Walk or run, this busy spot on the University of Pittsburgh campus has a new name

So, will it be Gallagher Walk or Gallagher Run?

University of Pittsburgh trustees Friday renamed a spot in the heart of campus for departing Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, saying it reflected a transformational project during his nine-year tenure, and something else about him.

The plaza and walkway that were chosen wrap around two sides of the William Pitt Union, connecting pedestrians with the Cathedral of Learning through a crossing on Bigelow Boulevard.

A block of Bigelow between Fifth and Forbes avenues was rebuilt to more safely handle pedestrian, car and bicycle flow through the congested stretch.

“You and I have talked often about how much you enjoy engaging with Pitt students,” board Chairman Douglas Browning told Gallagher during Friday’s board meeting. “I happen to know that you also enjoy walking. Many of us have seen you walking to work, sticking out in the crowd of students heading to class.”

Browning said the plaza and walkway are bustling with foot traffic and added, “This area will now be known officially as Gallagher Walk — unless, of course — you’re a student who is late for class. Then it will probably become Gallagher Run.”

Gallagher, who is leaving next month and will teach on campus, thanked the trustees and the wider community during his last presentation to the full board.

“It has been the honor of my career to have enjoyed your trust, your understanding and your support,” he said. “And to the Pitt community, I would simply say we are here because of you, and we could not be what we are — this amazing university — without you.”

Also Friday, Browning was reelected to serve another one-year term as board chair.