263 Degrees Conferred at Fall Hooding Ceremony Monday, December 16, 2024
Point Park University conferred 42 doctoral degrees, 152 master’s degrees and 69 education certificates Sat., Dec. 14 at the fall Hooding Ceremony, held in the University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse. Virginia Chambers, Ed.D., associate professor and chair of the School of Education's Department of Teaching and Learning, served as grand marshal.
Gregg Behr, executive director of The Grable Foundation and founder of Remake Learning, was the keynote speaker. Behr, the co-author of When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Roger's Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids, encouraged graduates to let wonder guide them as they forge ahead in their careers.
"Wonder will be your companion to the intellect that you've nurtured here," Behr said. "Wonder keeps you humble in the face of new discoveries. It reminds you, even as you age — maybe especially as you age — that there's always more to learn, more to explore and more ways to grow."
Charlie Hardaway, who received his Master of Education in Secondary Education degree, addressed his fellow graduates as the student speaker.
Dr. Chris W. Brussalis, president, and Michael Soto, Ph.D., provost, also offered inspiring messages that expressed the pride they feel for Point Park's latest graduates.
Candidates in the Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Doctor of Philosophy in Community Engagement and Doctor of Education in Leadership and Administration programs were awarded their hoods on stage by their dissertation chair or other faculty member.
Master’s candidates in the Rowland School of Business and Schools of Arts & Sciences, Communication, Continuing and Professional Studies and Education were greeted by the respective dean of each school.
Melissa Botta-Havran, an alumna of Point Park's Master of Education with Certification in Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade program, welcomed the graduates into the Alumni Association, which boasts nearly 30,000 members across the globe.
In case you missed it, watch the ceremony in the video below.
