Commencement is just two weeks away and Pitt is getting ready. On Monday, the University announced keynote speakers for both the undergraduate and graduate graduation ceremonies.
On April 25, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will address students who have earned master’s, professional doctoral and doctoral degrees. The ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Petersen Events Center. Fitzgerald, who graduated from Central Catholic High School in Oakland and earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering with a business minor from Carnegie Mellon University, is in his second term as the county’s highest elected official.
On April 28, Dereck Hogan (A&S ’95), U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Moldova in Eastern Europe, will address the undergraduate class of 2019, starting at 1 p.m. in the Petersen Events Center. Hogan began his service as an American diplomat in 1997. He held senior leadership positions at U.S. missions overseas and domestically, most recently as deputy executive secretary of the U.S. Department of State. He was named ambassador in 2018. Hogan studied politics, philosophy and economics through the University Honors College and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor of arts in politics and philosophy.
Both of these ceremonies are for graduates from all schools on the Pittsburgh campus. Individual schools will be holding ceremonies throughout the week. Find details here. For information about commencement, click here.
Regional campuses
Pitt–Bradford: Patricia Beeson, provost emerita of Pitt, will give the address at Bradford’s commencement at 2 p.m. April 28 in the KOA Arena of the Richard E. and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center. Beeson also receive will the Presidential Medal of Distinction — Pitt-Bradford’s highest honor — from Lawrence Feick, interim president.
Pitt–Greensburg: Award-winning freelance photojournalist Justin Merriman, a 2000 graduate of Pitt–Greensburg, will present the main address at commencement at 11 a.m. April 27 on Ridilla Field (inclement weather: Chambers Hall Gymnasium).
Pitt–Johnstown: Best-selling author and science writer David Epstein will be the distinguished speaker at Pitt–Johnstown’s 46th annual commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. April 27 at the Sports Center.
Pitt–Titusville: Karen Jez, superintendent of the Titusville Area School District for nearly 13 years, will address the graduating class at Pitt–Titusville during commencement, starting at 2 p.m. April 27 in the J. Curtis McKinney Student Union.