End-of-Year and Senior Week Celebrations Wrap Up 2023-24 Academic Year Tuesday, May 7, 2024
In the final weeks of classes, Point Park celebrated students of all years with multiple opportunities to showcase their talents and successes, as well as some special celebrations organized for graduating seniors.
The School of Arts & Sciences held celebrations and symposiums recognizing students' work leading up to the week of graduation. Students in the B.F.A. in Graphic Design displayed their work in the lobby of Lawrence Hall in Of the Essence: a Senior Showcase and Art Market Exploring the Dimensionality of Graphic Design.
Senior Reception at The Grand Concourse
As part of Senior Week, the senior class enjoyed a reception at the Grand Concourse restaurant. Over 100 students attended, along with family and friends. The Office of Student Life filled a table with raffle baskets of Point Park University items, including a grand prize of an alumni basket and diploma frame provided by the Office of University Advancement. Each graduate was given tickets to enter into the raffles.
An alumni special guest welcomed the graduates into the Alumni Association. The night ended with a group photo on the grand staircase, and each graduate received a gift from the Office of Student Life.
"This event is so meaningful, seeing how happy the graduates are when they walk into the room," said Resident Director Maria Ochoa, who planned the event. "I get to personally greet each one. Preparing for this event is one of the greatest highlights of my year, being able to give the graduates a one-of-a-kind special evening of great memories and well wishes."
Outstanding Student Awards
The 2024 Outstanding Student Awards were held at Fairmont Hotel. Students were recognized for accomplishments in the athletic, academic and leadership categories. Student organizations were also recognized for programming. Nominations were completed by students, faculty or staff, and the winners were selected by various faculty and staff members, depending on the category of award. The evening included a formal dinner, a slideshow of photos from the year, a video skit about the buildings on campus and a performance by staff parodying a hit song from the “Barbie” movie.
Keely Sapienza, an aluma and coordinator of student involvement in the Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership Department, is heavily involved in the planning. "The Outstanding Student Awards has always been a highlight for me at Point Park, holding a special place in my heart since my student days," Sapienza said. "It's a joyous occasion where we honor our outstanding students amidst a backdrop of laughter and camaraderie. This year's skits added a playful twist, teasing our iconic Point Park buildings and immersing us in a world of Barbie pink and the catchy 'I'm Just Ken' song from the soundtrack."
Lavender Graduation
Lavender Graduation was held in the Highmark Theatre. Approximately 30 students were recognized and 110 attended, in addition to staff.
Vince Rugani, director of pre-college programs, organizes the event. "Lavender Graduation is about honoring graduating LGBTQIA+ students and their allies in an inclusive space where authenticity shines," Rugani said. "This celebration where everyone's uniqueness is accepted and cherished is something that I'm proud to be part of for many years to come."
Graduation Celebrations
The night before graduation, the School of Education held a Celebration of Student Teaching for bachelor's and master's graduates, as well as a Celebration of Excellence for the seven graduates of the Ed.D. program in Leadership and Administration.
The year culminated the graduation celebrations on Friday, April 26 at PPG Paints Arena. On Monday, April 28, graduating student-athletes were also recognized in a ceremony in Highmark Theatre.