SPIA celebrates Homecoming 2025
Oakland was a sea of blue and gold on Friday, October 25th, as Pitt alumni, current students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate Homecoming 2025.The School of Public and International Affairs kicked things off at noon with an open house in the SPIA Dean’s Suite in Posvar Hall. Part of the University-wide Showcasing Spaces tour and hosted by Director of Development Laura Latini and Development Associate Jen Marasco-Kuhn, the event gave alumni a chance to revisit the familiar space, chat with friends, and meet current students. A table of swag from years past was available for those looking to take home a nostalgic piece of school history, as well as blue and gold Pittsburgh Popcorn and a special SPIA-branded gift for all graduates.Festivities continued into the evening at the Welcome Back Reception in the Cathedral of Learning, as Panthers of all ages enjoyed food, music, and good conversation inside the Cathedral and outside on the patio. After a few last pets of the Pitt therapy dogs and a stop in the photo booth, it was out into the night to watch the annual fireworks and laser show light up the sky above Schenley Plaza.SPIA was also well represented at other events throughout the Homecoming weekend. Alumnus Carl Ware (MPA ’77) received the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award at the Alumni Awards Celebration Thursday night in recognition of his exceptional accomplishments and profound impact in matters of business, politics, and international relations. Ware spent more than two decades rising through the ranks at the Coca-Cola Company, eventually serving as President of the company’s operations in Africa and Executive Vice President, Global Public Affairs and Administration before his retirement in 2003. He used his leadership position to shape the company’s anti-apartheid strategy and is credited by the likes of Archbishop Desmond Tutu for helping to end the system of segregation in South Africa.On Saturday, SPIA Alumnus and Board of Visitors member Bill Pierce (MPIA ’85, A&S ‘82) took the field at Acrisure Stadium during halftime of the Panthers’ Homecoming football game. As president of the Pitt Alumni Association (PAA), Pierce was on hand to award this year’s Spirit of Pitt awards to the undergraduate and graduate students who embody a commitment to academic excellence, community service, and the PAA’s values.
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