Celebrating the Class of 2025: A Day of Pride, Reflection, and Communication Excellence
During 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.
The event opened with warm remarks from Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. Meredith Guthrie and Director of Undergraduate Advising, Dr. David Miguel Molina, who welcomed attendees and praised the graduating class for their dedication, creativity and intellectual curiosity. Their reflections set the tone for an afternoon of celebration and recognition of the many ways our Communication and Rhetoric majors leave their mark—at Pitt and beyond.
Our Graduates Do a Lot—and Then Some
The numbers speak for themselves: 40% of our graduates completed a second major, ranging from Psychology (13 students) and Political Science (7 students) to Public & Professional Writing (4 students). On top of that, students completed 53 certificates and 47 minors In the Dietrich School such as TV & Broadcast, Sociology, Economics, and Digital Media.
Some standout accomplishments include:
13 graduates completed two majors and a certificate
7 completed two majors and a minor
12 completed both a minor and a certificate
2 completed two majors and two minors
One exceptional student completed two majors, two certificates, and a minor
This year’s class also included 16 student-athletes and 2 ROTC cadets, further underscoring the range of talent and commitment within our community.
Leadership, Rhetoric, and Student Voices
Chair of the Department, Dr. Calum Matheson, offered greetings and words of encouragement to the graduating class, celebrating their diverse accomplishments and their readiness to meet the world’s communication challenges head-on.
The highlight of the ceremony came with remarks from three student commencement speakers, each introduced by Director of Oral Comm Lab, Dr. Michael Bannon. These students were not only leaders in the department—they also won this year’s 28th Annual Oratory Competition. Their speeches reflected the depth and versatility of a Communication education:
Leyla Akselioglu, “A Timely Departure”
Julia Ochroch, “Applying Aristotle”
Grace O’Connor, “Communication: Innovation in Every Field”
Each delivered powerful, personal, and thought-provoking speeches that captured the heart of the Communication discipline: the ability to reflect, connect, and inspire.
A Joyful Conclusion
In a final celebratory moment, each graduate was presented to the audience—an opportunity for proud family members, friends, and faculty to cheer on the individual journeys that led to this milestone. Smiles and hugs filled the room as the Class of 2025 stepped forward, ready for their next chapter.