Welcome to the edge of Pittsburgh proper and the university on the “bluff.” I have worked at this university for 18 years and know many people who have spent a lifetime in Pittsburgh and have never visited here. Now’s your chance – come solve the Bluff-ing puzzle and learn some interesting facts about the university in the process.
The coordinates listed are for the main parking garage on Forbes Avenue – it is the most convenient, but expensive. Other options are meters along Forbes Avenue and parking near Mercy Hospital. You can either walk up the hill to main campus or take the Forbes Avenue Elevator (across from Starbucks) up to Level 8…or take the elevator next door to Starbucks on Forbes Avenue to Level 5 and proceed across the skywalk. Visit the following places on campus to create the final coordinates.
Gumberg Library: What used to be an old parking deck was transformed into the current-day library. It has a tremendous number of holdings and is known internationally for the Silverman Phenomenology Center housing an amazing array of books and artifacts. In front of the Gumberg Library near the street is a bronze statue of a boy laying down with his dog reading a book. The statue is signed and numbered. B = the number of this art piece out of 10.
Victory Garden: This is a small garden that accents the many other beautiful areas of campus. It is located between Canevin Hall and the Law School. It actually serves as a memorial to all those faculty, staff, and alumni that served in WWII. A = the last digit of the year the garden was created.
Scary Jesus: Affectionately referred to as “Scary Jesus” on campus and often was used to give directions to visitors and new students. In 2015 the bronze statue was cleaned and refurbished. It’s an interesting sculpture and maybe you’ll understand why it’s called this after you see it. To find it, turn 180 degrees from the Victory Garden and walk towards Duquesne's newest sculpture - the Duquesne Ring. You will see Jesus on your right. When you find the date that Jesus was donated by the Women's Guild C = the third digit of the date.
Fountain: The front of the student union where the flagpoles are located has a student lounge with large glass windows – often referred to by students as “The Fishbowl” since everyone passing by looks in at the “fish” studying for exams. A second Starbucks is also conveniently situated across from “the fishbowl.” At the back of the Union on the "Academic Walk" side of the building is a multi-tiered fountain. While at the fountain, look around and you will find the Duquesne Crest that lists the year the university was founded. D = the final digit of that year. (You can actually find this in many places on campus)
You should now have the information necessary to complete final coordinates:
Final Coordinates: N 40 26.1AB W 79 59.CBD
The final coordinates are at one of the campus’ best kept little secrets. Even people who have worked, lived, or studied here for years sometimes don’t know about this area. Enjoy the peace and beauty of this gem tucked away at the corner of campus as well as the interesting view of the city.
The cache is small, so please bring your own pen.
There is room for very small trades and trackables.
Coordinates for an on-campus discoverable can also be found in the cache.
The following areas are not part of solving the puzzle, but may be of interest to you:
Laval House: This house is the last remaining row house that used to line academic walk. Imagine these houses lining both sides of academic walk and you’ll have a sense of what Pittsburgh was like on what was known as Boyd’s Hill in the early 1900’s. Laval House is located between the Student Union and Canevin Hall.
Old Main: The first building on campus that now houses admissions and administrative offices. It was built in 1884 for $150,000. The attached chapel was built around 1894 to replace the one originally on the 5th Floor of the main building. Can't miss it - look for the steeple.
Canevin Hall: This was the first building (separate from Old Main) that housed classes on campus. Above the middle entrance on academic walk was the first public use of the University Coat of Arms.
Arthur J. Rooney Athletic Field: Named for the founder of the Pittsburgh Steeler’s and Duquesne Alumnus – the field used to be the site for off-season practice by the Steeler’s. Each year a large dome was placed in late fall through early spring to allow for Steeler practices – this was given up a number of years ago when the Steeler’s moved to a new practice field near near Southside Works – plus the dome was starting to fall apart.
Other stuff: The tallest buildings on campus are the living learning centers (aka dorms). Most are at the opposite end of campus, along with the A.J. Palumbo Events Center. Across Forbes Avenue is the newest addition to campus – the Power Center – named for William Patrick Power – the first university president. It houses a ballroom that overlooks the city and a state-of-the-art workout center free to students and employees.
Please place final cache back as discovered or better. It has been replaced once, so please hide it well.
If you are not familiar with campus and want some help, click this link: Campus Map
This cache is placed with permission of the university.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JeepPrincess and Wxgirl_23 (in flip flops!) for FTF!!!
...also congrats to Penny's Pack - hot on the trail!