Our alumni are our greatest achievement and primary means of impact on the world. The Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences honors their outstanding contributions through two prestigious awards.
Distinguished Alumni Award
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who exemplify professional excellence, community dedication, and continued University engagement. Recipients are evaluated on:
- Professional Achievement: Impact on their field at the local, regional, state, and/or international levels.
- Service and Support to the University of Pittsburgh and/or Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences: Engagement through personal, professional, and/or philanthropic support, or professional performance that reflects the excellence of a Dietrich School degree.
- Professional and Public Service: Volunteer service and/or professional and/or academic honors, or contributions to the public good.
Distinguished Professional Achievement Award
The Distinguished Professional Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have attained remarkable distinction and demonstrated sustained excellence and leadership throughout their career. Recipients are evaluated on:
- Career-Defining Achievement: Exceptional, sustained impact on their profession — locally, regionally, or internationally — including significant milestones, industry leadership, or field-shaping contributions.
- Professional Recognition: Honors or distinctions from professional organizations, academic societies, or industry bodies affirming the candidate's leadership.
- Professional and Public Service: Volunteer or expertise-driven service benefiting the broader community or public good.
Eligibility
Nominees must be alumni of the University of Pittsburgh Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences or its antecedent institutions (School of Arts and Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences).
Recognition
Awardees are recognized annually at an event hosted by the Dean during the University’s Homecoming celebration.
Recipients
2025
- Karen Kuhn, MA, JD (A&S '82)
- Deneen Vojta, MD (A&S '86)
2024
- Ronald K. Poropatich (A&S '77)
- Martha H. Munsch (A&S '70)
2023
- Lily M. Ng, PhD (A&S '85G)
- Mark J. Pastin, PhD (A&S '70)
2022
- Jennifer L. Bertetto (A&S '97)
- Peter J. Germain (A&S '81)
- Harvey S. Cohen (A&S '68)
2021
- janera solomon (A&S '98)
- Nancy Targett (A&S ’72)
- Leo Wegemer (A&S ’73)
2020
- Marlee S. Myers (A&S ’74; LAW ’77)
- John B. Blystone (A&S ’75)
- Bernard R. Siskin (A&S ’65)
2018
- Nancy Cartwright (A&S '65)
2017
- Thaddeus Mosley (A&S ’50)
2016
- Michael Chabon (A&S '84)
- Debbi Gillotti (A&S ’77)
- Bert A. Rockman (A&S '65)
2015
- Janice Holder (A&S ’71)
- Lawrence J. Simpson (A&S '74G, '78G)
2014
- Jane Allred (A&S '71)