Commencement ceremonies were held throughout the end of April — from the large gathering for undergraduates on April 30 at Petersen Events Center to school-based celebrations for graduate and undergraduate students.

Ceremonies are still upcoming for the Schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine.

One of 2,500 members of the Class of 2023 was former Pitt and NFL star Rickey Jackson, 65, who finished his degree in social sciences from the College of General Studies 40 years after he left Pitt to enter the NFL Draft.

At the other end of the age spectrum, RJ Krishnaswamy, 16, received his bachelor of science degree in computer science as part of the Class of 2023.

Danielle Obisie-Orlu — a political science major in the Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences who graduated with minors in French and sociology, certificates in transatlantic studies and African studies, an honors distinction and a global distinction — was named a 2023 ODK Senior of the Year, an award for students who show exceptional leadership and character.

Colin Uher — a communication rhetoric grad from the Dietrich School who served as Pitt’s panther mascot, Roc, for four years — also was chosen as a 2023 ODK Senior of the Year.

Sabella Prime, a School of Nursing student, was selected for the Emma W. Locke Award, which recognizes one undergraduate student each year for high scholarship, character, leadership and devotion to the ideals of the University of Pittsburgh.

Chemist-turned-soccer-referee Katy Nesbitt (A&S '15G) was the keynote speaker for the undergraduate ceremony. She encouraged the graduates to have confidence in the knowledge they have gained at the University as they venture out into the world.

Aya Dakroub, who earned her degree in chemistry from the Dietrich School, was this year's undergraduate speaker. Her message to the Class of 2023: “Hail to our kindness, honesty and resiliency. Hail to the moments and the people that brought us here. And above all else, Hail to Pitt!”