Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
Saturday, April 26, 2025
12:30 p.m.
PPG Paints Arena
NOTE: This ceremony is for undergraduate students. If you are receiving a graduate degree, please visit the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony for information.
Please note that a road closure will impact travel to PPG Paints Arena. Forbes Avenue is closed from 6th Street to the Armstrong Tunnel. Guests should use Centre Avenue instead.
Watch the livestream of the ceremony
Keynote Speaker: Lt. Gov. Austin Davis
Austin A. Davis is the youngest lieutenant governor in the country and the first Black lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania history. He is a native of McKeesport, where he got involved in his community as a teenager after a shooting in his neighborhood. After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied political science, he pursued a career in public service. In 2018, he became the first African-American to represent the Mon Valley and McKeesport in the state House of Representatives. He also has previously served as a member of Point Park’s Board of Trustees.
“Austin is a remarkable person with a passion for community service. That passion has taken him all the way to Harrisburg,” said Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, President of Point Park. “While we prepare our undergraduate students to be immediately successful in their real-world pursuits, the goal is also to instill a desire to help the greater community. Austin is the perfect messenger for that idea.”
Honorary Degree Recepient: Steve Blass
Steve Blass played for the Pirates from 1964 to 1974 and was part of the 1971 World Series-winning team, earning a complete game victory in Game 7 against the Baltimore Orioles. He also spent 34 years as a commentator for Pirates games.
Important Details for Graduates
Students who have completed or who are registered to complete all degree requirements by the end of fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters are permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students who are in good academic standing and who can finish their degree requirements by summer 2025, according to a plan that has been reviewed and approved by their respective dean, are also permitted to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Important: Students must submit an application for graduation with the Office of the University Registrar by the appropriate deadline to be recognized in the commencement program.
- Apply for graduation on PointWeb the semester before you intend to walk. You must declare your intent to graduate with the Registar's Office so they may confirm you have met the requirements. Read their webpage for details. Questions? Contact Brian Eisiminger at beisiminger@pointpark.edu or 412-392-3866.
- Graduates are asked to RSVP to attend Commencement by April 15. Please note, this is a separate step. You must inform the University of your plan to attend the ceremony. Information will be emailed out when the RSVP is live.
- Order your cap & gown. You must purchase your cap and gown and bring it to Commencement. The University will not have additional regalia available. You have multiple opportunities to order:
- Graduation Fair in late February
- Purchase it online beginning on 2/7/25— If you would like it shipped to the bookstore for pick-up, the deadline is March 20, 2025. If you would like to have it shipped directly to your address, the deadline is April 6, 2025.
- Doors open by 11:30 a.m.
- Students report to line-up — 12 p.m.
- Ceremony —12:30 p.m.
The ceremony is expected to last roughly 2 hours.
Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in LH Ballroom
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in LH Ballroom
Please join us for this excellent opportunity to get all of your graduation questions answered. Complimentary graduation announcements and undergraduate honor cords will be distributed, and caps, gowns and class rings will be available for sale. Representatives from the Office of Alumni Relations, Office of the University Registrar, University Advising Center, Conference and Event Services and the Bookstore will be present to guide you through the graduation process.
Pick up your 10 complimentary announcements at the Graduation Fair in late February. If you need additional announcements, class rings or diploma frames they can be purchased online at Herff Jones.
To qualify to wear honors cords in the commencement ceremony, you must have a 3.5 GPA at the end of fall semester. If you qualify, your honors cords will be distributed at the Graduation Fair. If you are unable to attend Graduation Fair, you can get your cords in the Registrar's Office on the 1st floor of Thayer Hall.
Arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take pictures of each graduate as he or she receives the diploma cover. You will be contacted by GradTrak Graduate Images via mail and email directly if you are interested in purchasing. There is no obligation to purchase.
Questions regarding your academic eligibility to graduate and the state of your application:
- Office of the Registrar
Brian Eisiminger
412-392-3866
beisiminger@pointpark.edu
Questions regarding your financial eligibility to graduate and the state of your student account:
- Student Accounts
Meredith Meddings
412-392-3424
mmeddings@pointpark.edu
- Conference & Event Services
412-392-4200
events@pointpark.edu
General Questions about the venue or program:
- Office of the Provost
412-392-3976
academicaffairs@pointpark.edu
Important Details for Graduates, Family and Guests
Please note that there is construction that will impact travel to PPG Paints Arena. Details are under "Getting to PPG Paints Arena."
Parking is available in the PPG Paints Arena North/South Lot as well as the PPG Paints Arena Garage for a fee.
Reserved accessible parking is available in a number of lots near PPG Paints Arena. Designated spaces are available for vehicles displaying a current state-issued disability placard or license plate. These reserved accessible spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so please plan accordingly. Additionally, accessible parking is available in the parking garage attached to PPG Paints Arena.
Forbes Ave is closed from 6th Street to the Armstrong tunnel. Guests should use Centre Ave to make their way to the arena. When you secure directions to the Arena, please be sure they do not include Forbes Avenue between 6th and the Armstrong tunnel.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Family and friends are NOT required to have a ticket. The main entrance is the HIGHMARK gate and guest seating begins at approximately 11:30 a.m. Please note the Verizon gate will be closed.
Accessible seating is available on all seating levels of PPG Paints Arena. PPG Paints Arena has a limited number of wheel chairs available and will be used to escort individuals in need. This service is on a first-come, first-served basis. It is strongly recommended those who have limitations bring their own wheel chair.
The ceremony will be close captioned for those who are hearing impaired. When you RSVP to attend the ceremony, please indicate other special accommodations you may require.
We strongly recommend checking the PennDOT website for any construction and traffic detours prior to leaving for the ceremony.
To assist you with your travel to our city, please visit the Visit Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership websites. These sites will provide you with vital information about the city, such as upcoming events, featured attractions, hotel information, dining options, etc.
