University of Pittsburgh to Hold 2008 Commencement April 27 in the Petersen Events Center

PITTSBURGH-University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg will welcome graduating members of the Class of 2008, faculty, trustees, alumni, staff, and invited guests, family, and friends attending Pitt's 2008 Commencement at 1 p.m. April 27 in the Petersen Events Center, 3719 Terrace St., Oakland.

Pitt alumnus Dan Marino, a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame, will deliver the University's 2008 commencement address.

Chief University Marshal John J. Baker will open the ceremony, leading a procession of faculty, staff, the Council of Deans, trustees, administrative officers, and graduating class members in full academic regalia; Baker is an associate professor of oral biology in the School of Dental Medicine and president of the University Senate. Music will be provided by the University Symphonic Band, under the direction of Pitt Director of Bands Jack R. Anderson.

After the awarding of diplomas by Nordenberg; James V. Maher, Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor; and the deans of the schools and colleges, Sheila Eka Emma Isong will speak on behalf of the graduating class. Isong, who is president of the Black Action Society and a student in the School of Arts and Sciences, will receive the Bachelor of Arts degree during the commencement ceremony. Her talk will be followed by an address from Brian Generalovich, (CAS '66, DEN '68), president of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, who will welcome the graduates as Pitt's newest alumni.

In all, Pitt is conferring approximately 6,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees this year to students on the Pittsburgh campus and approximately 1,000 undergraduate degrees to students on the Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville campuses, which hold their own commencement ceremonies.

During one of the most accomplished college football careers in the sport's history, Marino established several National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season and career records for pass attempts and completions, yardage, and touchdowns. His uniform number, 13, was retired by Pitt in 1982, and in 2003, Marino was honored for his outstanding NCAA career with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Marino earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication at Pitt in 1983 and was drafted in the first round by the NFL's Miami Dolphins.

He continued his athletic success as a professional, setting more than 20 individual-season and career passing records during his 17-year NFL career that culminated in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

Motivated by experiences in raising the second of their six children, Michael, who has autism, the Marinos created the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992 to meet the need for comprehensive and integrated treatment programs for children with developmental disabilities and chronic medical problems.

In November 2007, the Marinos received the Public Services Award for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health, one of the International Health and Medical Media Awards presented by MediMedia; and in January 2008, they were recognized by Nova Southwestern University with the President's Community Award for their outstanding contributions to the university and the South Florida community.

Last month, Florida Governor Charlie Crist named Marino cochair of the Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders, which will deliver, by March 2009, recommendations on ways to address the growing health crisis autism presents.

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4/23/08/tmw