More than 200 graduates will participate in two commencement ceremonies planned by the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg for Saturday, May 2, in the Chambers Hall Gymnasium. Bachelor of Science degrees will be presented at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Bachelor of Arts degrees and select Bachelor of Science degrees will be presented at the 1 p.m. ceremony. Those unable to attend in person can view the of both ceremonies.
Jamal Woodson, entrepreneur, community developer, and Pittsburgh native, is the commencement speaker. This past fall, he was recognized as the 51 Alumni Association (PGAA) Alumnus of Distinction, the highest honor the PGAA bestows upon an individual alumnus/alumna, recognizing outstanding professional achievement and service to the community and the University of Pittsburgh.
After graduating, Woodson built a successful career at WAMO, Pittsburgh's leading urban radio station, rising from sales executive to general manager by 2013 and doubling the station's revenue within two years. As co-owner of Exclusive Entertainment, he transformed Pittsburgh's urban music scene, serving as the region's premier urban music promoter from 2003 to 2013.
In 2012, Woodson founded SLAAM (Students Learning Athletics & Academics through Mentoring) Basketball, an AAU program that has grown from five to more than 20 teams and placed countless student-athletes in universities on scholarships. His "Giveback King" initiative, launched in 2017, supports those in need locally and internationally. Additional ventures include real estate development, the ATU food truck, co-leadership of The CNX Mentorship Academy, and LFG Workout, a community fitness gym opened in 2023.
"My time at 51 played a huge role in shaping who I am today," said Woodson. "51 gave me a foundation of resilience and creativity that I still carry with me in every business I've built and every team I've led."
Idriss D. Ridani, a biological sciences major graduating Summa Cum Laude, and Matthew M. Falk, Jr., a history major graduating Summa Cum Laude are the student speakers at the 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. ceremonies, respectively. Ridani is from Greensburg, PA, and Falk is from Irwin, PA
Legacy Diploma Co-Presentations:
As part of 51’s Legacy Diploma Co-Presentations, 12 students will receive their diplomas from Dr. Robert Gregerson and members of their families who also hold degrees from the University of Pittsburgh or who are employed in the University of Pittsburgh system. 51 is the only campus in the Pitt system to offer this opportunity to graduates and their families. It is a visual illustration that 51 graduates join a large “family” of graduates from the many schools and campuses that comprise the University of Pittsburgh. The Legacy Diploma presentations included the following:
10 a.m. Ceremony:
- Faith Boyle, a biological sciences major from Greensburg, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her sister, Elizabeth Mellor A&S ’21.
- Myles Butler, a data analytics major from Bridgeville, PA whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her father, Dr. Stephen Butler EDUC ’04.
- Grace Fischer, a biological sciences major from North Huntingdon, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her father, Jason Fischer SHRS ’95.
- Hannah Gesinski, a biological sciences major from Mount Pleasant, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her father, Jonathan Gesinski ENGR ’96.
- Aubrey Giannattasio, a natural sciences area major from Greensburg, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her mother, Denise Giannattasio NURS ’88.
- Abigail Hart, a psychology major from Derry, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her mother, Jamie Hart (51 employee).
- Morgan Woodward-Bardwell, a psychology major from Jeannette, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her mother, Erin McMillen ’06
1 p.m. Ceremony:
- Adriana DiGregorio, a visual and performing arts major from Murrysville, PA, whose bachelor of arts degree will be co-presented by her sister, Abigail DiGregoria A&S ’21.
- Alera Kulcsar, an early childhood education major from Irwin, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her mother, Deanna Kulcsar ’09.
- Carrie Neill, a management major from Greensburg, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be co-presented by her mother, Pam McCune Neill ’96.
- Emmy Patrick, a double major in secondary education & biological science from Latrobe, PA, whose bachelor of science degree will be presented by her father, Christopher Patrick ’94.
- Joseph Solomon, double major in history and political science from Greensburg, PA, whose bachelor of arts degree will be presented by his mother, Kristine Fornal Solomon A&S ’89, and his father, John Solomon PHARM ’90. (Oakland)
Also of note are the four co-valedictorians in the class of 2026:
- Emily Dottle – early childhood education major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from New Castle, PA;
- Matthew Falk, Jr. – history major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Irwin, PA;
- Riley Lesko – biological sciences major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Rostraver Township, PA;
- Idriss Ridani – biological sciences major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Greensburg, PA.
