Mike Funyak updates us on Business Week 2015. Check out the full story here.

With Business Week quickly approaching, Robert Morris University and the School of Business are busy finalizing plans for the second annual event.  Last year's inaugural event was themed, “Setting Sail: Charting Your Own Course,” but this year’s...

When future Hockey Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange joined the Pittsburgh Penguins organization in 1975, it seemed as if the team had found instant success. Beginning in the mid 1970s, the club became known for having some of the top players in...

The Robert Morris women’s hockey team took on Penn State in a weekend series at the 84 Lumber Arena Friday and Saturday night. The club fell 5-0 in the contest on Friday night.  Coming into the home series, the Colonials had gone 8-0-0 against the...

After rumors circulated about a possible city relocation or that the company was eying the former Civic Arena site, U.S. Steel, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and the City of Pittsburgh have confirmed U.S. Steel will remain in Pittsburgh. The announcement...

On November 12, General Electric (NYSE: GE) announced plans to build a new advanced manufacturing facility in nearby Findlay Township. Construction for the facility, which will cost $32 million, is set to begin in March 2015 and will be completed in...

Koppers Holding Inc., headquartered in Downtown Pittsburgh, announced on Friday November 1 that the company has appointed Leroy Ball, President and CEO January 1, 2015 succeeding current President and CEO Walt Turner. Walt Turner was elected President...

Renowned television writer, producer, host, narrator, and creator of the classic science fiction show, The Twilight Zone, Rod Serling once said he only wanted to be remembered as a writer. Before his death in 1975, Serling became known as a creative genius...

From 1963 to 1983, Channel 11 in Pittsburgh, then WIIC, aired a Saturday night program entitled “Chiller Theater.” Hosted by Billy Cardille, known as “Chilly Billy,” the show became so popular in the Pittsburgh market that it kept NBC’s Saturday...

The Robert Morris softball team is seeking donations for a new nonprofit organization, No Roof Knapsacks.  Founded by senior softball player Sam Santillo and her mother, the nonprofit organization takes old or new backpacks and fills them with non-perishable...

September 14, 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of The Beatles only performance in Pittsburgh. On September 14, 1964, The Beatles performed at the now gone Civic Arena to an audience of 12,603. There are many interesting stories about when The Beatles...

On September 6, the Senator John Heinz History Center, located on the edge of Pittsburgh’s Strip District, opened its newest long-term exhibit showcasing the legacy of Henry John Heinz and the Heinz Company. Throughout the new display, history...

This edition of ‘Round about Pittsburgh takes us away from the city of Pittsburgh and highlights two suburban towns. Our first stop is the town of New Castle. Once a major player in America’s railroad and industrial history, New Castle is still...

Koppers Holding Inc., most commonly known as Koppers, recently completed a $494 million acquisition of the wood preservation and railroad services business of Osmose Holdings, Inc. PNC Financial Services, another business headquartered in Pittsburgh...

From 1919 to 1932, Beaver County resident Harry Traver was the world’s largest producer of amusement park rides. According to Richard Munch who wrote a book on Traver entitled Harry G. Traver: Legend of Terror, the Traver Engineering Company, located...

Located in what is considered Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood is The Frick Art & Historical Center. The property is the home to Henry Clay Frick’s former estate and consists of Clayton (the Frick mansion), the Frick Art Museum, the Car...

The American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) officially dedicated the Thunderbolt roller coaster at Kennywood an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark on July 27. ACE previously named the Jack Rabbit and Racer as a Coaster Landmark in 2010. Kennywood is now the only...

It has been 50 years since the Beatles performed at the former Civic Arena.  For many Beatle or Paul McCartney fans, it was feared Sir Paul would never return to Pittsburgh, until 2010 when he played two concerts to open the then new Consol Energy Center. Pittsburgh...

Since 1887, the Pittsburgh Pirates have called the city of Pittsburgh home.  With any sports franchise that has a celebrated history and tradition, numerous feats were most likely accomplished over the years.  With the recent passing of Pirate legend...

Too much surprise, islands exist within western Pennsylvania.  These islands exist within the three rivers that Pittsburgh is known for.  The most popular island is Neville Island, which is located west of Pittsburgh in the middle of the Ohio River. ...

Although summer is not for a while for most schools and colleges, Pittsburgh’s famed Kennywood Park is hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2014 summer season.  Although the local amusement park may not be introducing a new ride or attraction, that...

