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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.For University of Pittsburgh alumna Roslyn (Moncini) Munsch (A&S ’80), Pitt’s annual Homecoming has become more than a celebration. It’s a family reunion.
Munsch’s daughters, Regina Munsch (ENGR ’20, DEN ’24) and Maria Munsch (ENGR ’14), both graduated from Pitt, as did Maria’s husband, Sean Vins (ENGR ’14).
“I’m a very loyal person, to my family and my University,” Roslyn said. “I’m blessed that my immediate family is also part of my Pitt family.”
Her Panther family tree has many branches. They include roommates from across the country she still reunites with; fans she and her husband, Bill, have befriended as longtime Pitt basketball and football season ticketholders; and the many relationships she developed as a Pitt Alumni Association (PAA) board member, volunteer and mentor.
At Homecoming, those branches come into full blossom.
“It’s all about connecting and reconnecting: seeing my friends who I know are going to be there and making new friends,” said Roslyn, who received PAA’s Roc Spirit Award at Homecoming in 2023.
Roslyn’s love for Homecoming roots to her time as a student. During her senior year, she planned events as the event's co-chair. Today, Roslyn continues to enjoy the entire slate of Homecoming activities, from the Alumni Awards Celebration to fireworks outside the Cathedral and, of course, the tailgate and football game.
Regina and Maria inherited their mother’s love for Pitt — and Homecoming. “Hail to Pitt” was the first lullaby that Roslyn sang to them, and growing up, the sisters were regulars alongside their parents at Pitt events.
Roslyn, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, especially cherished the opportunity to light her daughters’ lanterns at the University’s annual Lantern Night. The Munsch family also proudly watched from the stands as Maria and Regina each played trumpet in the Pitt Band.
“It is such a privilege to be a part of the greater Pitt legacy,” said Regina, who holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a doctorate in dental medicine from Pitt. “Like many students, my years in Oakland were a turning point into adulthood. Pitt gave me the ultimate gift: an atmosphere of unconditional support. Being present at Homecoming is just one way that we can pay this support forward to future generations.”
Maria and Regina’s favorite Homecoming traditions revolve around their involvement in the band and PAA’s Blue and Gold Society, which builds connections between students and alumni. They both look back fondly on their childhood memories on campus and the opportunity to form their own Pitt identities as students.
“At its core, that's what Homecoming means to me,” said Maria, who earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering at Pitt. “Coming back to a place that played an important part in my educational and social journey, encourages me to make the world a better place, and celebrates both students and alumni.”
Roslyn invites all alumni to join in that celebration — even if it’s been years since they’ve returned to campus.
“When I meet people and learn that they went to Pitt, I say, ‘Oh gosh, you have to be at Homecoming,’” Roslyn said. “Put on your finest blue and gold, come back and reconnect with the people who make Pitt special to you.”
Join in at Homecoming, Oct. 23-25
Celebrate your favorite blue and gold traditions and make new memories with your fellow alumni, too. Register now.
Photography courtesy of the Munsch family. In the top photo, from left, Bill Munsch, Regina Munsch (ENGR ’20, DEN ’24), Roslyn (Moncini) Munsch (A&S ’80), Maria Munsch (ENGR ’14) and Sean Vins (ENGR ’14) celebrate at the Homecoming Tailgate in 2024.