Press Release

PITTSBURGH—As delegates and members of the international press arrive at the Pittsburgh Summit Thursday, one of the first things they could see is a cultural video prepared by an instructor and students at the Community College of Allegheny County.

The two-hour film “Roots, Tree and Branches” is made up of dozens of short vignettes highlighting Pittsburgh’s cultural heritage and featuring connections to each nation represented in the G-20. It will be presented Thursday at the summit’s welcome center in the Regional Enterprise Tower.

CCAC Instructor Donna Perkins will present the video at the welcome center. She spearheaded production of the film, which involved several CCAC students and scores of other Pittsburghers. The video draws on trees as a unifying thematic element, with most of the vignettes incorporating some reference—overt or subtle—to the significance of trees in most cultures around the world.

Perkins said the episodic nature of the film means that whether viewers see just one scene or the whole two hours, they will be able to experience the international flavor of Pittsburgh. A copy of the DVD will be presented to each delegation attending the summit, including U.S. President Barack Obama.

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About CCAC
The Community College of Allegheny County is the largest institution of postsecondary higher education in Pennsylvania. The college serves 30,000 credit students through 170 degree and certificate programs and offers thousands of lifelong learning non-credit and workforce development courses to 35,000 students annually. Incorporating a learning-centered environment committed to the future of the region, CCAC continues to expand its reach through innovative programming and accessible instruction offered via convenient day, evening, weekend and online courses. With four campuses and six centers serving Allegheny County and surrounding communities, CCAC endeavors to fulfill its mission to provide affordable access to quality education and offer a dynamic, diverse and supportive learning environment that prepares the region’s residents for academic, professional and personal success in our changing global society.