Elsie as a Trailblazer
A name carries weight, it holds history, identity, and the beginning of a person’s story. In the Pittsburgh region, the name “Elsie Hilliard Hillman” is synonymous with philanthropy, political influence and purposeful leadership.
Throughout her life and commitment to civic work, Elsie Hillman exemplified Dwight D. Eisenhower’s motto, Suaviter in modo, fortiter in re (Pleasantly in manner, powerfully in deed). Her belief in serving others led to a life committed to encouraging others to lead with purpose and civically participate in their community. Elsie did not sit back while various issues affected the area. Instead, she became a catalyst for change to improve the lives of many.
In all Elsie did, she fought for all people. Her impact spans across a variety of issues and crossed typical political party lines. She worked tirelessly advocating for women’s rights, bringing diversity to the Republican Party, and emphasizing exclusivity in times of rampant political polarization. Elsie also felt that any person regardless of one’s political, social, or economic means, individuals of all stripes can be a change agent.
Much can be taken from the life of Elsie Hilliard Hillman. She left a lifetime of lessons for students and the Pittsburgh community to take hold of and apply to their lives and work. One of the greatest lessons we can take from Elsie is to “never be a spectator” but to go make a difference in the lives of those around you. Elsie’s life and legacy continue to inspire and empower students to be empowered to be advocates working to create positive, social change.
More About Elsie:
Elsie Hillman Archive
The University of Pittsburgh acquired Elsie’s personal papers in 2013 and they are currently housed at the Archives Service Center of the University of Pittsburgh’s Library System.
Elsie Hillman Tribute
Because of Elsie’s numerous connections to the Institute of Politics, and because of the legacy she is leaving for our region, the Institute created a tribute to share how their relationship with Elsie developed and what she has meant and continues to mean to them personally and in terms of our work going forward.
Never a Spectator
The Institute of Politics at the University of Pittsburgh has a long and rich history of creating opportunities to help regional leaders and the general public to see and understand our shared responsibility for improving the quality of the lives of those in our home region. Visit here to view the book.