News
Early Bird Gets the Gold: WPDU Dominates for the Second Weekend in a Row
The William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU) continued its 2025 season with standout showings during the second weekend of competition, conquering both the Sunshine Series Part 1 Tournament hosted by the University of West Florida and the East Coast Early Bird Tournament hosted by Baruch College.
Bringing Humanity to Science and Technology: Abigail Kosmalski '26
Abigail Kosmalski, a senior studying Communication Rhetoric and Public and Professional Writing, with a minor in Information Sciences and certificate in Communication of Science and Technology, exemplifies how students can use communication coursework to bridge the gap between STEM and the public.Pitt Department of Communication Affiliated Scholars Recognized at National Communications Association 111th Annual Conference
Two scholars affiliated with Pitt’s Department of Communications–Dr. Caitlin Bruce, Professor of Communication at Pitt, and Dr. Charles Athanasopoulos, an alumnus of the MA and PhD programs– have been recognized with major awards for respective recent publications from the National Communications Association (NCA).Graduate student Amina Akbar receives Waterhouse Family Institute Research Grant
Amina Akbar, a graduate student in Pitt’s Department of Communication, has been awarded the prestigious Waterhouse Family Institute Research Grant for the Study of Communication and Society from Villanova University.
Krillin’ It: WPDU Opens Debate Season with Big Wins in Debates about Antarctic Sea Life
The William Pitt Debating Union (WPDU) opened its 2025 season with standout performances at the NFA-LD Washburn Warm Up, held online by Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas.
2025 COMMRC Graduation Reception
Celebrating the Class of 2025: A Day of Pride, Reflection, and Communication ExcellenceDuring Pitt’s graduation weekend, the Department of Communication hosted its annual Commencement Recognition Ceremony at the O’Hara Student Center. Friends, family, faculty and staff gathered in celebration of the 104 graduates earning their B.A. in Communication and Rhetoric—an impressive cohort whose achievements go far beyond the classroom.
Daniel K. and Amy L. Jenkins 2025 Endowed Fund for Student Resources
The Department of Communication proudly announces that Sofia Marretta has received The Daniel K. and Amy L. Jenkins Endowed Fund for Student Resources for 2025.
The purpose of this endowment is to establish an award for educational expenses for students in the Department of Communication in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.
DisInformation Studies Chair Sam Woolley in the News
Dr. Samuel Woolley, the William S. Dietrich II Chair of Disinformation Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of Communications has recently been featured in several major media outlets for his expertise in misinformation, disinformation, and the manipulation of communication technologies.Graduate Student, Amina Akbar, Receives 2025 Egolf Award
Amina Akbar, a graduate student in the Communication Department, is the recipient of the 2025 Donald B. Egolf Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.Winners of the 28th Annual Oratory Competition
The 28th Annual Oratory Contest had another great turnout of competitors. A special thanks goes to all who competed and all who judged.
Graduation/Commencement category winners:
Leyla Akselioglu, "A Timely Departure"
Julia Ochroch, "Applying Aristotle"
Grace O'Connor, "Communication: Innovation in Every Field"
Alumni Networking Event Helps Students Connect with Professionals
As the end of the spring semester rapidly approaches, many students are facing the question of how to make the most of their summer. For communication students, internships, apprenticeships, and other hands-on experiences are great ways to apply their skills in real world media and business environments.COMMRC Connect Interns Run Successful Pitt Day of Giving Campaign
This year, the Communication Department, with the help of the COMMRC Connect interns, ran a Pitt Day of Giving campaign focused on raising funds that will directly support future interns, successfully raising $2,520 thanks to the support of 22 donors.
Finegold Memorial Debate 2025 explores ‘Protest in a Democratic and Mediated Society’
In the increasingly virtual world, spaces for public discussion and debate are becoming few and far between.
