Happy First-Generation Students Day! Every year Chatham welcomes a brand-new class of trailblazing first-generation students and this year is no different—90 new first-gen students joined Chatham’s ranks this fall. In honor of this special day, we’re counting down some of our best recommendations for both current and prospective first-gen students.

Wondering how you can do your part to make Chatham’s campus a safer space for everyone? Join Dean of Students, Chris Purcell on Thursday, November 3rd for a Dean’s Hour centered around the It’s On Us Campaign, a national initiative that asks everyone to do their part to help prevent sexual assault on college campuses.

After a year off, Chatham’s mocktail tradition is back for its 44th year! We spoke with this year’s organizers, Ryan Tahbaz ‘22 and Michaela Delauter ‘24 of the Chatham Activities Board to learn more about the plans for this year’s event.

After growing up in Haiti, Jean Wilner Augustin opted to pursue Chatham’s Master of Healthcare Informatics with the goal of better serving those in need. According to Jean, “Helping people has always been my dream; I am always looking for the best way to do that.”

It’s no secret—Chatham’s Shadyside campus is famously haunted. 🙀 And just in time for Halloween weekend part 1, we’re counting down some of the spookiest and spirit-laden spots on campus. From well-known ghouls to unsolved mysteries, the ‘college on the hill’ has got ‘em all.

There is a new class taking flight at Chatham’s Eden Hall campus this semester, that is full of fun, feathers, kayaking, and more— Ornithology! We spoke with the course instructors, Dr. Steven Latta the Director of Conservation and Field Research at The National Aviary, and Robert S. Mulhivill, the National Aviary’s Ornithologist to learn more about this unique course.

As a Chatham undergraduate, Kayla Mento discovered the intersection of art and psychotherapy—what she calls her “a ha moment.” Now, as an adjunct Chatham professor and professional art therapist, Kayla is teaching Chatham’s first-ever art therapy course. We caught up with Kayla to learn more about how we can us art to heal and practice self care.

Meet Chris Purcell, the new Interim Dean of Students. A kickball player, Pittsburgh transplant, and advocate for equity and inclusion within student affairs, he is working hard to make an impact during his time at Chatham. Learn more about him in our latest Community Profile.

Although Chatham Choir’s fall Cabaret will be held virtually this year, it is sure to deliver the same amount of fun and delight that it has been producing for the past 39 years. Learn more about what to expect from this year’s show from Stacey Brett Davern, director of choral activities.

Chatham’s newest student organization, the Chatham chapter for the Society of Ecological Restoration, speaks for the trees! Learn more about how this club uses power tools and community to help restore native species to our Eden Hall campus.

Even the best Mondays can be a bit of a drag. If you’re looking for a burst of serotonin or a delicious snack, stop by the Carriage House for Marvelous Mondays! On each Monday (and one Wednesday) this term, the Office of Student Engagement will be offering a different fun fall activity. Check out our round-up here!

McKenna DiRienzo ‘23 is the Publicity Editor for The Minor Bird, a student worker in the Office of Marketing and Communications, and just started a job as the Community Relations Intern for the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. Read on to learn about her multiple titles and plans for the future in this for-students, by-students feature!