Pitt to celebrate virtual commencement Sunday

The University of Pittsburgh on Sunday will host a virtual celebration to honor nearly 8,000 undergraduate, master’s, professional and doctorate candidates.

Pitt’s in-person commencement ceremony was postponed last month because of the covid-19 pandemic. The virtual ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. and last approximately 30 minutes. The university will stream the events on its Facebook and YouTube pages.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher and other administrators and guests will offer congratulations to the graduating class.

“Pitt remains committed to honoring these graduates with a proper in-person commencement when circumstances permit large gatherings again, but the university community is determined not to let this class’ milestone go unmarked,” Pitt spokesman Kevin Zwick said in a statement.

Pitt was named the top public university in the Northeast this week, according to the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.

The ranking is based on four key areas: student outcomes including graduate salaries and debt burdens, academic resources, student engagement and diversity. 2020 marks the fourth time in five years that Pitt has been recognized as No. 1 on this list, according to a news release.

“This ranking celebrates our boundary pushers, brilliant visionaries and bold thinkers,” Gallagher said in a statement. “It’s hard-earned praise for faculty, students and staff who continue to advance the University of Pittsburgh’s mission — leveraging knowledge for society’s gain — in powerful ways.”