Just prior to the start of the 20th century, brothers Erwin and Edward Vettel began working on projects for Pittsburgher T.M. Harton.  Harton who owned the T.M. Harton Company designed and built various attractions including Figure Eights (early roller...

It has been ten years since the Walt Disney Company purchased the Muppets from the Jim Henson Company.  And with Disney celebrating a ten-year anniversary of owning the Muppets, it is only fitting that the Muppets are wanted by a new generation. Muppets...

On February 27 and 28, Pittsburgh based H.J. Heinz Company announced the closure of two plants in Europe and the selling and closure of a factory in Canada. Since becoming a private company, Heinz has taken steps in becoming a more efficient, sustainable,...

The Henson name is well known in Hollywood but sometimes not known to people on the outside.  In the late 1950s, Jim Henson and his soon to be wife Jane started performing puppetry on a show they created entitled ‘Sam and Friends.’  It was on this...

Robert Morris University and the School of Business is proud to announce the hosting of the inaugural Business Week running through Feb. 24-27, 2014.  The week is designed to help students prepare for their future careers in business.  Many events and...

Five years after the death of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson (The Day the Music Died), and not even a full year after the assassination of President John Kennedy, four British gentleman would change the mood of the...

The year was 1967, the term psychedelic had become common and music was evolving once again.  The year also brought what is now known as ‘The Summer of Love’ in California. The psychedelic genre began in 1966 and in 1967, the music went mainstream. ...

Giant Eagle, a Pittsburgh based and regional grocery store announced last week of plans to expand into the Indianapolis market. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Giant Eagle has signed an agreement to build and open a Market District grocery...

According to local news sources the new American Airlines, which recently merged with U.S. Airlines has decided to close the local Moon Township flight operation center.  According to various news sources, the closure and eventual move of the center...

In a city that used to be dominated by football, Pittsburgh has finally become a hockey town.  The city has been home to a National Hockey League (NHL) team since 1967. The Pittsburgh Penguins joined the NHL with the California Seals, Los Angeles...

Pittsburgh has been the home of a National Hockey League (NHL) team since 1967.  The Pittsburgh Penguins joined the NHL with the California Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues in 1967 as an expansion...

“Saving Mr. Banks,” released in December 2013 tells the untold story of the making Walt Disney Pictures classic, Mary Poppins.  Staring Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks, the film focuses around the controversy between author P.L. Travers and Walt Disney...

The Christmas and Holiday Season in Pittsburgh is unique just like numerous other cities and towns.  It is a season when the city of Pittsburgh and numerous destinations seem to capture magic that is the air. Below is a short list and description...

Pittsburgh is known as the Golden Triangle because of the land the city sits on.  It is at the famous ‘Point’ where travelers coming out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel see the signature fountain, the city skyline, and two rivers that meet to form one. The...

You may call it the John Jay Gym, but the correct name is actually the Gus Krop Gym. Today, the gym is utilized for RMU intramural sports and other events but years ago; the gym was the site of numerous basketball games and RMU victories under the guidance...

Love him or hate him, Andrew Carnegie was a pioneer who help shaped the modern day United States. The Carnegie family immigrated to Pittsburgh from Scotland in 1848.  At a young age Andrew Carnegie was a worker who searched for the best but also the...

The Beatles have released a new album with previously unreleased tracks. The newly released album is entitled "On Air – Live at the BBC Volume 2." The tracks consist of songs and dialogue The Beatles recorded at England’s BBC from 1963- 1965. In...

Two weeks ago, RMU announced the expansion of a specialized nursing program with the help and partnership of Heritage Valley Health System and a federal grant of $923,000. The three year grant, worth close to $1 million, will enable RMU to expand its...

The name Westinghouse is known worldwide.  Founder of 60 different companies, George Westinghouse, was an entrepreneur who became a pioneer in the manufacturing and technology field starting in the 1800s. The name Westinghouse is still around, but...

In 1968, Carneige Mellon University graduate George Romero, along with two friends John Russo and Russell Streiner, put Pittsburgh on the map as the setting for a soon to be cult classic film Night of the Living Dead. “Up through 1967, zombies were...

SAM (Society of the Advancement of Management) is a fairly new organization to the campus of Robert Morris.  Although the organization is relatively new, the country and college-wide organization has been in existence since 1912.  The Society of the...

