Pitt Johnstown Mag Summer 2010 ver4 - Pitt-Johnstown Home Page ...

18
American Hero
Inspires Graduates
For graduates and their families
attending Pitt-Johnstown’s 38 th
annual Commencement ceremony,
this year’s event brought more than
the usual pomp and circumstance.
Attendees had the opportunity to
hear a story of how one man
overcame insurmountable obstacles
to survive a six-day, life-or-death
ordeal.
American hero Captain Scott F.
O’Grady, the Air Force fighter pilot
who survived a six-day ordeal after
being shot down over Bosnia, shared
the story that made headlines,
inspired millions, and taught the
importance of preparation, teamwork,
and leadership.
Captain O’Grady was shot down
over Bosnia while helping to enforce
the NATO no-fly zone in an F-16.
Alone, facing death, capture and the
elements, he discovered within
himself the spirit to go on and relied
on the skills learned during a lifetime
of preparing for the unthinkable. By
sharing his compelling life-and-death
story, he taught graduates the
importance of being able to adapt to
change and succeed under even the
most daunting and trying of
circumstances. Even while isolated
behind enemy lines, Captain O’Grady
remained a member of a carefully
drilled team. In his address, he
described the preparation, teamwork,
and leadership responsible for his
survival and for his dramatic rescue
PITT-Johnstown
“We are standing at the cusp of a
limitless future; at the crossroads of
unpaved paths. It is up to us to
smooth over those paths, to turn
them into the roads that will guide
those that follow.“
JEFFREY BURTNER, CLASS OF 2010
“Each one of you is blessed with
gifts...different gifts, unique to yourself.
Find your niche, and share
your gifts with the world.”
ABBY GEARHART, CLASS OF 2010
by the US Marines — qualities that are crucial to success in every facet of life in
the real world.
Jeffrey Burtner, Student Government Association president, offered
remarks on behalf of the Pitt-Johnstown student body, and Abby Gearhart
spoke on behalf of the Class of 2010.
Dr. John W. Thompson, Pitt-Johnstown associate professor of mathematics,
served as grand marshal for the event. Alumni Association President Gladys
K. Go (’92) recognized the graduates as new alumni and encouraged them to
support the college by becoming active in the Association. President Spectar,
who offered closing remarks, presented the President’s Medal of Excellence in
Teaching to Brian L. Houston, associate professor of civil engineering
technology.
In his closing comments, President Spectar offered, “It is always
bittersweet to say good-bye. But, in some respects, even though it is
bittersweet, we are happy to be a part of this milestone and watershed event,
and happy to help you set sail to a world of possibilities. We are grateful that
you chose Pitt-Johnstown for this phase of your life’s journey. We wish you
well as you move on, even as we ask you to come back, and come back
anytime. Godspeed as you pursue your dreams and make a difference in the
world.”
More than 560 students completed their degree requirements last year,
bringing the number of Pitt-Johnstown alumni to 19,000.
Earlier in the semester, 62 students were recognized for exemplary
academic achievement in a variety of fields at the annual Academic Honors
Convocation, held in March. Then-Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr.
Gerald Zahorchak delivered the keynote address.
Bragging Points
Pitt-Johnstown’s six-year graduation rate (63%) continues to increase,
while also staying well-ahead of the national average (34.7%).
Pitt-Johnstown’s first-to-second year retention rate (73%) shows that
students choosing to enroll here are satisfied with their decision, and
exceeds the national average (63.6%).