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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.Meet the Class of 2025 grads who won top University honors
On May 2, the University of Pittsburgh celebrated soon-to-be graduates at the 2025 Senior Distinguished Awards Convocation. Among those honored were the recipients of Pitt’s top awards for seniors — the Emma W. Locke Memorial Award and ODK Senior of the Year Award. This year’s recipients, Ashawnti Buckner and Gabriella Lombardi, were recognized for their commitment to community and lasting impact on Pitt’s campus.
ODK Senior of the Year
Since the 1920s, Pitt’s chapter of the national leadership honor society Omicron Delta Kappa has recognized one recently graduated or graduating senior who exemplifies leadership of exceptional quality and versatility. Additionally, the winner’s name is engraved on a stone in the ODK Leadership Walk between the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Memorial Chapel.
This year’s recipient is Gabriella Lombardi of Oxford, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a degree in microbiology from the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
In 2023, Lombardi was honored with the Spirit of Pitt award during Homecoming. During her time at Pitt, she also served as president of Pitt Pathfinders and vice president of service and philanthropy for Phi Sigma Rho sorority. Additionally, Lombardi was a dedicated member of the Student Survivors of Cancer club and the Blue and Gold Society and she led as both captain and coach of Pitt’s Club Cheer team. Next, she plans to attend graduate school to continue her science education.
Emma W. Locke Memorial Award
Each year, one winner of Pitt’s Emma W. Locke Memorial Award is chosen from a group of nominees selected by the deans of the undergraduate schools. The award — established in 1946 by Charles A. Locke, in memory of his mother — recognizes high scholarship, character, leadership and devotion to the ideals of the University of Pittsburgh.
Ashawnti Buckner of Princess Anne, Maryland, is this year’s honoree. She is graduating with a BA in Health Services from the College of General Studies and an MPH from the School of Public Health as well as a minor in Africana studies and Communications Certificate.
Buckner has held leadership roles as business manager for the College of General Studies Student Government and as leader and student coordinator for the Provost Academy. A Trio McNair and CDC John R. Lewis Scholar, Buckner plans to work in health policy development, focusing on older adults, and aims to become a university professor.
