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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.Graduate and professional schools at the University of Pittsburgh hold individual recognition ceremonies throughout April and May. Many of the ceremonies are intended for specific audiences — for more information on attending, guest tickets, regalia and more, visit commencement.pitt.edu.
This story will be updated as speaker details for some schools are finalized.
Here are this year’s celebrations, listed in chronological order.
Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
When: Thursday, April 27, at 11 a.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Field House
Speaker: Mark Pastin (A&S ’70), chair and president of the Council of Ethical Organizations, will speak at this ceremony for graduate-level candidates. Find Dietrich School celebrations by department.
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
When: Thursday, April 27, at 1 p.m.
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
Speaker: Sundaa Bridgett-Jones (GSPIA ’95), vice president for the Americas and chief partnerships officer at The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
School of Pharmacy
When: Friday, April 28, at 11 a.m.
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
Speaker: The graduating student speakers at this ceremony will include Ryan Kasper, class of 2023 president, and Jessica Kosanovich.
Swanson School of Engineering
The Swanson School holds a graduation ceremony for each of its six departments as well as for its graduate-level candidates. Visit commencement.pitt.edu for more information.
Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business
When: Friday, April 28, at 2 p.m.
Where: David Lawrence Convention Center
Speaker: Moussa Coulibaly (KGSB ’94), vice president of omni-channel pricing for Dick’s Sporting Goods
School of Nursing
When: Friday, April 28, at 3 p.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Speaker: Maribeth McLaughlin, chief nurse executive at UPMC
School of Education
When: Thursday, April 27, at 6 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Field House
Speaker: Wayne Walters, superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
When: Saturday, April 29, at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
Speakers: Al Condeluci (SOC WK ’75G, EDUC ’84G), former CEO of the disability agency Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) and an expert on human services and community issues, will speak at the morning ceremony. Virginia Montanez, author of the forthcoming novel “Nothing. Everything.” and longtime humor writer, will speak at the afternoon ceremony.
School of Public Health
When: Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m.
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Speaker: Chris Elias, president of the global development division of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will give the address. He will also receive an honorary degree at the ceremony.
School of Computing and Information
When: Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m.
Where: David Lawrence Hall, Room 121
Speaker: Denise Callihan (SCI ’92G), manager of the R&D Library Shared Services team at PPG
School of Social Work
When: Sunday, April 30, at 5 p.m.
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
Speaker: Kyaien Conner (SOC WK ’04G, ’08G), incoming director of Pitt’s Center on Race and Social Problems
School of Law
When: Friday, May 5, at 11 a.m.
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
Speaker: The Honorable Mark R. Hornak (LAW ’81), chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
School of Dental Medicine
When: Saturday, May 20, at 1 p.m.
Where: Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts
Speakers: The ceremony will feature faculty and student speakers, including Interim Dean Marnie Oakley, senior dental class president Zenas Zhuang, dental hygiene class president Skylar Rey Spencer and valedictorians from each program.
School of Medicine
When: Sunday, May 21, at 11 a.m.
Where: Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
Speaker: Victor Dzau is the inaugural president of the National Academy of Medicine, chancellor emeritus of Duke University and former CEO of the Duke Health System. He will also receive an honorary degree at the ceremony.