Joe Pitts ’61

Before his retirement in 2017, Asbury University alumnus Joe Pitts ‘61 served 20 years as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 16th Congressional district. During his long tenure, Pitts faithfully represented his constituents and sought to be a light for Christ, working tirelessly for human rights and religious freedom around the world.

Honoring his legacy, Asbury’s new Joe Pitts Center for Public Affairs will equip a new generation of students to engage with politics faithfully, intelligently and charitably through a range of academic resources and initiatives.

“Our world needs more Christ-like leaders, and Asbury University students are well-prepared to live up to that calling,” Pitts said. “It is my hope that the Joe Pitts Center for Public Affairs will encourage students to engage in public service with excellence and integrity.”

Scheduled to open in spring of 2018, the Pitts Center provides an opportunity to expand Asbury’s civic engagement, equipping students to lead at local and national levels.  The resources offered by the Pitts Center – especially a repository of Pitts’ congressional papers, indexed and made accessible for student research use – will further bolster Asbury’s academic programs in Political Science. The center will be housed in a living replica of Pitts’ Washington office, including signed letters, memorabilia, awards and original art created by Pitts.

“Congressman Joe Pitts and his wife, Ginny, have faithfully served their God, family and country for the past six decades,” said Asbury University President (2007-19) Sandra C. Gray. “The new Joe Pitts Center for Public Affairs is a tribute to the impact and influence of their service. The Center will be a catalyst for expanded public and global engagement for our campus community.

“Throughout his career, he exemplified the Christian model of integrating faith with service. We thank God for Asburians who are committed to public service.”