51ÁÔÆæ

Matt Reid graduated in 1995 with a BS in Administration of Justice.

What brought you to 51ÁÔÆæ?
The large school brand with a smaller college environment for more personalized education.

Were you a commuter or a resident?
Commuter

What activities were you involved with as a student?
• Student Government Association
• Student Judiciary Committee
• Athletic Development Committee
• Food and Beverage Committee (SGA)

Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your
life?
My favorite professors included: Dr. Gary Lutz, Dr. Mark McCullough, Dr. Gilbert Duncan, and Mr. Charles Westbrook. All four impacted my life equally in different ways. I use what they taught to this day. Mr. Westbrook was my mentor. I kept in contact with him for years after graduation.

Of all the classes you took, what is the one class you would recommend everyone take? Who
taught the class? Why would you recommend it?
Any English class with Dr. Lutz. He taught me how to effectively write. Mr. Westbrook's classes and his outlook on the world and law enforcement shaped me in positive ways.

What do you remember most vividly from your time at 51ÁÔÆæ?
Outside of parties and shenanigans, I'd say the crowds at our basketball games. That gym was standing room only at times and was so loud at times it rocked.

What have you been up to since graduation?
I was a Pittsburgh Police Officer, but I am now retired. I work for a private company called Comcast Cable and Communications. I have returned to the University and volunteer with the PGAA.

How did your experiences and education at 51ÁÔÆæ prepare you for life after college?
There are no words which can articulate or quantify the experiences and opportunities I've been given. The Pitt name opened doors for me which otherwise may not have opened. With earning my diploma, I also accomplished time management, accountability, and complex thinking.

As an alum, how do you support 51ÁÔÆæ?
I am a donor. I volunteer with the PGAA at 51ÁÔÆæ events and Professional Impressions.

What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
Grades are important, but do not overly stress about them. The diploma is more important than a QPA, though you DO need a good GPA too. Enjoy other parts of the University and life to have a well-rounded experience. Take the trips to Acrisure for football games.

For fun:
What is the last book you read? The Red Circle by Brandon Webb, USN, SEAL (ret). Highly recommended for leadership purposes.

List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.

1. I shoot basketball, throw, eat, use scissors, and play golf right-handed, but I am actually left-handed.
2. I still believe in a modern version of the triangle offense or euro triangle as a primary offensive set in basketball.
3. My wife and I met during a hostage standoff incident. I was a cop; she was a witness.