University of Pittsburgh to Hold 2015 Commencement on April 26

PITTSBURGH—University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher will welcome graduating members of the Class of 2015, faculty, trustees, alumni, staff, and invited guests, families, and friends attending Pitt's 2015 Commencement Convocation at 1 p.m. April 26 in the Petersen Events Center, 3719 Terrace St., Oakland. 

Doors will open at 11 a.m. Backpacks, packages, or oversized purses will not be permitted. Attendees are requested to leave these items behind because on-site storage will not be available. Attendees are also advised to arrive early to allow time to pass through security.

In all, Pitt will confer 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), will deliver 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 will be 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 will open 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, will provide 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 will speak on behalf of the graduating class. Winn is receiving a bachelor's degree in Chinese, philosophy, and English writing from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. Yang Song, who is receiving a PhD in economics, will address attendees on behalf of the graduate students. Following student remarks, S. Jeffrey Kondis (ENGR’77, BUS ’82G), president of the Pitt Alumni Association, will welcome the graduates as Pitt's newest alumni.

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