THE PURPOSE OF THIS WEBSITE

This site was created to connect and reconnect with Alumni and Friends (Faculty, Staff, Parents, and other Supporters)  of Allderdice High School. To join the Alumni and Friends of Allderdice (AFA), please register by completing your profile, following the instructions under the "Join our website" tab in the upper menu.

Our site is private, and all contact information that is entered is kept confidential, unless you choose to share it with other members.   Please click on the  JOIN OUR WEBSITE  tab  at the top of the page to learn how to register, and review the   Frequently Asked Questions  (FAQs)  from the menu on the left  for additional information about this website.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Allderdice in the News

Gene Kelly Award Nominations for Spring Musical, 9 to 5!

• Congratulations for Allderdice's recognition in three categories: Outstanding Student Orchestra, Outstanding Vocal Ensemble, and Outstanding Lighting Design. The Gene Kelly Award Ceremony is on Saturday, May 24. (https://www.pittsburghclo.org/education/gene-kelly-awards/2025-gka-nominees).

Allderdice Boys' and Girls' Track Teams win City Championships!

• https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/highschool/2025/05/10/city-league-track-finals-pittsburgh-track-field-allderdice/stories/202505100012

Allderdice Baseball Coach is a New York Times Best Selling Author!

• https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/allderdice-baseball-coach-john-miller-new-york-times-best-sellers-list/
• https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2025/04/09/allderdice-baseball-coach-john-miller-author-book/stories/202504070082

Peter Longini ("Honorary Allderdice '67") discusses class reunions in the Post Gazette (1/19/2025)

• https://www.post-gazette.com/life/goodness/2025/01/18/high-school-reunions-peter-longini/stories/202501180001

Remembering and Honoring

Mr. William A.G. Fisher

(June 22, 1924- April 13, 2025)

                      1971-72 School year                     1990-91 School year

Allderdice Principal (1971-1991)

2011 Hall of Fame Honoree

With sadness and gratitude, we join the many communities who are paying tribute to our former principal.  As they become available, we will post official memorials under Mr. Fisher's 100th birthday photo (below), along with photos from his career at Allderdice.  

We begin with images from his first year at Allderdice (1971-72):

Here are photos from Mr. Fisher's 2nd year at Allderdice (1972-73):

Mr. Fisher's 3rd year at Allderdice (1973-74):

Mr. Fisher on his 100th birthday, with birthday greetings from the Allderdice community

Official Memorials:

Pittwire: 

https://www.pittwire.pitt.edu/features-articles/2025/04/14/bill-fisher-obituary

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity:

https://www.facebook.com/apa1906network/posts/alpha-phi-alpha-mourns-the-loss-of-brother-william-ag-fisherbrother-william-ag-f/1066126805548326/

Pitt African American Council:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/aaacnational/posts/10170837542245134/

New Pittsburgh Courier:

https://newpittsburghcourier.com/2025/05/02/remembering-william-a-g-fisher-beloved-first-black-principal-at-allderdice-passes-at-100/

Our 2025 Hall of Fame Honorees!

Honorees seated in the front row (from left to right):

Ronald Roth, MD (1974), an expert in prehospital care, was among the first U.S. emergency physicians certified in the subspecialty of emergency medical services (EMS) and is Professor Emeritus of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  He has served as Medical Director of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety and the Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center, working to assure that the Pittsburgh area benefits from best practices in EMS.

Mary Beth Kaufman, JD (1988), an expert in immigration law, is Owner and Principal Attorney of the Law Offices of Stanton & Kaufman. She has advocated for human rights in the US and abroad for more than 30 years, including working with the UN Verification Mission’s “Truth Commission” in Guatemala, supporting civil cases in US courts against Salvadoran officials for war crimes in El Salvador, and leading initiatives to assure representation to detained asylum seekers in Northern California.

Mark B. Orringer, MD (1960), a thoracic surgery pioneer and leader who developed two esophageal operations to improve outcomes for esophageal cancer and severe reflux disease, is Professor Emeritus of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Michigan. Dedicated to the education of medical students and thoracic surgery residents, he was a strong proponent of, and contributed to, the development of a national thoracic surgery curriculum and implemented innovative tools in residency training. 

