Chancellor Nordenberg to speak at commencement

Contrary to recent news, Mark Nordenberg will be Patrick Gallagher’s successor — as Pitt’s commencement speaker this spring.

The Pitt community didn’t know Gallagher would succeed Nordenberg when the recently announced Chancellor-elect spoke at Pitt’s graduation last year.

Nordenberg, whose 19-year tenure as Pitt’s 17th chancellor will conclude with his stepping down in August, will deliver remarks at this year’s ceremonies on April 27.

Nordenberg has served in the University community for 37 years. Provost Patricia Beeson recommended him to the Special Committee for Honors Convocation and Commencement Speakers, according to a University press release, and the committee endorsed the proposal.

“Given his strong and sustained commitment to enhancing the overall student experience at Pitt, we agreed that he would be the ideal choice to deliver remarks at what will be his final commencement as chancellor,” Associate Chancellor Vijai Singh, who chairs the special committee, said in the release.

Nordenberg joined the faculty of Pitt’s School of Law in 1977. He gradually moved up the ranks, receiving promotions to positions such as dean of the Law School and Interim Provost, and was selected as chancellor following a national search in 1996.

Nordenberg has been credited with bolstering the University’s reputation for high-caliber research, increasing student enrollment numbers, acquiring substantial philanthropic support and leading Pitt as its Athletic Department’s prestige increased.

He’s extended the University’s reach beyond its campus, too, by cultivating relationships with UPMC, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Carnegie Mellon University.

Through these partnerships, Nordenberg has gained recognition that has complemented his role as an academic leader.

Nordenberg was selected as Pittsburgh’s Person of the Year in 1998 based on a poll of 1,800 corporate and civic leaders. Pittsburgh Magazine named Nordenberg “Pittsburgher of the Year” in 1999 for his leadership and regional connections. He was awarded the title again two years later for his collaborative work with then-Carnegie Mellon President Jared Cohon.

Besides his other achievements, the presence of Nordenberg’s name on campus will remain beyond his tenure at the University.

The 2007 Student Government Board dedicated Nordy’s Place, a lounge on the ground level of the William Pitt Union, to honor him.

The Board of Trustees established a scholarship in his name in 2012 along with a dormitory — Nordenberg Hall — that opened last semester and houses more than 500 freshmen along with the new Student Health Center and Pharmacy.

The commencement ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in the Petersen Events Center on April 27.