End-of-Year and Senior Week Celebrations Wrap Up 2024-25 Academic Year

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.

Outstanding Student Awards

At the 2025 Outstanding Student Awards, held at the 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 roast of the University by emcee MC Carder '24 and a video mash-up of iconic movies with President Chris Brussalis' signature "Go Pioneers!" edited into each.

Keely Sapienza, an alumna and director of Student Activities, Involvement and Leadership and Student Center, is heavily involved in the planning.

"A personal highlight for me was seeing how much this event has grown," Sapienza said. "We had an incredible turnout and a fantastic host who's also a proud alum. The whole evening felt special. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to laugh, celebrate, and uplift each other."

Senior Reception at The Grand Concourse

Graduating students pose on the stairs of the Grand Concourse. Photo submitted by Maria Ochoa.

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.

Kelly Coccia from the Alumni Board 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.

Lavender Graduation

Lavender Graduation was held in the Lawrence Hall ballroom. Nearly 60 students participated and were joined by an additional 62 attendees. Annie Shean, managing director of online and professional studies, emceed the event, which included speeches from President Chris Brussalis, VP of Enrollment Management Marlin Collingwood, Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs Kesley Wolfe and graduating senior August Stephens.

Interim Provost Dr. Shari Payne and Manager of Diversity, Belonging and University Training Tessa Chafin presented the graduating students with stoles.

Vincent Rugani, director of pre-college programs, organizes the event. "One of the highlights for me in planning this event was seeing how meaningful it was for students to be celebrated in a space that honors their full identities," Rugani said.

Graduation Celebrations

Commencement and Graduate Hooding Ceremonies were held on Saturday, April 26. Photo by Chloe Humway '28.

The year culminated in the undergraduate commencement and graduate hooding ceremonies on Saturday, April 26 at PPG Paints Arena. Randy Baird, MA, was the graduate hooding keynote speaker. Lt. Gov. Austin A. Davis spoke at the commencement ceremony.

Other End-of-Year Events

Rowland School of Business Marks the End of the Semester with Music, Fashion and Academic Wins

End-of-Year Highlights: School of Arts & Sciences Students and Faculty Collaborate and Celebrate to Close Out the Academic Year

Maker Ed & Memorable Moments: Highlights from the School of Education's Spring Semester

Check out the photo gallery for other end-of-year events, including:

It's On Us Action Week had daily events to raise awareness of sexual violence on campus and get as many people as possible to pledge to do their part to stand against it.
Pioneer Community Day provided the community with an opportunity to give back through service.
Sunset on the Semester was a final goodbye hosted by Campus Activities Board with live music and crafts.
Spring Fling, with a 2010s retro theme, included live music, caricatures, and face painting.

Transgender Day of Visibility

It's on Us Action week included an outdoor "pledgeapalooza."

Pioneer Community Day was both a social event and an opportunity for service to our community.

Strong Women, Strong Girls provided an opportunity to build school supplies bags for kids in need.

Pioneer Community Day had fun activities like inflatable axe-throwing.

Seniors celebrated at a special alumni association-hosted dinner at the Grand Concourse.

The Alumni Association gave out prizes at the senior celebration.

Sunset on the Semester, hosted by Campus Activities Board, included live music.

Giveaways were provided at Sunset on the Semester.

Spring Fling, with a 2010's theme, included music by Matthew "MDot" Finley and DJ PDogg.

Students could have caricatures made at Spring Fling.

End-of-year celebrations — 15 images

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