Jonathan A. Rapping, JD, MPA (1984), a criminal justice expert and recipient of the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant, is the Director of the Criminal Justice Certificate Program at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School and co-founder of Gideon’s Promise.  This nonprofit organization aims to transform the criminal justice system by training, mentoring, and providing leadership development to public defenders in under-resourced jurisdictions and has supported over 1000 participants in over 30 states. 

Rich Lesser, MBA (1980), a business executive who was CEO of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) from 2013-2021, during which BCG’s revenue grew 3-fold, is Global Chair of BCG and Chief Advisor to the World Economic Forum’s Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders. An impactful industry leader, he has served previously on the Board of Directors for the US Business Roundtable and was appointed by two US Presidents to senior advisory boards on business policy and international trade.

Class of 1995's 30-year Reunion!

The Class of 1995's 30-year reunion is scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025 beginning at 7:00PM. For more details please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1005126278757?aff=oddtdtcreator

Class of 2015: 10-year reunion weekend!

Attention class of 2015, your 10-year class reunion weekend is scheduled for Friday, August 1 - Sunday, August 3, 2025!  Time to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate a decade since your days at Allderdice! 

Friday evening is the Welcome Reception Bar Crawl; Saturday evening is the highlight of the celebration--The Reunion Gala; and Sunday afternoon is the All-class Reunion Picnic.  For more details, please  check the  "Upcoming reunions" option in the "Reunions" menu option above. 

The Planning Committee Co-Chairs ask that you join the Facebook group (Allderdice class of 2015 | 10 year reunion) as well as register your alumni profile on this Alumni and Friends of Allderdice website. Please email http://dicereunion2015@gmail.com if you have any questions or if you would like to join the planning committee!

Class of 1980: Planning for 45th Reunion Underway!

Plans are underway for your 45th reunion to be held Saturday, August 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh.

Please send an email to 1980diceclassreunion2025@gmail.com with your current email address so that you can receive updates!  Your classmates are looking forward to reconnecting with everyone!

Allderdice in the News

Allderice featured in KDKA's "In Your Neighborhood":

https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/video/in-your-neighborhood-pittsburgh-allderdice-high-school/

Coach Rudy Nesbitt featured in the Post Gazette:

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hsother/2024/12/18/high-school-wrestling-notebook-jake-conroy/stories/202412180028

Allderdice and Allderdice students recognized by the College Board:

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1733761277/pghschoolsorg/cpvv0bhfyyjjilmy3sxr/NewsRelease-PPSCelebratesAcademicHonors1.pdf

Seeking Allderdice Reunion Organizers!

If you are, or have been part of an Allderdice reunion committee, please consider sharing your experiences, suggestions, and questions with one another! Lee Ohringer (Class of 1959) will help to facilitate the conversations online via Groups.io so that reunion committees can learn about reunion planning successes and challenges.  If you are interested in joining this group, please provide your name, email address, and graduating class to: allderdice1927@gmail.com

Please share this invitation with all members of the reunion planning committee of your class.

Class of 1975's 50th Reunion: Save the Date!

The 50th reunion will be on June 21, 2025.  To receive more information or to help with the planning, please email: jdstein2714@gmail.com.

Our 2024 Hall of Fame Honorees!

Honorees seated in the front row (from left to right):

Aleta (Williams) Richards, DBA, MBA  (1983) is an executive whose leadership has been recognized internationally.  She has guided key components of the corporate enterprise for Bayer and Covestro.

Robert A. Weinberg, PhD (1960) is a biomedical researcher who studies the origins of cancer.  His groundbreaking research includes the discovery of the first human oncogene.

Stewart O'Nan, MFA (1979) is a best-selling author of more than 20 books.  His award-winning works span multiple genres, feature Pittsburgh as a setting, and have been adapted to film.

Craig Sable, MD (1981) is a pediatric cardiologist with expertise in rheumatic heart disease.  His international work includes establishing lifesaving capacities in developing nations.

Susie Spodek, on behalf of her father, Howard Spodek, PhD (1959), who was a renowned global history scholar with expertise in South Asia and will be honored posthumously.  He authored The World's History, a textbook used worldwide at the university level. 

