Pittman, Struzzi Celebrate IUP’s 150th Anniversary in Harrisburg

May 8, 2026

HARRISBURG –State Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) and State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) welcomed students, faculty and staff to the State Capitol in Harrisburg this week to celebrate Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s (IUP) 150th anniversary. The IUP delegation spent time with Pittman and Struzzi in both the Senate and House chambers and were recognized by both during official session.  

“It is a distinct honor to represent the Indiana University of Pennsylvania here in the state Senate, and to recognize everything the institution has stood for over the last 150 years, and what it will stand for in the years ahead,” Pittman said. “IUP is indeed the flagship of the PA State System of Higher Education. With the College of Osteopathic Medicine being established, IUP will indeed be a tremendous asset to the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as we work to address rural healthcare needs.” 

“IUP is not just special in Indiana County, but an asset for the Commonwealth, which is why I thought it was important to mark this milestone in Harrisburg,” Struzzi said.  “From its humble beginnings in 1875 as the ‘Indiana Normal School’ to its current name bestowed in 1965, IUP has a proud past and a bright future. The university continues to be a leader among its peers in the PA State System of Higher Education with the planned College of Osteopathic Medicine.”    

“We were able to receive a citation from the governor, the Senate, and from the House of Representatives Wednesday, recognizing IUP’s 150th anniversary,” IUP President Michael Driscoll said. “We were there with our students, who were in the gallery and were on the floor getting photos taken, and the students were able to spend time with our elected officials and learn about how government works. It was very, very rewarding and wonderful to see both chambers giving us rounds of applause in recognition of IUP and our contributions to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It was a wonderful day, and I was especially pleased with the experience our students had.”

“The trip to Harrisburg was both educational and truly inspiring,” said IUP graduate student Thomas Oraskovich. “Seeing firsthand how our state government functions within the Senate and House chambers was a transformative experience. Having the opportunity to connect with elected state officials and witness the 150th IUP proclamation was an incredible honor. It was a memorable experience that further inspired me to pursue a future career in state or local government.”

Various photos from the trip to Harrisburg are included below.  

Pictured: Sen. Joe Pittman (front row, center); IUP President Michael Driscoll; Kamden Boyle; Thomas Orsakovich; Alexandria Zuccolotto; Abigail Lukehart; Cassidy Kibler; Ashley Apple; Juliana Vega-Abreu; Iya Nealy; Isaiah Oluwe; Kyasia Ruff; Isaiah Perdue; Ryan Rankin; Jennifer DeAngelo; Dr. Chris Koren, director of strategic partnerships; and Mike Staub in the Pennsylvania Senate chamber.

Pictured: Rep. Jim Struzzi (center); IUP President Michael Driscoll; Kamden Boyle; Thomas Orsakovich; Alexandria Zuccolotto; Abigail Lukehart; Cassidy Kibler; Ashley Apple; Juliana Vega-Abreu; Iya Nealy; Isaiah Oluwe; Kyasia Ruff; Isaiah Perdue; Ryan Rankin; Jennifer DeAngelo; Dr. Chris Koren, director of strategic partnerships; and Mike Staub in the Pennsylvania House chamber.

Pictured: Rep. Jim Struzzi meets IUP students in the House chamber.

Pictured: Sen. Joe Pittman answers questions from IUP students in the Senate chamber.