GOVERNOR MARIO CUOMO TO SPEAK AT PITT Event Marks School of Social Work 60th Anniversary

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 23 -- Three-term New York Governor Mario Cuomo will speak at the University of Pittsburgh Friday, Oct. 8th at 2 p.m. in David Lawrence Hall, 3942 Forbes Ave., Oakland. The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must have a ticket to gain entrance to the Hall.

Tickets are available at no charge by calling Yolande Campbell at 412-624-8502.

The public is strongly advised to obtain tickets in advance.

A 15-minute media availability with Governor Cuomo will take place Friday, Oct. 8 from 1:45 - 2 p.m. in Room 271 of Hillman Library, adjacent to David Lawrence Hall. A mult box will be available at the keynote address; cameras will only be permitted for the first 5 minutes of Cuomo's speech.

Cuomo's keynote address kicks off a celebratory weekend marking the 60th anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work (SSW), and will be related to the theme "The Changing Faces of the World: Defining the Role of the New Social Worker."

Cuomo is regarded as one of our country's foremost political speakers. Thrust into the national spotlight early in his career with his eloquent keynote address at the 1984 Democratic Convention, Cuomo twice has been considered a viable candidate for President.

He served as New York's governor for three terms, from 1986 to 1994. While in office, he balanced 12 consecutive budgets, created more than half a million jobs and guided the state through two national recessions. Governor Cuomo launched the largest economic development initiative in New York history, created the country's most extensive drug treatment network and the largest program of housing assistance for the homeless. He also launched America's first real alternative to welfare and a nationally recognized plan for AIDS prevention and treatment. Since leaving public office, Cuomo has returned to practice law as a partner in the firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher. He also hosts a weekly national radio talk show.

Pitt's SSW 60th Anniversary Celebration Weekend will also include a presentation of the school, roundtable discussions, informal sessions and an anniversary dinner, at which special guests, alumni and former faculty will be recognized.

Pitt's SSW is one of the oldest schools of its type in the country. Its three degree programs, the BASW, MSW and Ph.D., are nationally ranked and recognized for excellence in teaching, research and service. The SSW alumni are helping to combat homelessness, hunger, mental illness, poverty and myriad other social and human problems in all parts of the world.

A photo of Cuomo, additional biographical information, or additional information on the SSW 60th Anniversary Weekend is available by contacting Sharon Blake at 412-624-4364.

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