Marino to speak at graduation

It’s been 25 years since Dan Marino graduated from Pitt, but the Hall of Fame quarterback is… It’s been 25 years since Dan Marino graduated from Pitt, but the Hall of Fame quarterback is once again returning to Oakland for graduation.

Marino will be the featured speaker at Pitt’s 2008 Commencement Ceremony, the University announced this week.

“Dan Marino, saluted by many as the greatest quarterback in football history, is a champion – both in sport and in life,” Chancellor Mark Nordenberg said in a press release. “He also is an extraordinary human being.”

The ceremony will be held on April 27 at the Petersen Events Center, starting at 1 p.m.

Raised in Oakland, Marino was a Parade magazine High School All-American quarterback at Central Catholic High School. After becoming a Panther in 1978, Marino led Pitt football to victories in three of four national bowl games.

Those victories, in addition to numerous NCAA records, earned Marino a spot in the college football Hall of Fame. Marino was also inducted into the professional football Hall of Fame from his success with the Miami Dolphins.

Both Pitt and the Dolphins have retired Marino’s jersey number, 13.

“Over the course of the years, the University of Pittsburgh has been represented by an amazingly talented, accomplished and committed group of individuals, on and off the field,” Nordenberg said.

In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Marino served as the Dolphins’ Uanited Way representative. Marino also created the Dan Marino Foundation, which helps children with developmental disabilities and chronic medical problems.