Rick Shrum attended Pitt-Greensburg for one year before transferring to the Oakland campus from which he graduated in 1975 with a BA in English writing.
What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?
After one year at CCAC, I decided to attend Pitt because my parents resided in New Stanton, I opted to commute to nearby Pitt-Greensburg before transferring to main campus.
Were you a commuter or a resident?
Commuter
What activities were you involved with as a student?
None. I had a part-time job and a full academic load. Besides, there weren’t many - or any - options beyond basketball. I was a decent player, but not good enough for the varsity team.
Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?
Two English instructors, Dr. Donald Reilly and Larry Whatule. Both inspired me to write well and diligently check facts, which helped put me on a track to be an award-winning newspaper reporter.
Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who taught the class? Why would you recommend it?
Mass Media. It may not be part of the curriculum now. Larry Whatule taught the class. He was an excellent instructor. It was a favorite class because I was interested in a career in communications and wanted to know how things transpired.
What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?
The school was fairly new, and we had few classroom buildings. One was on North Main St. in downtown Greensburg. The professors were good, and I forged some longtime friendships.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I have been a journalist for 47 years, and even though I have cut back to being a freelancer, I still have it. I am a Golden Quills finalist. I also am a father of three and grandfather of one.
How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?
I had great professors, forged great friendships, learned how to interact with professionals in my intended field, and gained a lot of self-confidence.
As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?
I have not been supportive in recent years because of family and professional obligations. That will change, especially now that I have more free time. I am a new member of the PGAA Board of Directors.
What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
Work hard, be honest, and always be at your best.
For fun:
What is the last book you read? Amity and Prosperity
List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.
- I used to play for three slo-pitch softball teams at one time;
- I covered Pitt’s national championship football team in 1976;
- I may have attended the same elementary school at the same time as Alice Cooper.