“I want you to go to college and become a teacher because if you marry a steelworker and he goes on strike you’ll have a job to help support your family!” These words were spoken to me in 1959 by my late father, Andrew Suveges Jr., as I was preparing to graduate from Leechburg High School. There was never any question that my parents, especially my father, who was employed at the West Leechburg Allegheny Ludlum plant, wanted my brother and me to go to college.

Despite the fact that my grandfather, Andrew Sr., was also employed at Allegheny Ludlum, money was scarce in Dad’s family, especially during the Great Depression when he was growing up. He had to quit school in the eighth grade and go to work at “the mill.” This lost opportunity to finish high school had a significant impact on my father, and he placed a high priority on our education.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Slippery Rock State Teachers College (now University) in 1963. While teaching in the New-Kensington Arnold School District, I earned my master’s degree in 1968 at Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania).

In 2001 I retired from teaching, and even though I enjoyed spending time with our family, there was still that “tug” in my heart that I needed to do more to fulfill my dad’s dream. Taking a leap of faith, at age 65, I applied for admission to the doctoral program at IUP. Five years and nine grandchildren later, I received my doctorate of education degree in May 2010.

Knowing that I have exceeded my father’s expectations is of great satisfaction to me. My dad, like my grandfather before him, was a loyal and proud employee of Allegheny Ludlum. Furthermore, it was because of their labor and sweat that they were able to provide better lives for their families.

My story is just one of many untold stories that indicate how powerful a company like Allegheny Ludlum (now Allegheny Technologies Inc.) is to the communities of the Alle-Kiski Valley and its effects on the generations of its employees.

That is why I find it regrettable that ATI’s decision to transport three of the stainless steel cars to Indiana, to be sold at an auction over Labor Day weekend. It seems to me that the bottom line is, as always, dollars and cents. I hope the remaining 1967 Lincoln will remain at Harrison and will be showcased at many community events

In a perfect world, ATI’s stainless steel cars would be returned to their “home” in Harrison — but, of course, this is not a perfect world. Even though my dad’s dream for me has been realized, the reality of the situation is that come September, ATI’s stainless steel cars will be sold and the company will move forward.

Recognition must be given to Todd Barbiaux for his gallant efforts to keep the cars here in the Alle-Kiski Valley. Also a “silver lining” to my story is that since 2018, Todd and Steelworkers Local 1196 have generously donated to Project SEED. Project SEED, Something to Eat Every Day, helps fight childhood hunger in the New Kensington-Arnold School District where I taught for 35 years. This year again, Todd and the steelworkers have “stepped up to the plate” and donated the proceeds of their T-shirt sale commemorating the stainless steel cars produced by Allegheny Ludlum to Project SEED.

ATI may take our stainless steel cars away, but they will never take away the grit, determination, fortitude and generosity of the generations of the employees who work there. Here’s to you, Dad!

Mary Lou (Suveges) Bitar lives in Arnold.

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