Assistant Copy ChiefWhen I tell people I work as a copy editor, they often assume the job entails exclusively commas and capitalization. But copy is not just that — it’s making sure stories sing the way their writers intended, ensuring the accuracy and ethics of claims, maintaining a consistent style that keeps The Pitt News polished and much more. It’s a job I love, and one I’m proud to have done for the past two years. Next time you’re reading a story and wondering who decided that North Side should be capitalized and spaced out that way throughout all our publications, think of us behind the scenes!
When I’m not combing through TPN’s sentences, you can find me in my politics and philosophy classes, watering my plants or reading a good book.
It’s normal to feel like a small fish in the ocean that is the University of Pittsburgh. For many of us, this is the first experience going to school outside our hometown, and we just don’t know what to expect. We take comfort in blending in, going with the flow and taking things as is, because change is scary. We move
in groups with our newly found friends, gaining confidence to meet even more new people — a common sight during orientation week. We fear missing out on experiences so we take on every opportunity available even if we don’t enjoy it.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with following the crowd. Everyone should take their time to settle into the college lifestyle even if it means staying within their comfort zones for a few
weeks. Following this, it’s crucial to acknowledge the beauty and opportunities that college life offers. There’s independence in decision making, action and thought. There is freedom in pursuing hobbies, relationships and ideologies. There’s space for personal growth and a platform to make change. These may sound like lofty ideals that belong on the front page of college admission posters, but I have a personal method that many
may find helpful.
Ask the right questions at the right time to the right people. College campuses are saturated with experts and professionals. There is always someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about a field that you may be interested in learning more about. It’s nerve-wracking to craft the perfect cold email to a professor or faculty member, and probably even harder to approach them in person after classes. It’s important to recognize that these experts have dedicated years of their lives to their specialty and would most likely be enthusiastic to share about their passions with you. Even if they don’t know the answer to your question, or if you don’t know what question to ask them, they would know where to direct you to find out more. Breaking out of your comfort zone is a huge barrier to overcome in college which I personally found to be a turning point in my college experience.
Question the status quo even if it seems to be working. College systems are never perfect, and with the sheer size of Pitt’s ecosystem, there are many places where students may fall through the cracks. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for the diverse population of students that attend Pitt, so it is essential to voice your concerns. This can apply to housing assignments, meal plans, class scheduling, disability services and even financial aid.
In college, it’s important to stand up for what you need and believe in. This can be as simple as having a conversation with someone in a position of authority. I used to fear that if I asked for special permission or provisions, I’d be told the age old fallacy “If I do this for you, I’ll have to do it for everyone.” I’ve since learnt why this doesn’t have to be the case. Not everyone has the same circumstances and requests as you do because we are all inherently born in an unequal society. To make college a more equitable and inclusive space, your concerns ought to be heard and a solution can always be found.
Question your own decisions — don’t let yourself function on autopilot. We are filled with options in college. The average adult makes 35,000 active decisions every day — I posit we make many more as college students given the rise in responsibilities we have. It’s important to make all those decisions with some thought
behind them, as opposed to going with the flow. Our decisions include who we interact with, what we choose to eat, how much we choose to sleep, how attentive we want to be in class, how far ahead we want to plan our future and the list goes on for ages. Questioning these decisions and having a mental conversation with yourself goes a long way in making sense of what we want and what we need to do to attain it.
I practice this form of introspection regularly to take account of how my week is going and to identify my needs and wants that I can fulfill later on. It’s much more effective than copying a friend’s college plan, simply because there is much more independence in those decisions. When every decision of your day is tailored to benefit you, your mind clears up to face the other challenges of college and growing up.
It's also crucial to remember that asking questions isn't just about gaining knowledge or challenging systems — it's also about seeking support when you need it. College is often an incredibly stressful and challenging time, and it's important to recognize when you need help — whether that's academic support, mental health resources, or just a listening ear. It is incredibly difficult to admit
that you're struggling and to ask for help, but it's one of the most important questions you can ask. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your college community is there to support you, and it's okay to lean on them when you need to.
There’s so much to learn in college. I find that the best way to learn it all is to first figure out how to ask questions. Often, a question that doesn’t yield an answer will lead you down a path of discovery, where you may encounter more questions and different answers than you might have been seeking. Asking is the first and most crucial step in everything college related. It builds a resilience of not taking no for an answer and finding alternative solutions to every problem thrown at you.
I believe that just because someone says they can’t do anything about a situation, it doesn’t mean nothing can be done. This has gotten me through half of my undergraduate experience, and as I hone this skill, I’m sure it’ll get me through the many more years of education I have ahead of me.
Harsh Hiwase writes about ethics and healthcare. Write to him at hah143@pitt. edu.
Jobs:
