The University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration held the Undergraduate Awards Ceremony on April 26, 2024, at the University Club in Oakland to honor students, staff, and faculty for their accomplishments this past year.
Addressing the graduates, Gene Anderson, Henry E. Haller, Jr. Dean, thanked the students for entrusting Pitt. He also recognized the faculty, staff, family, friends, and loved ones who inspired, guided, and supported the students.
He said, “We’re grateful that you chose Pitt Business and College of Business Administration as your educational partner – and we’re thankful for the many contributions that each of you has made to our community during your time with us.”
Major Award Winners
Each year, one student from each major is highlighted as the top of the class. This year we congratulate the following seven students:
- PICPA – Accounting Student of the Year Award was awarded to Rose Hartnett
- Outstanding Business Information Systems Major Award was awarded to Alexis Wehrle
- Outstanding Finance Major Award was awarded to Jiacheng (Jim) He
- Outstanding Global Management Major Award was awarded to Emily Falge
- Outstanding Human Resources Management Major Award was awarded to Kendall DeAngelo
- Outstanding Marketing Major Award was awarded to Mackenzie Mayo
- Center for Supply Chain Management Outstanding SCM Major Award was awarded to Saoirse Hopp
Student, Staff, and Faculty Recognitions
A handful of special awards were announced at the event.
Melissa Atanasio and Logan Ryan were recognized as two of Poets&Quants Top 100 Best and Brightest students for the Class of 2024.
The Student Impact Award Winner for Faculty was given to Nicole Cade, Associate Professor of Business Administration. This award recognizes a faculty member who made a tremendous impact on student learning and professional development both inside and outside the classroom.
Cade is among the speakers at the Pitt Business Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremony on April 27 along with student Nathan Salapong. More information about the ceremony and how to watch online can be found on our website.
The Student Impact Award Winner for Staff was awarded to academic advisor Vicki Vernet-Lazor. This award is chosen by graduating students as the individual who made the greatest impact on their time at Pitt Business.
Commending Collective Brilliance
Dean Anderson commended nearly 100 students who were recognized for their selection and participation in three groups.
Delta Sigma Pi is a Professional Business Fraternity that prepares business students for successful professional careers and instills values of service and principled leadership. The Delta Sigma Pi Scholarship Key is awarded for the highest GPA among graduating students. The winners were Lukas Clinefelter, Emily Falge, and Seamus Regan.
The Pitt Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the world. Founded in 1913, BGS is the International Business Honor Society for schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The AACSB accredits just five percent of business schools worldwide assuring that BGS members belong to an organization that is synonymous with the highest standards of academic excellence.
Shawn Thomas, Professor of Finance, recognized the newest members of Beta Gamma Sigma (listed below alphabetically).
- Caroline Bielen
- Steven Bleifer
- Bryan Chen
- Wyatt Cobb
- George Collins
- Kristina Davidson
- Carsten Greenways
- Caitlin Jarrell
- Audrey Josephson
- Logan Kauffman
- Luke Loeffert
- Ryan Luftig
- James Magee
- Hunter Markham
- Giuliana Mazza
- Ciaran O’Brien
- Yating Ren
- Taylor Rhed
- Camryn Samuel
- Jacob Shultis
- Runa Shuda
- Jake Sowers
- Heidi Stephenson
- Kyle Van Tran
- Anna Vincent
- Aaron Waxman
The Pitt Business Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) provides students with a clearly defined pathway of extracurricular experiences in business that they should complete as college students. Vianne Chang was recognized as the graduating senior who finished atop the OCC Leaderboard. About 60 students attained OCC distinction and will wear a Pitt Business OCC stole at commencement.
A brunch reception followed the awards ceremony, giving students, faculty, and guests the chance to celebrate.
When asked to advise incoming students, Atanasio said, “I would urge students to take advantage of the opportunities you have as an undergraduate. Professional development programs, study abroad options, and student organizations are all incredible ways to hone in on a niche and enrich your time at Pitt Business.”
View a photo gallery of the ceremony.
