The University of Pittsburgh's Oakland campus was uncharacteristically quiet this weekend, softened by fresh snow and the calm of the approaching winter break. Inside the Petersen Events Center, however, the energy was unmistakable as a new group of graduates celebrated the conclusion of their academic journeys at Pitt’s winter commencement ceremony.
Among those marking their accomplishments and joining Pitt’s alumni community were graduates of the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). The ceremony honored a newly minted group of Master's of Public Administration, Public and International Affairs, International Development, and Public Policy and Management alongside peers from the University’s various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. For SPIA students in attendance, the event represented not only personal achievement but the culmination of years of rigorous study, public service, and professional preparation.
The commencement address was delivered by the Honorable Deborah L. Wince-Smith, president and CEO of the Council on Competitiveness. Drawing on her experience in senior leadership roles in the U.S. government and her academic background as a classical archaeologist, Wince-Smith encouraged graduates to remain committed to discovery, critical thinking, and tackling complex challenges.
“Trust and empower yourself with the ability to achieve,” she told graduates. "Draw upon the deep replenishing reserves of your intellectual acumen, your insight, your intuition and critical judgment so you can think big and tackle big problems."
As they move forward as Pitt alumni, the newest SPIA graduates carry with them a commitment to leadership, service, and impact—values that will continue to shape their contributions to communities at the local, national, and global levels. Congratulations to each of our winter graduates!