Bringing a 1,000-foot-tall pendulum to Pitt-Greensburg: Q&A with Caitlin Cruser

As the 2023-2024 spring semester draws to a close, you may have noticed the ceaseless motion of time swinging your mortal consciousness back and forth through the cycle of seasons. One student here in Pitt-Greensburg has a singular mission: to put in place a visual monument of this unending parabola as a gift to her graduating class.

Caitlin Cruser is a fourth-year creative and professional writing major and a Lead Community Assistant stationed in Robertshaw Hall.

Q: You, Cruser, have been the driving force behind installing a giant pendulum on campus for the graduating class of 2024. Pendulums have been the hearth of other prestigious institutions such as the University of Copenhagen, the University of Heidelberg, the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and the spooky house from the live-action “Scooby Doo.” So, what inspired you to take on this monumental project?

A: Ever since I found out what a pendulum was, about three weeks ago, I just knew that Pitt-Greensburg couldn’t be without one for any longer.

Q: What went into the design choices behind the pendulum? And, if you have authorization, would you give us a sneak-peek into what it might look like?

A: When I was designing it, my only thought was, “How big can this be?” And when I told that to the engineer, he said, “How big do you want it to be?” And I said, “Big enough.” I put the order in before I realized the Pendulum was something other than a big book, so it is just going to be a ginormous literary magazine. I tried to do some last minute changes, but the paper was already printed.

Q: What did the pendulum budget look like, and how are the funds sourced?

A: Little known fact, it’s pretty tough to get funds on campus, especially for the writing program, so this is actually completely funded by me. I scraped together some quarters and took out a $100,000 loan with my bank. I said it was for educational purposes — I’m sure I’ll make it back in tourist fees. SGA did graciously offer to pay for the plaque, which was $25.

Q: How have your peers reacted to the pendulum launch?

A: I’ve heard everything from, “Oh” to “Why are you doing that?” So I feel like the public response is going to be really positive. Curiosity is super important in projects like this, so I think we’re really going to capitalize on that.

Q: Other sources, including Bruiser the Bobcat himself, have claimed that the pendulum will either replace the Bobcat Statue, or that it will be stationed at the entrance of the Millstein Library, needing to be dodged in order to pass through. How would you like to address these claims?

A: Frankly, I think Bruiser is kind of talking out of his butt there. What’s really going to happen is — I’m not even sure I can say this, but they’re demolishing the Courts and replacing it with the pendulum.

Q: What are your hopes for the functionality of the giant pendulum? Would you describe your intentions as more Delores Umbridge, more Leon Foucault (inventor of the Foucault pendulum demonstrating the Earth’s rotation), or something else?

A: I was hoping it would be a spot where SAB would hand out candles when they do giveaways. You know, everyone says, “Meet me at the Bobcat.” You know, “We have a giveaway at the Bobcat.” They could say, “Free candles at the pendulum.” Maybe a place students go when the weather reaches 50 degrees, take their socks off. Hopefully it gets haunted sometime, that would be big for it. If maybe people could start some rumors — that would draw up attendance.

The pendulum unveiling will occur on Saturday, April 27, directly after the second graduation. At that time all students currently residing in the courts will be asked to vacate the premises for demolition.
If you’re interested in attending the unveiling, keep track of the April activities calendar or look for updates on Engage.