Each December, the University celebrates the holiday season by sending a greeting card. This year—in the spirit of the Year of Creativity—the Office of the Chancellor asked students, faculty, staff and alumni to send original artwork and photos for potential inclusion on the card.

The University community responded with more than 60 submissions. The winning design was a photo of the Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room decked out for the holidays. Staff member Chris Keys took the photo; Keys serves as the assistant building and dock manager for Biomedical Science Tower 3.

“To me, the Cathedral transforms into a warm and magical place that provides many photo opportunities to capture the spirit of the holidays,” said Keys when explaining why he chose the Commons Room as the subject for his photo. “My wife and I enjoy bringing our granddaughters to visit the Cathedral and touring the Nationality Rooms during this season.”

Keys said he was introduced to photography by his junior high school teacher. “I was amazed by the concept of capturing a moment in time and preserving an emotion or a feeling that a photograph can bring to someone.”

He said that he didn’t think that most of his co-workers would be surprised that he submitted a photo for the friendly competition, as they know he has a background in photography—and many of them have served as subjects for his work. “I am proud to work with an amazing group of people who are very supportive and excited that my photo was chosen for the holiday greeting card,” said Keys.

Visit the chancellor’s office website to view more submissions that showcase Pitt during the holiday season.