The Monthly Newsletter for Pitt-Greensburg Alumni

Lt. Governor Austin Davis '12 (top left), PA State Rep Andrew Kuzma '18 (top right), Alumni Marshal Myron C. Jones II '98 (second row left), Harry Bowser '72, Emily Bonelli, and Carolyn Bonelli '89 (second row right), Legacy Presenters at Senior Send Off (third row), PGAA Vice President and Honor Cord presenter Huong Vo '14 (bottom left), and alumni walkers (bottom right)

Celebrating the Class of 2024: Alumni Commencement Speakers Share Advice

Commencement activities kicked off at the Senior Send Off on Friday, April 26 in Wagner Dining Hall. Families, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the graduates were in attendance. The evening included class toasts and remarks and recognition of the legacy presenters and Most Pitt Degree winners. Guests enjoyed dancing to music by DJ Khris, a wine and beer bar, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a Career Services-sponsored chocolate fountain.

Commencement ceremonies were held on April 27 in the Chambers Hall Gymnasium at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Student speakers included Lucas Wycich and Breanna Tomsey.  Alumnus and PA State Rep Andrew Kuzma '18 spoke at the morning ceremony; Alumnus and PA Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis '12 addressed the graduates and their guests during the afternoon ceremony. Both speakers empathized with the graduates as they recalled their own graduations and shared advice on how to succeed as they look to their futures. Twenty legacy presenters co-presented degrees for fifteen students. Legacy presenters included: Jeffrey Behr '90 (CGS), Andrew Koenig '17 (UPG), Amanda Filipowski '16 (UPG), Richard Nuttall '08 (UPG), John Oldfield '12 (UPG), Robert Painter '90 (ENGR), Laura Painter '92 (UPJ), Nick Romac '90 (ENGR) and '92 (MSIE), Ronald Rukavina '91 (ENGR), Michael Rukavina '18 (ENGR), Courtney Brant '17 (UPG), Lori Spahr (staff), Bryan Krinberg '18 (A&S), Albert Stefanek '82 (CGS), Michael Tarbuck '97, the late Heather Tarbuck '98 (UPG), Michael Ulyan '93 (UPG), Richard Wallace '10 (CGS), Lisa Distilo '02 (UPJ), and  Terri Petrick '79. Alumnus Nate LaSor '14 photographed the diploma presentations as well as captured candid moments throughout the day.

Prior to the ceremonies, the PGAA and Career Services gifted the graduates with a Pitt-Greensburg lapel pin and the book life after school explained. The graduates and guests also enjoyed receptions following each ceremony in the Wager Dining Hall.

Tailgate with friends before the game!

Last Call for Pitt-Greensburg at PNC Park Tickets

We still have tickets! Enjoy a pre-game tailgate and afternoon at the ballpark with Pitt-Greensburg at PNC Park on Saturday, June 8. The Pirates play the Minnesota Twins at 4:05 p.m.

It's also '80s night, and the first 20,000 fans will receive a throwback t-shirt. Seats are in Section 131 (left field) and include a $10 food and beverage credit for select vendors.

Tickets are $48/each. Ticket cost includes:

Friends and family are welcome.

And finally, congratulations to alumnus Nimish Bakshi '05 who was the winner of the Early Bird Drawing and won a free ticket.

Buy your tickets.

Dr. Jordan Boothe and PGAA President Michel Keller '96 at Honors Convocation

PGAA Outstanding Faculty Award Presented at Honors Convocation

Congratulations to the 2024 PGAA Outstanding Faculty Award recipient Dr. Jordan Boothe, Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Chemistry.

Presented at the Honors Convocation on Friday, April 12, the award was established to acknowledge excellence among the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Students nominate faculty in February, and the nominations are reviewed and voted on by the PGAA Board of Directors in March.

Dr. Boothe was recognized for his desire to see his students succeed and the enthusiasm he has for the subjects he teaches. He teaches a wide variety of courses including Chemistry for the Health-Related Professions, Biochemistry, Scientific Writing, Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Capstone and other biology and chemistry courses.

His participation with the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (PittConn) allows him to extend experiential opportunities to students. He also serves as secretary of the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh. The lead faculty advisor of Pitt-Greensburg’s Rho Theta Chapter of the Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society, he is the current lead project investigator on Pitt-Greensburg’s S-STEM grant from the National Science Foundation.

Learn more about Dr. Boothe and the past recipients.

PGAA Board Director Andy Garsteck presented senior Sydney Spino with the Student Community Service Award.

Senior Recognized with PGAA Student Community Service Award

On Tuesday, April 2, new alumna Sydney Spino was presented the 2024 Student Community Service Award by PGAA Director Andy Garsteck '74.

Sydney, a data analytics major with a Spanish minor, balanced two internships, a part-time job, 18 credit hours, and multiple service projects. A recipient of the Nancy Estrada Florez Mentoring Award, Sydney was involved with several student organizations including the Student Government Association (SGA), the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, the National Technical Honors Society, and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. And, she completed her degree in three years.  

Learn more about Sydney.

Alumni volunteers at Commit to Pitt on April 13

Alumni Volunteers Needed for Final Spring Admissions Event

Alumni can influence students to choose Pitt-Greensburg. Share your post-graduation successes and student experiences with students and help them commit to Pitt-Greensburg.

Consider joining us for this upcoming Commit to Pitt date:

The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Wagner Dining Hall. Lunch is free. These activities are typically for students who have committed or who have been accepted and haven't committed yet.

Register to volunteer.

Dr. Gregerson gave a tour of the Life Sciences Building during last year's leadership meeting.

