The Legacy of Pitt’s InterCultural House Continues with New Initiative

n the late 1960s, Pitt students found a new opportunity to bridge cultural divides and foster unity. The InterCultural House, home to 20 male undergraduates — half White, half Black — became a hub for interracial dialogue and understanding.  

Though the house’s physical presence ended in 2015, its powerful mission endures. Today, thanks to a $300,000 grant from the InterCultural House Fund, the spirit of the house thrives through the “Leading Inclusive Organizations” initiative. The goal is to continue providing opportunities for Pitt students to engage in intercultural dialogue and learning. 

Creating Community in Business 

Paul T. Harper, associate dean for inclusion, engagement, and international affairs at Pitt Business, will lead the efforts to equip undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students with the skills business leaders need to foster inclusive organizational cultures. 

The leadership initiative grew from Harper’s experience teaching the “Race & Business Ethics” course. Harper, who received the University’s 2021 Provost Award for Diversity in Curriculum, designed the course to create a community of trust for difficult conversations about business and society. 

“The InterCultural House is excited to be working with Dr. Harper and Pitt Business on this timely project that adheres to our mission to foster empathy and intercultural competence within our future leaders,” says Carlton Scott, executive director of the InterCultural House and associate director of advising in Pitt’s Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

Leading Inclusive Organizations 

“Through innovative learning experiences and community engagement, we aim to redefine leadership in the modern business landscape,” Harper says. “This initiative will be a rigorous course of study completed both inside and outside the Pitt Business classroom to overcome the barriers that can impede collegiality and community within business organizations.” 

The new initiative’s overall objectives include the development of relationship-oriented leaders and effective organizational cultures. The grant will fund scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in the initiative. Additional funding will be used for experienced-based learning, including internships and other activities outside the classroom; faculty research; and support of faculty and staff to design and run the efforts.