Point Park University Establishes Founder’s Day, an Annual Celebration to Honor History, Legacy Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Pictured is Dorothy Finkelhor, who opened Point Park in 1933 with eight students and a belief in practical, hands-on learning.

Dorothy Finkelhor opened Point Park in 1933 with eight students and a belief in practical, hands-on learning. Nearly a century later, that vision lives on in a thriving university rooted in Downtown Pittsburgh and a close-knit, career-ready community.

Point Park University is celebrating its first annual Founder’s Day by honoring exceptional supporters of the school and establishing a way for alumni to donate their graduation regalia to students who may not be able to afford the appropriate attire.

Point Park’s roots go back to Feb. 6, 1933, when Dorothy C. Finkelhor established the Business Training College in Downtown Pittsburgh during the Great Depression, specifically to provide people with the professional training they would need to work in an office setting.

“Dorothy Finkelhor established the Business Training College with a belief in the importance of practical, hands-on education at a time when jobs were scarce and people were desperate,” said Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, president of Point Park University. “Point Park has continued that legacy by focusing on experiential learning and a personalized support system to ensure our students have success as professionals.”

The weekend celebration includes the establishment of the President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards. Separate from any other institutional recognition, these awards are bestowed solely at the discretion of the president. The inaugural class of six people will be honored for their significant contributions to the Point Park University community.

Pittsburgh Playhouse Presents "The Chief"

(L-R) Philip Winters and Justin Fortunato. — Professor Philip Winters stars in "The Chief," directed by alumnus Justin Fortunato.

The weekend will include the Pittsburgh Playhouse production of “The Chief,” the one-man play that brings the spirit of Pittsburgh football and the legacy of Art Rooney to the stage. Shows run from Feb. 4-8 in the Highmark Theatre and tickets can be purchased online. The Playhouse is running a special Founder’s Day ticket offer for all showings of “The Chief.” Purchase one ticket for $19.33 and you’ll get a second ticket free. Enter the promo code CHIEF1933 before selecting your show date and time.

“It’s wonderfully fitting that our Founder’s Day weekend celebrates two legendary Pittsburgh beginnings — the founding of both Point Park University and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933,” Brussalis said. “We’re delighted to bring 'The Chief' back to the stage — a timeless tribute to leadership, grit and the spirit that defines our city.”

President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards

The President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards include three different categories, with two people being honored for each one.

The Green Citation is awarded to distinguished individuals whose exemplary service to Point Park University reflects remarkable dedication and lasting impact. The inaugural honorees are Dave Duncan and Ed Haberle, both 1979 graduates of Point Park and members of the 1979 baseball team, which was inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame. Duncan, executive chairman of Duncan Financial Group, is a longtime member of the school’s Board of Trustees. Haberle, a longtime executive at Nike, also is a current member of the Board.

The Gold Citation is awarded to individuals whose outstanding professional or volunteer achievements bring distinction and honor to Point Park University. The inaugural honorees are Anne Lewis and Don Kelly. Lewis, board chair of Oxford Development Co., is a former chair of the school’s Board of Trustees and an emeritus member of the board. Kelly, manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is a 2006 graduate of Point Park and was a member of the school’s baseball team. He was inducted into Point Park’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

The Presidential Medal of Honor is Point Park’s highest tribute — a recognition of those whose vision, integrity, and lifelong devotion to excellence embody the very spirit of the institution. The inaugural honorees are Jerry McGinnis and Tom Golonski. McGinnis, who passed away in 2024, founded Respironics, a medical device company that sold the first mass-produced CPAP machines. He was chair of the Board of Trustees for Point Park during a turbulent time in the 1970s, and his leadership helped keep the school afloat. Golonski, a 1975 Point Park graduate, was CEO of National City Bank and an Independent Director at Black Box Corp. He also served as chair of the Board of Trustees and has been an influential civic leader in the region for decades.

“With these inaugural awards, we are honoring six people who have lived extraordinary lives built around highly successful careers and service to their community,” Brussalis said. “Their impact on the region brings honor and distinction to Point Park through our association with them.”

Dorothy's Commencement Closet

The Center for Civic and Community Engagement is using Founder’s Day weekend to launch the Dorothy's Commencement Closet in the spirit of Dorothy C. Finkelhor. Alumni will be given the opportunity to donate their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral regalia to support current students. The donated regalia would be loaned to students at no cost.

“Dorothy was known for quietly giving students her own coats so they could attend job interviews with confidence and dignity,” said Heather Starr Fiedler, assistant vice president and managing director of the center. “No student should be held back from opportunity because they cannot afford proper attire.”

Dorothy's Commencement Closet carries this legacy forward by ensuring all Point Park students can fully participate in commencement and academic hooding ceremonies, regardless of financial circumstances. The Commencement Closet is part of Point Park’s broader commitment to collegiate basic needs and student success. Through donated bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral regalia, students will be able to borrow what they need at no cost, removing a hidden financial barrier at one of the most meaningful moments of their academic journey.

“By removing barriers and fostering a culture of shared support, this program helps ensure that every student can be recognized, celebrated and included at one of the most meaningful moments of life,” Starr Fiedler said.

How to Donate
Donations can be dropped off at the Center of Civic and Community Engagement in the Green Building on Wood Street or mailed to:

Center for Civic and Community Engagement
Point Park University
201 Wood St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222