Alumni Leadership Meeting Scheduled for June

Join the PGAA in-person or virtually for the Alumni Leadership Meeting on Friday, June 14 from 9-10 a.m. PGAA President Michel Keller '96 will present the year-in-review, and Pitt-Greensburg president Dr. Robert Gregerson will give a campus update.

Alumni are welcome to join us in-person in the Hempfield Room or online via Zoom. Online meeting details are provided at the time of registration. Registration is required for all attendees.

Graduates can follow-up with Career Services staff.

Have You Taken the Career Services Class of 2024 Survey?

Career Services staff would love to hear what your next step is!  Please take 2-3 minutes to complete a brief survey to tell them if you will be working, going on to graduate school, or taking a gap year. 

As always, Career Services is still here for you after you graduate, in case you'd like to talk more about your plans!

Stephanie (Zeiler)

Hawley, DMD '14

Alumni Spotlight: Stephanie (Zeiler) Hawley, DMD '14

Stephanie (Zeiler) Hawley, DMD graduated from Pitt-Greensburg in 2014 with a BS in biology and a minor in chemistry. Read more about her life during and after Pitt-Greensburg.

Would you like to be featured in an upcoming spotlight? Complete the alumni questionnaire.

Will your name be on the prestigious Alumnus of Distinction award?

PGAA Awards Recognize Thriving Alumni

Help us celebrate our alumni and their successes and accomplishments by nominating them for the 2024 PGAA Alumni Awards.

Self- and third-party nominations are currently being accepted for the following awards:

•Alumnus of Distinction;

•Young Alumni Leadership; and

•Volunteer Excellence.

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, July 8, 2024. The recipients will be recognized at the Alumni Awards Celebration Dinner during the Blue & Gold Celebration in September.

Learn more about the awards or nominate an alumni.

Come back to campus for the Blue & Gold Celebration this September.

Blue & Gold Celebration 2024: Affinity Groups, Reunions, and Updates

The Blue & Gold Celebration offers something for everyone.

This year's affinity groups are:

On Saturday, September 28, members of the Class of 2014 are planning to host a reunion during the festival, and the Education program will host a wine and cheese soiree as a fundraiser for Pi Lambda.

Save the dates for the following events:

Visit the Blue & Gold Celebration page for more details.

Make sure to check your e-mails for announcements and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates. 

Hotel rooms are on hold at the Hampton Inn (Greensburg) at a discounted price for Sept. 26, 27, and 28. Rooms are also available for the golf outing on Sept. 19 and 20. Discounted rates for Pitt-Greensburg will be available through Aug. 27.

Make your room reservations for the golf outing here. Or,room reservations for the Blue & Gold Celebration, can be made at this link. Reservations can also be made by calling the Hampton Inn at 724-838-8800 and mentioning either "Pitt-Greensburg Golf Outing" or "Pitt Blue & Gold Celebration."

The art show welcomes both professional and amateur artists.

Art Show Registration Opens

Do you paint, draw, or take photographs? Do you know someone who does? Showcase your or their artwork at the Art Show @ Pitt-Greensburg during the Blue & Gold Celebration 2024. Open to all ages and skill levels, the exhibit runs September 23 - October 4 on the second floor of the Millstein Library. An Artists Reception will be held on Friday, September 27 at 6 p.m. in Millstein Library.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three fan favorites. First place in the judged categories receive a certificate and prize, and second and third place receive certificates.

Registration opens Wednesday, May 1. Pieces can be registered in either the general or judged groups in the following categories: painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, digital and graphic art, and other. See the submission guidelines and register.

The alumni panel at Career Services Annual business Conference focused on women in business.

April Wrap-Up

April was a busy month for alumni who welcomed prospective families, provided career insight, and celebrated the Class of 2024.

PGAA Board Director Andy Garsteck '74 attended the Student Leadership Recognition Ceremony on Tuesday, April 2. He recognized Sydney Spino with the Student Community Service Award.

Alumni Relations staff promoted alumni events at the Preview Pitt marketplace on Saturday, April 6. On Saturday, April 13, alumni Samantha Lemley '21, Beth Smaligo '13, Molly Leoda '08, Melissa Crookston '22, and Joe Wallak '18 volunteered at the Commit to Pitt Admissions event. They answered questions ranging from housing to meal plans to academics.

PGAA President Michel Keller '96 attended the Honors Convocation on Friday, April 12 and presented the Outstanding Faculty Award to Dr. Jordan Boothe.

Voting was open for the PGAA Board election from April 7 to April 21. All alumni were welcome to vote for the new officers as well as the new directors.

Alumni were also represented at Career Services Annual Business Conference on Wednesday, April 3. Michel Keller '96 gave the keynote speech over lunch.  Alumnus Jim Smith '75 manned the PGAA table along with Alumni Relations staff. Session presenters included the following alumni: Courtney Baum '98, Tre' Cole '15, Mia DiCristofaro '18, Audrey Hendarsah '18, Melissa Paravate '21, and Kayla Santucci '23.

Alumni along with faculty, staff, students, families, and friends celebrated the Class of 2024 at the Senior Send Off and Commencement. Alumni volunteers included  Andy Garsteck '74, Harry Bowser '72, Scott Szypulski '14, Huong Vo '14, and Kristen Stratton '07 (A&S), and Jess Barch '07.

See photos from past events.

Mariam Apakidze '16 

We take great pride in the achievements and success of our alumni! Have you had a major life event? Update your information with a class note.

Weddings at
Campana Chapel

Looking for a wedding venue? We invite you to consider holding your ceremony in the Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center.

Pitt-Greensburg help students and alumni to prepare for their desired career path.

We also offer tools to assist you in determining your perfect career - and how to get to it!

Pitt-Greensburg President

Robert Gregerson

Why Give?

A gift to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is an investment in our future.