Sen. Joe Pittman and Rep. Jim Struzzi Welcome Students to Harrisburg State Capitol

State Sen. Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, and State Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana, hosted a celebration at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg on May 10, 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). The event brought together students, faculty, staff, and state leaders to honor the university’s legacy and its ongoing contributions to education and research in the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1875 as the Indiana State Normal School, IUP has grown from a teacher-training institution into a doctoral research university. The milestone celebration coincides with the university’s sesquicentennial, a year-long series of events highlighting its history, achievements, and future ambitions.

During the Capitol visit, two IUP undergraduate researchers—Serena Aumick and Megan Seaman—presented their work at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol, a prestigious event that allows students to showcase their research to state decision-makers. Aumick, a pre-veterinary biology major, presented on expanding data for green spiny lizards, while Seaman, a computer science major, discussed the use of artificial intelligence in breast cancer diagnosis. Both students were selected to represent IUP among only 43 participants from 28 Pennsylvania colleges and universities.

Sen. Pittman and Rep. Struzzi, who have both introduced resolutions in the Pennsylvania legislature to honor IUP’s 150th anniversary, emphasized the university’s impact on the region and its role in fostering innovation and academic excellence. Pittman and Struzzi’s co-sponsorship memos, circulated in late 2025, reflect their commitment to recognizing IUP’s contributions and supporting its continued growth.

“Serena and Megan exemplify the very best of IUP’s commitment to undergraduate research,” said Kelly Heider, IUP’s Associate Vice Provost for Libraries and Research Support Services. “Their selection for this event highlights the strength of their scholarship and the mentorship they’ve received from our faculty. It’s inspiring to see our students engaging directly with state leaders and demonstrating how their research addresses real-world challenges.”

The Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol event provided a platform for students to present their work to legislators, including Pittman, Struzzi, and other dignitaries such as Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce representatives and officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. The event underscored the university’s role in preparing students for careers in research, public service, and innovation.

IUP’s sesquicentennial celebration, officially launched in May 2025, includes a full schedule of events commemorating the institution’s founding on May 17, 1875. The university’s evolution from a small teacher-training school to a comprehensive research university reflects its enduring commitment to student success and community engagement.

As IUP looks to the future, the 150th anniversary serves as a reminder of its historical roots and a call to action for continued excellence in education and research. The support of state leaders like Pittman and Struzzi, along with the achievements of students like Aumick and Seaman, underscores the university’s vital role in Pennsylvania’s academic and economic landscape.