W&J Graduate Sworn in as Mayor of Pittsburgh    

WASHINGTON, PA (September 2, 2006)—Luke Ravenstahl, a 2003 Washington & Jefferson College graduate and the youngest person ever elected to Pittsburgh City Council, is now the youngest mayor in the city’s history.

Ravenstahl, 26, (pictured right with his framed W&J jersey in his council office) sworn in as mayor late last evening following the death of Bob O’Connor, graduated with honors from W&J with a degree in business administration. He was the starting W&J placekicker for three years, and still holds the school record for career field goals made and most consecutive extra points. He was team captain as a senior.

Elected first ward councilman at the age of 23 on May 20, 2003, Ravenstahl took office in January of 2004 and was elected to complete the remaining term of former council president Gene Ricciardi in December of 2005. In January, he was unanimously elected to a two-year term.

 “It is obviously a difficult time for the city of Pittsburgh and our region, and we at Washington & Jefferson College offer our sympathy to Mayor O’Connor’s family, friends and administration,” said W&J president Tori Haring-Smith. “We are deeply saddened by the mayor’s death and wish Luke the best as he steps in, under these most difficult circumstances, to lead the city of Pittsburgh into the future.”

About Washington & Jefferson College

Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a national liberal arts college founded in 1781.  Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional liberal arts curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent student work.

For more information about W&J, visit www.washjeff.edu, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.

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