2 Pitt people earned a History Makers Award

The Heinz History Center will recognize one current and one former University of Pittsburgh faculty member at its annual History Makers Award Dinner. The ceremony, now in its 30th year, honors individuals in Western Pennsylvania who have profoundly contributed to the region’s innovative history and collective heritage.

James Adovasio, who chaired Pitt’s Department of Anthropology from 1973 to 1990, will receive an award for his advancements in archaeology. His 1973 excavation of Meadowcroft Rockshelter in Avella, Pennsylvania, uncovered evidence that the site was the oldest site of human habitation in North America. Adovasio is now director of archaeology for the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.

Loren Roth, distinguished professor emeritus in Pitt’s Department of Psychiatry, will be recognized for contributions to the field of health care. During Roth’s 44-year career in the School of Medicine, his research focused on informed consent, patient dangerousness, confidentiality and ethics in research. He was also the sole psychiatrist to participate in the first human rights discussion between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Adovasio and Roth will receive their awards at the history center’s June 8 awards dinner.