Get a first look at the ETC at Pitt-Titusville’s newly renovated student union on April 24

You can see the newly renovated student union at the Education and Training Center at Pitt-Titusville (ETC) during a ribbon cutting and campaign celebration April 24, 3-5 p.m.

Take a self-guided tours of the J. Curtis McKinney II Student Union, which houses the Manufacturing Assistance Center, a makerspace, a digital arts studio, art gallery spaces, renovated classrooms and collaborative areas designed to foster innovation and learning.

“We are thrilled to unveil the newly renovated student union,” said Stephanie Fiely, ETC executive director. “This project would not have been possible without very generous donors and partners. Our collaboration illustrates our dedication to providing students with the best possible environment for their academic growth as well as our continuing commitment to regional economic development.”

The event also will highlight the donors, local businesses and foundations whose support has enabled the campus to surpass its $3 million capital campaign goal. The celebration will include remarks from ETC and University officials, including Rick Esch, president of Pitt-Titusville and Pitt-Bradford; Joseph McCarthy, provost and senior vice chancellor from the University of Pittsburgh; and Jim Broadhurst, who co-chaired the capital campaign.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will be followed by a reception with light refreshments and live entertainment. Please reach out to Michelle Therminy at 814-362-7551 or mdt28 [at] pitt.edu to RSVP by April 10.

Renovations in the student union started in the spring of 2024. The Manufacturing Assistance Center at ETC, in partnership with Pitt-Swanson's School of Engineering, has been operating off campus since the program moved to Titusville in 2021. The former racquetball courts will now be used as an on-campus manufacturing center to improve the continuing educational experience of those seeking to learn the trades.

 “Manufacturing employers in Northwestern Pennsylvania have significant concerns over the aging workforce,” Fiely said. “The Northwest PA Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the region cited workforce options for position replacement as a major issue facing manufacturing employers today. This reality highlighted an opportunity for the Education and Training Center at Pitt-Titusville to act.”

“This renovation project will enable the ETC to help build tomorrow’s workforce through regional collaborations,” Fiely said. “When school districts, higher education, manufacturing companies and students come together, we solve problems. Together, we are building family-sustainable jobs for our community members right here in our region.”

The newly renovated space also will accommodate partners’ needs and program developments. A digital lab, makerspace and art gallery will provide spaces for new collaborations between manufacturing, marketing, communications, the arts, local schools and community partners.