In an effort to save costs, U.S. Steel Corp. announced early last week the closure of the company’s Hamilton Works in Hamilton, Ontario by the end of the year.  The company will be shutting down the iron and steelmaking operations at the mill.  The...

Founded in 1886, the D.L. Clark Company would soon become a staple in Pittsburgh.  Founded by entrepreneur David L. Clark, the company flourished into a successful candy business. Starting in 1917, the infamous ‘Clark’ was introduced.  The ‘Clark’...

The current 2013 Fall Semester is a milestone for Robert Morris University.  What is now the main 230-acre campus for RMU opened fifty years ago this fall.  Prior to 1963, RMU had changed its name from Robert Morris School of Business to Robert Morris...

Originally released in 1969, “Then Play On” was Fleetwood Mac’s third studio album and their debut with what would become a long relationship with the label Warner/Reprise. The album marked a change in the band; founder Peter Green would depart...

The number 21 has a few different meanings for Pittsburgh Pirate fans.  The number may represent how many years it took the team to clinch their next first winning season and playoff birth and win, or it may represent a man.  The man that represents...

On September 23, 2013, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett and PPG Industries announced a major move that will add more then 300 jobs to the Pittsburgh region.  PPG Industries will be establishing its North American Architectural Coatings headquarters...

Pittsburgh was once a city that boosted an empire of all sorts of businesses.  The Mellon Family, who in their own rights started an empire, established some of these businesses. After numerous successful business ventures the Mellon Family decided...

Remastered for your listening pleasure and released in May 2013, Wings 1976 live album ‘Wings Over America.’ Wings formed in 1971 by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine after the members of The Beatles went their separate ways. The album was released...

As we recently changed our calendars to September, United States Steel Corporation introduced a new Chief Executive Officer or CEO.  The company announced in August that current CEO John P. Surma, would retire at the end of the calendar year.  Surma...

Founded in 1869 by Thomas Mellon and his two sons Andrew and Richard, Mellon Bank and the Mellon name became a Pittsburgh institution.  First known as T. Mellon & Sons’ Bank, the first bank was located on Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh. At...

‘Changes Lives,’ is the slogan of local public broadcasting channel WQED Pittsburgh.  WQED was the nation’s first, yes first community supported television station.  WQED was founded in 1954 and first aired on April 1, of that year.  The station...

Warren Buffett, who is considered one of the most influential and successful investors (in the world), has decided to purchase more stake in Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon). Pittsburgh Business Times reported back in May, Buffett’s...

Many people are probably not familiar with the name Frederick Ingersoll, but might know the name Six Flags.  Pittsburgh native, Frederick Ingersoll was the first man who created the first chain of amusement parks, entitled Luna Park. At the turn of...

Located outside the city of Pittsburgh in Washington County is a museum that has preserved a unique experience for 50 years.  The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum states a visit is “More than a ride…it’s an Experience!” After a recent trip to the...

Although not located in Pittsburgh, a historic structure outside of the area is celebrating an important birthday.  Celebrating 75 years this summer is the Conneaut Lake Park Blue Streak.  The roller coaster opened at near by Conneaut Lake Park in the...

Local amusement park Kennywood has been a Pittsburgh tradition since 1898.  Originally started as a destination point for streetcar riders on the weekends, Kennywood was started by the Monongahela Street Railway Company.  Andrew Mellon, the majority...

Changes to EQT Corporation business operations will go into effect later this year.  EQT Corporation and People’s Natural Gas announced on December 20, 2012, an agreement had been reached for People’s Natural Gas to purchase EQT subsidiary Equitable...

Even with most of the steel industry gone, Pittsburgh is still known as the Steel City.  When people think Pittsburgh & steel, they might think of the Steelers or steel workers.  People may also think of Pittsburgher Andrew Carnegie, who revolutionized...

Pennsylvania Governor, Tom Corbett, his administration, and Amtrak have reached a deal to keep daily Pittsburgh to Harrisburg passenger train service. Daily passenger train service from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg was in jeopardy due to state maintaining...

This is a special for ‘Round about Pittsburgh.  Every city has interesting history and facts, and without a doubt, Pittsburgh is one of these cities.  The following information is a list compiled of interesting facts about Pittsburgh history.   The...