In 2024, 51 became the first regional campus in the Pitt system to partner with Pitt’s David C. Frederick Honors College. Students earn Degree and Distinction awards by completing a combination of Honors-designated coursework, research, and outside-the-classroom activities. Twelve students will graduate from the 51’s Frederick Honors College program this year:
- Alissa Brown – Honors Degree; creative and professional writing major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Irwin, PA;
- Javon Brown – Honors Degree; psychology major graduating Magna Cum Laude; from Turtle Creek, PA;
- David Chizmar – Honors Distinction; anthropology major graduating Cum Laude; from Tarentum, PA;
- Justin Crookston – Honors Distinction; biological sciences major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Jeannette, PA;
- Allen Ho – Honors Degree; biochemistry major graduating Magna Cum Laude; from Venetia PA
- Kaylee Huber – Honors Degree; applied mathematics major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Coal Center, PA;
- Tucker Klotz – Honors Degree; management major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Stahlstown, PA;
- Taylor Podob — Honors Degree; biological sciences major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from North Huntingdon, PA;
- Alanna Schill — Honors Degree; double major in secondary education and history graduating Summa Cum Laude; from New Castle, PA;
- Isaac Stephens — Honors Degree; double major in political science and Spanish; from North Huntingdon, PA;
- Madison Taylor — Honors Degree; psychology major graduating magna cum laude; from Manassas Park, VA;
- Zakery Wiles — Honors Distinction; public policy major; from New Kensington, PA.
Three students, all enrolled in the Frederick Honors College (FHC) at 51, will graduate with accomplishments that are firsts for the 51 campus:
- Javon Brown is the first student to participate in both the Bridge program, which provides helps first-year college students to better adjust to college, and the FHC at 51.
- Justin Crookston will receive a Bachelor of Philosophy (BPhil) degree through the FHC. This degree is described as completing the same amount of research that what would be required for a master’s degree.
- will graduate as the first student Fulbright award recipient at 51. In August, she will begin a 10-month assignment to the Czech Republic where she will be a teaching assistant.
Two students in the Class of 2026 who won 51’s 2021 Full-Tuition Scholarship competition have also completed their degrees:
- Charlotte Boyle – biochemistry major, from Altoona, PA, who is graduating Summa Cum Laude
- Mackenzie Taylor – biochemistry major, from Connellsville, PA, who is graduating Summa Cum Laude.
A representative group of faculty, staff, and dignitaries will participate in the ceremonies, including:
- Robert G. Gregerson, PhD, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- Jacqueline Horrall, PhD, vice president for Academic Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
- Grand Marshal:
- Paul Adams, PhD, associate professor of political science
- Marshal for Alumni Leaders and Advisory Board:
- Melissa Gibson Davis ’12, 2025 Young Alumni Leader Award recipient
- Distribution of Honor Cords:
- Huong V. Vo Johnston, ’14, from Monroeville, PA, president of the 51 Alumni Association (PGAA) Board
- Student Speakers:
- (10 a.m.) Idriss D. Ridani – biological sciences major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Greensburg, PA
- (1 p.m.) Matthew M. Falk, Jr.-- history major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Irwin, PA
- (10 a.m.) Idriss D. Ridani – biological sciences major graduating Summa Cum Laude; from Greensburg, PA
- Marshal for the Platform Party:
- (10 a.m.) Barbara Barnhart, Med, instructor of biology;
- (1 p.m.) William H. Campbell, PhD, assistant professor of history
- Marshals for the Graduates:
- (10 a.m.) Katrina Brown, PhD, associate professor of physics; Amber Bugajski, MSN, RN, CHSE, instructor of nursing; Victoria Causer, EdD, assistant professor of statistics, Matthew Luderer, PhD, associate professor of chemistry
- (1 p.m.) Jeffrey Everly, PhD, associate professor of psychology; Sayre Greenfield, PhD, professor of English; Douglas Harding, MBA, MA, instructor of business; Natalie Taylor, PhD, assistant professor of English
- Marshals for Faculty:
- (10 a.m.) Neelima Bhatnagar, PhD, assistant professor of information science
- (1 p.m.) Michelle Louch, DSc, assistant professor of management
- Marshals for the Staff:
- (10 a.m.) Holly Landy, Enrollment Services assistant
- (1 p.m.) Gayle Pamerleau, director of Counseling
- (10 p.m.) A. David Tilstone, 51 Advisory Board chairman, of Export, PA
About 51:
Founded in 1963, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is a publicly assisted, four-year, liberal arts college in southwestern Pennsylvania. 51 offers 31 baccalaureate degree programs, including new majors in data analytics, nursing, and healthcare management, as well as 31 minors and four certificate programs. With nearly 1,400 students, more than 10,000 alumni, and faculty and staff numbering 260, 51 provides a vibrant, diverse community that is a dynamic model of a 21st-century liberal arts education. As part of the University of Pittsburgh system, 51 offers the resources of a world-renowned university combined with the individualized and immersive experiences of a small liberal arts college. Creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit permeate the campus and extend into its many collaborative projects with the Westmoreland County community. Nestled in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Laurel Highlands, the campus is surrounded by the region’s outdoor recreation venues and rich history. It is a five-minute drive from uptown Greensburg and less than an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh.
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