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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.On April 28, the Class of 2024 joined the ranks of University of Pittsburgh alumni as they crossed the stage to collect their diplomas.
Alison Linares Mendoza, who earned her degree in industrial engineering on Sunday, served as undergraduate speaker for the ceremony. “If there’s one feeling I’m sure we all share, it would be appreciation,” said Linares Mendoza, who will move to Colorado after graduation to work on NASA’s Artemis V mission. “Thank you to the University of Pittsburgh, and all those who came before us, for making this place feel like we belong.”
The University conferred an honorary degree upon John Surma, former CEO of United States Steel Corporation and Pitt Board of Trustees member, for his contributions to Pitt and the community. The business leader also delivered an address to the graduates on collaboration and Pitt’s impact in the region.
After the last piece of confetti fell and the last “Let’s go, Pitt” rang out from the Petersen Events Center, the graduates headed into the warm spring day to celebrate with their peers, family and friends.
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![A group of graduates poses with their diplomas](/sites/default/files/styles/image_media_callout/public/2024-04/20240428_jw_pitt_commencement_0320_gallery.jpg?h=4c6af902&itok=wSjA1Jot)
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![A graduate receives her diploma from a faculty member](/sites/default/files/styles/image_media_callout/public/2024-04/20240428_ao_undergrad_commencement_dsc_9096_gallery.jpg?h=4c6af902&itok=CW-Mg26g)
![Graduates celebrate as confetti falls](/sites/default/files/styles/image_media_callout/public/2024-04/20240428_ao_undergrad_commencement_dsc_0700_gallery.jpg?h=4c6af902&itok=OUCSBRWu)
![Two graduates hug in the Petersen Events Center](/sites/default/files/styles/image_media_callout/public/2024-04/20240428_jw_pitt_commencement_0240.jpg?h=2a00edbe&itok=V-wJvN--)
![A graduate holds their diploma aloft as they exit the stage](/sites/default/files/styles/image_media_callout/public/2024-04/20240428_ao_undergrad_commencement_dsc_0355_gallery.jpg?h=4c6af902&itok=rVExueoE)
![The back of a family taking a picture, with their graduate in the center](/sites/default/files/styles/image_media_callout/public/2024-04/20240428_ao_undergrad_commencement_dsc_0766_gallery.jpg?h=4c6af902&itok=659CxsRZ)
![Two graduates raise held hands as they walk down a blue hallway](/sites/default/files/styles/image_media_callout/public/2024-04/20240428_jw_pitt_commencement_0125_gallery.jpg?h=4c6af902&itok=7huMsxQp)