As part of its Blue & Gold Celebration, the University of Pittsburgh at ĢƵ will host a car cruise on campus on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Alec S. Patterson Scholarship Car Cruise, presented by AJM Contracting, will offer a variety of vehicles on display, as well as raffles, prizes, food, and music.
“The car cruise is a fan favorite,” said Sheila Kudrick, constituent relationship manager who is coordinating the event. “We’re excited to bring the car cruise back and have it support the newly established Alec S. Patterson Scholarship. In fact, the car cruise will feature Alec’s cherished Lincoln—a symbol of his adventurous spirit.”
In September 2024, Alec, an education major at Pitt-ĢƵ, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 21 from a heart condition. Though his journey was tragically cut short, his influence continues through this newly established scholarship.
Alec’s parents, Shawn and Patty Patterson, initiated the scholarship at Pitt-ĢƵ, a place where Alec truly came into his own. They are also the driving force behind organizing the car cruise.
The scholarship supports students pursuing degrees in education, history, or music. Patterson’s musical talents reflected his curiosity and dedication—from playing tuba and piano to teaching himself guitar and learning to play the accordion on an instrument he and his father found at an estate sale.
The first recipient of the scholarship was Nick Malizia, a secondary education major with a minor in history who, like Alec, has a passion for history and teaching. Malizia is a graduate of the Greater Latrobe School District, where Alec was student teaching at the time of his passing. This scholarship, Malizia’s first, enabled him to continue his student teaching endeavors with confidence. Malizia went on to graduate from Pitt-ĢƵ in May 2026 and is working locally as a substitute teacher.
The car cruise is free to the public who are visiting to view the vehicles on display. For vehicle exhibitors, there is a $10 registration fee, and all pre-registered vehicles are guaranteed a dash plaque. The top three fan favorites will receive a gas card. Additional information is available at .
The car cruise is just one of many activities happening at Pitt-ĢƵ on Oct. 3. The public is invited to visit campus for the new Blue & Gold Makers Market, where artisans and crafters will offer their creations for sale; the Art Show @ Pitt-ĢƵ featuring 128 pieces of artwork from local artists; the Blue & Gold Festival; and Bobcat softball and soccer competitions—all part of the Blue & Gold Celebration.