2023 Hall of Fame Honorees!

(2023 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: May 4, 2023)

We proudly announce our 2023 Hall of Fame Honorees

Marvin Fein, JD, LLM (1956) is an attorney whose 60-year career includes being a founding member and Director of the Pennsylvania Environmental Strike Force, the first cohort of lawyers to enforce environmental laws in the state. As Deputy City Solicitor in the 1980s, he is credited by the sports media with helping to prevent the Pittsburgh Pirates from relocating.

Coach Edward Flynn (Teaching Faculty 1973-2012; Coaching 1981-) is marking his 42nd consecutive year at Allderdice, teaching biology for 31 years and continuing his winning tradition of coaching sports teams to championships. The current cross country and track teams benefit from his guidance, adopting healthy habits, enjoying team camaraderie, and persevering for their “PRs” in life.

Julieanne Himelstein, JD (1974)  is a former Assistant United States Attorney whose career at the U.S. Attorney's Office at the District of Columbia included more than 100 jury trials involving rape, sex exploitation and trafficking of children, public corruption, and terrorism. She was the co-lead prosecutor in the trial against one of the leaders of the attack on the U.S. Mission in Benghazi, Libya.

Ronald Rabinowitz, MD (1960), Professor and Chief of Pediatric Urology at the University of Rochester and Historian for the American Urological Association, is an internationally renowned expert in pediatric urology and urologic history and education.  He is dedicated to treating congenital urologic problems, research, teaching, and organizational leadership in pediatric urology and the history of urology. 

Rosanne Skirble, MA (1966) is a bilingual journalist, environmental activist, teacher and philanthropist whose 36-year career with the Voice of America (VOA) included reporting in English and Spanish on breaking science, health, and environmental news. Her achievements at VOA included hosting its premier science program and establishing its first environment beat to cover national and international climate issues.

The induction ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 in the Allderdice auditorium from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.  The media release is available at:

/000/9/4/6/33649/userfiles/file/2023HOFMediaRelease(revised_final).pdf

Please join us to celebrate our honorees!

2021 Nobel  Laureate Reflects on his time at Allderdice

Joshua P. Angrist, PhD (Allderdice '77), Nobel Prize winner in Economics, describes his high school days in this online Post Gazette article:

https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/10/18/Joshua-Angrist-Nobel-Prize-in-economics-Pittsburgh-Allderdice-High-School-grad-Shadyside-Squirrel-Hill/stories/202110150064

Allderdice Alumnus Receives 2021 Nobel Prize in Economics 

Joshua Angrist, PhD (Allderdice Class of 1977) is one of three recipients of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Economics!  News reports include:  Trilbune-Review (https://triblive.com/local/family-celebrates-nobel-prize-winner-from-pittsburgh/), MIT News (https://news.mit.edu/2021/mit-economist-joshua-angrist-shares-nobel-prize-1011), and Pittsburgh Post Gazette (https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/10/11/Joshua-Angrist-Nobel-Prize-for-economics-Pitt-MIT-natural-experiments-econometrics/stories/202110110109).  Congratulations Dr. Angrist!

Announcing 2020 Hall of Fame Honorees!

The AFA proudly announces these 2020 Hall of Fame Honorees: 

Ellis D. Avner, MD (1966), Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics and Physiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, was a renowned pediatric kidney specialist with expertise in polycystic kidney disease (PKD) who had earned teaching and research honors.  He retired in 2015 from directing the Multidisciplinary Program for Childhood PKD at the Children’s Hospital and Health System of Wisconsin.

Michele Brourman (1964) is an award-winning composer, performer, producer, and musical director. Her songs, which include the classic "My Favorite Year,” have been recorded by Reba McIntyre, Michael Feinstein, Dame Cleo Laine, Olivia Newton-John, Jean Smart, and Dixie Carter.  Her work has been featured in television, theater productions, and in 20 animated features for children.

Judith (Loftin) Davenport, DMD, MPH (1957) is a retired dentist, businesswoman, and civic leader.  She and her husband founded the Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation, which became one of the largest African American-owned broadcasting companies. She served on boards, including The Heinz Endowments and The Corporation for Public Broadcasting and has been recognized for her philanthropy.