Westinghouse Electric Company announced on March 11, 2013; the completion of the first concrete pour at their AP1000 nuclear facility under construction in South Carolina. The next day Westinghouse announced the company signed an agreement with The...

Harold Betters or as some Pittsburghers call him, Mr. Trombone is one of many jazz musicians to have grown up in the Pittsburgh region.  Originally from Connellsville, Pennsylvania Harold Betters quickly became a Pittsburgh Legend among the city’s...

A former High School in the Pittsburgh Public School District has been sold.  Built in 1916 in North Oakland, Schenely High School was named after Pittsburgh philanthropist Mary Schenley, who donated the land the school, was built on. Edward Stotz...

Horne’s and Kaufmann’s department stores that once graced downtown Pittsburgh for over 100 years might be gone but will always be remembered.  Both department stores had numerous locations around the city but remained headquartered in Pittsburgh...

Known for the legendary Skyscraper ice cream cones, Klondikes, and Chipped Ham, the name Isaly’s was once well known throughout Ohio and western Pennsylvania.  With headquarters in Youngstown Ohio and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, Islay’s was the first...

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc, better known as PNC, announced February 14, 2013 current President William Demchak, will succeed current chief executive officer (CEO) James Rohr effective April 23, 2013. James Rohr will step down as chief executive...

Alcoa, a Pittsburgh institution, is celebrating 125 years in 2013.  On October 1, 1888, Alcoa was first incorporated as the Pittsburgh Reduction Company.  The company was established by the technology advancements of co-founder Charles Martin Hall. The...

Surprising news came out of the H.J. Heinz Company today, as Heinz board of directors have endorsed Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capital in an agreement for the two investment groups to acquire the company for a valued $28 billion.  Under the terms of the...

When thinking ketchup, Heinz Ketchup has to be one of the first that comes to mind.  Founded by entrepreneur Henry John Heinz (H.J. Heinz) in Sharpsburg 1869, the H.J. Heinz Company has become an icon in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.  The slogan 57 Varieties...

The Beach Boys have finally won a Grammy- well, sort of.  Believe it or not, the group has never won a Grammy in a nominated category.  However, the group did win a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2001. The Beach Boys have been unsuccessful in nomination...

Public held companies headquartered in Pittsburgh How well do you know the companies based out of the Pittsburgh region?  How many publicly traded Pittsburgh based companies on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) or NASDAQ can you name or list?  The...

When class schedules for the spring semester of 2013 were released on the early morning of Oct. 22, students discovered not only who would be teaching certain classes, but also that class times have changed. For the last three semesters, Robert Morris...

On a cold, rainy Saturday, Oct. 6 morning, a small and historical presentation occurred at Idlewild & Soak Zone located in Ligonier, Pennsylvania.  Drivers who pass by Idlewild on Lincoln Highway aren’t able to see much of the park other than parking...

In the middle of dinner, this evening, students and Parkhurst employees were evacuated from Nicholson Center.  Calls to the Barry Center were sent around 5:10 PM.  Both students and employees were frustrated and confused by what was occurring. Some...

On September 14, 2012 the Vice President & Business Line Executive System of IBM, Mr. Greg Lotko was on campus, speaking to students in the new SCIS building.  IBM is a company that is dedicated strictly to technology and working with computers. ...

After working three games of hockey on March Friday 2nd 2012 for RMU Live Sport Productions, I realized for the first time, university history would be made. On Saturday March 3rd, the RMU Women’s Hockey team would be facing Mercyhurst University...

Without a doubt, baseball historians will tell you that the city of Pittsburgh has a rich history with the Pirates.  What you might not know is that Pittsburgh had two other baseball teams along with the Pirates at one point in time. Historians will...

In 1906, Theodore Harton decided he would open up his own amusement park.  Harton was already known throughout the amusement park industry because his company, the T.M Harton Company had installed many roller coasters and carousels in numerous parks. Along...

In returning to campus after winter break, students noticed changes in the Nicholson Food Court. For the 2012 spring semester, the popular Crowd Pleasers has been moved and merged with the Parkside Diner. This open spot enabled the Mexican and ethic foods...

Located in the town of Wilmerding, a large building stands proudly. The building, which was formally called the General Office Building, is now known as the George Westinghouse Castle or just 'The Castle'. The building was initially built in 1890 and...