John P. Surma, retired U.S. Steel chief executive and a member of Pitt’s Board of Trustees, will serve as speaker for the University-wide undergraduate Spring Commencement Ceremony at 1 p.m. April 28 at the Petersen Events Center.
Surma, chair of UPMC’s board of directors and nonexecutive chairman of Marathon Petroleum Corp., has been a longtime supporter of the University. He and his wife, Elizabeth Surma (SPH ’81G), donated $1 million in 2012 to support the renovation of the Graduate School of Public Health.
He also will receive an honorary degree in recognition of his contributions to both the University and the broader community.
Surma graduated from Penn State with a bachelor of science in accounting and began his professional journey at Price Waterhouse, where he became partner. He then joined Marathon Oil Company, serving in several executive roles including as president of Marathon Ashland Petroleum.
At Senate Council on April 11, Chancellor Joan Gabel said Surma’s ties to Pitt run deep, including his wife and children going here.
“I think the families and students will be inspired by what his journey has been like in this city, in this community and in his connection to this institution; a lot of which a lot of people don't know,” she said.
Because of students’ increased interest in participating in a commencement ceremony, the April event is for spring graduates only, although summer grads are able to participate after joining a waitlist. Most summer and all winter graduates can participate in a winter commencement in December.
For the April 28 commencement, each registered candidate received four electronic tickets for guests. Additional tickets are not be available for purchase. All registered candidates will have their name read and have an opportunity to walk across the stage during 2.5 hour ceremony.
A livestream of the ceremony will be broadcast in the Fitzgerald Field House and William Pitt Union Assembly Room, and will be available on the commencement.pitt.edu website and Pitt's Official YouTube Channel.
School and college celebrations
See a list of commencement speakers on Pittwire.
College of General Studies: 9-11 a.m. April 28, brunch in McCarl Center and Posvar Patio
Frederick Honors College: 3 p.m. April 25, Petersen Events Center
Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, graduate studies: 11 a.m. April 25, Fitzgerald Field House
Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, undergraduate: No schoolwide separate ceremony, but several departments will have recognition ceremonies. Find the list here.
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs: 3:30 p.m. April 26, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum.
Pitt Business: 10 a.m. April 27, Petersen Events Center, for undergraduate and graduate students.
School of Public Health: 6 p.m. April 26, Carnegie Music Hall, for undergraduate and graduate students.
School of Computing and Information: 5:30-8 p.m. April 27, 120 Lawrence Hall, for undergraduate students; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 27, 120 Lawrence Hall, for graduate students.
School of Dental Medicine: 1 p.m. May 18, Heinz Hall
School of Education: 6 p.m. April 25, Fitzgerald Field House, for undergraduate and graduate students.
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences: 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. (depending on department), April 27, Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall
School of Law: 11 a.m. May 3, Soldiers and Sailors
School of Medicine: 2 p.m. May 19, Soldiers and Sailors
School of Nursing: 11 a.m. April 26, Carnegie Music Hall, for undergraduate and graduate students.
School of Pharmacy: 10:30 a.m. April 26, Soldiers and Sailors, for undergraduate and graduate students.
Swanson School of Engineering: Noon, April 26, Bellefield Hall auditorium, for graduate students. Individual departments are planning ceremonies April 26 to 28. Check the commencement website for details.
Regional campuses
Bradford: 2 p.m. April 28, KOA Arena, McDowell Sport and Fitness Center
Greensburg: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 27, Chambers Hall, depending on major
Johnstown: 1 p.m. April 27, Sports Center
Affinity group ceremonies
The Gathering: Graduation for students of color, 5 p.m. April 27, WPU Assembly Room
Latinx Graduation: 6-7:30 p.m. April 26, O’Hara Student Center, 2nd floor ballroom
Lavender Graduation: For students in the LGBTQIA+ community, 6 p.m. April 25, WPU Ballroom
An international student graduation celebration was held on April 13.
— Susan Jones
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