Nathaniel Philbrick, MA (1974) is an award-winning author, sailor, and Nantucket historian.  His New York Times bestseller In the Heart of the Sea won the National Book Award in 2000 and was the basis of the 2015 film directed by Ron Howard.  He has published seven additional bestsellers including Mayflower, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in history, and Valiant Ambition, winner of the George Washington Prize. 

William Rubenstein, JD (1978) a Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, is an expert in civil rights advocacy and complex litigation.  He worked for the American Civil Liberties Union’s National LGBT and AIDS Projects, litigating complex civil rights cases, including the landmark case in which New York’s highest court became the first in the country to recognize a gay couple as a legal family. 

Allderdice Spiritwear Sale

Is it time for some new Allderdice gear? The Allderdice PTO is selling spiritwear (zip-up hoodies, t-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, drawstring bags) online: https://allderdice-pto.square.site/  Purchases can be picked up at the school or mailed to you. Profits from spiritwear sales will fund the PTO's efforts to support school activities.  

Dr. Frances Arnold Visits Allderdice

On Monday, May 13, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Frances Arnold (Class of '74) visited Allderdice before delivering the opening keynote address at Pittsburgh's annual Life Sciences week, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Innovation District.  While at Allderdice, Dr. Arnold graciously answered questions posed by students with special interests in science.  She also had the opportunity to reunite with Mr. William Fisher (Allderdice principal, 1971-1991)! More coverage is available in The Pittsburgh Post Gazette article written by Gary Rotstein (Class of '76) and accompanying videos: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/05/13/Frances-Arnold-Allderdice-graduate-Nobel-Prize-students-Life-Sciences-Week/stories/201905130103   

2019 Hall of Fame Honorees Announced

The AFA proudly announces this year's inductees:

Patrick Ball, PhD (1983) - Statistician

Jeffrey Ballou, MA (1985) - Journalist

Daniel Borzutzky, MFA (1992) - Poet

Marsha Lillie-Blanton, DrPH (1971) - Public health professional

Edgar Snyder, JD (1959) - Attorney

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held at 7PM on March 28, 2019 at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School.  All are welcome!

AFA receives 501(c)(3) status!

The Board of Directors of Alumni and Friends of Allderdice Inc. (AFA) is pleased to announce that we have received our 501(c)(3) non-profit status! We are ready to collect contributions to support our mission: To facilitate relationships among alumni and friends of Allderdice and to support excellence and well-being at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School.  Donors will receive an acknowledgment letter to document their tax-exempt donation.  To make a donation, please send checks along with this form to:

Alumni and Friends of Allderdice

2409 Shady Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

For further information about donations, please review the information provided within the "Supporting the AFA" tab on the menu to the left.  Please consider an end-of-year donation to support the AFA!

WESA Series -- Dividing Lines: The Shape of Education in Pittsburgh

WESA (90.5FM), Pittsburgh's NPR news station, is featuring a series that may be of interest to AFA members called Dividing Lines: The Shape of Education in Pittsburgh: http://www.wesa.fm/programs/dividing-lines-shape-education-pittsburgh

Nobel Laureate Reflects on Her Days at Allderdice

Frances H. Arnold, PhD (1974), Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry, describes her high school days in this online Post Gazette article and video clip: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/science/2018/10/11/Nobel-winner-pittsburgh-chemistry-Allderdice-Caltech-Frances-Arnold-life/stories/201810110042?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=most-emailed-local&utm_campaign=Headlines-Newsletter

More on Dr. Arnold's childhood in Pittsburgh was published as a front page story in Sunday's Post Gazette: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/science/2018/10/16/Frances-Arnold-Nobel-Prize-chemistry-Pittsburgh-Edgewood-Allderdice-Caltech-enzyme-research/stories/201810130004

Allderdice Alumna Receives 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry 

Frances Arnold, PhD (Class of 1974) is one of three recipients of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry!  News reports include:  NPR (https://www.npr.org/2018/10/03/653915709/nobel-prize-in-chemistry-honors-the-power-of-evolution) and CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/03/europe/nobel-chemistry-prize-2018-intl/index.html).  Congratulations Dr. Arnold!

2018 Hall of Fame Honorees Announced

The AFA proudly announces this year's inductees: