University Graduates 6,000 at Its Five Campuses

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher welcomed graduating members of the Class of 2015, faculty, trustees, alumni, staff, and invited guests, families, and friends to Pitt’s 2015 Commencement Convocation on April 26 in the Petersen Events Center.

Pitt conferred approximately 6,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees this year at its five campuses. Pitt-Bradford, Pitt-Greensburg, Pitt-Johnstown, and Pitt-Titusville will hold their own commencement ceremonies.

Charles F. Bolden Jr., Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), delivered the 2015 commencement address. A Hall of Fame astronaut who commanded and piloted the space shuttle, Bolden was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the 12th Administrator of NASA. In his position, he has overseen the safe transition from 30 years of space shuttle missions to a new era of exploration focused on full utilization of the International Space Station and space and aeronautics technology development.

At the ceremony, the degree of Doctor of Public Service Honoris Causa was conferred upon Bolden by Chancellor Gallagher, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson, Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences Arthur S. Levine, and Board of Trustees Chair Stephen R. Tritch.

Chief University Marshal Michael B. Spring opened the ceremony leading a procession of members of the graduating class, faculty, staff, the Council of Deans, trustees, and administrative officers in full academic regalia. Spring is an associate professor of information sciences and president of the University Senate at Pitt. The University Symphonic Band, under the direction of Bradley G. Townsend, provided music for the ceremony.

After the commencement address and the awarding of diplomas—presented by Chancellor Gallagher, Provost Beeson, and the deans of the schools and colleges—Audrey-Marie H. Winn spoke on behalf of the graduating class. Winn received a bachelor’s degree in Chinese, philosophy, and English writing from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Yang Song, who received a PhD in economics, addressed attendees on behalf of the graduate students. Following student remarks, S. Jeffrey Kondis (ENGR’77, BUS ’82G), president of the Pitt Alumni Association, welcomed the graduates as Pitt’s newest alumni.