Pitt Alumnus, 9/11 Commission Report Author To Speak at Pitt Monday, Sept. 13

PITTSBURGH—The long-awaited report on the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11—the seminal event of this generation—has generated new discussion and debate over the United States' preparedness for another such attack. To keep the local population informed, the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Pittsburgh will host a free public lecture titled "The 9/11 Commission Report: The Future of Intelligence," featuring GSPIA alumnus and 9/11 Commission report staff member Mark Bittinger at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the Pittsburgh Athletic Association, 4215 Fifth Ave., Oakland.

A native of Harrisburg, Pa., Bittinger graduated from Drew University in 1988 with a baccalaureate degree in political science and earned the Master of Public and International Affairs degree at GSPIA in 1993.

Bittinger served for 15 months as a professional staff member with the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (The 9/11 Commission). In that role, he investigated and examined the facts and causes relating to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 occurring at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset County, Pa. He assisted in writing the report to the President, Congress, and the American people regarding the commission's findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures that can be taken to prevent or mitigate future acts of terrorism. Bittinger is now working as a senior analyst with the MITRE Corporation in McLean, Va.

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