Alumni

Harry Colmery (LAW 1916) wrote the first draft of the GI Bill by hand, using up seven pens’ worth of ink. To celebrate the bill’s 75th anniversary, the dean of Pitt Law and the new director of the Office of Veterans Services visited Colmery’s niece to talk about his legacy — and give the family a gift.

As a scientist at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program, Lauren Chubb (A&S ’10, GSPH ’13, ’16) has developed on-the-spot air analysis software to help keep miners safe.

Tracy Floyd (NURS ’91) and Carla Jackson (CGS ’91) weren’t close friends when they attended Pitt, but a life-changing illness brought them together in 2015. April is National Donate Life Month, and these two alumnae celebrate it in a special way.

Dereck Hogan (A&S ’95) was recently appointed U.S. ambassador to the Republic of Moldova and he says a political philosophy class at Pitt sent him on his path. Interested in foreign service? Other Pitt alumni who have served offer advice.

George "Geo" Bivins has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Usher, Alicia Keys and the Notorious B.I.G. Now, he’s opening music industry doors for Pitt students.

Many women working in Copán Ruinas can't afford childcare, forcing them to leave their children alone or in overcrowded, underfunded orphanages. The team at Casita Copán, a nonprofit founded by Emily Monroe, has created a better option.

As the nation grapples with the deadly opioid crisis, Pitt’s Pennsylvania Opioid Overdose Reduction Technical Assistance Center, housed in the School of Pharmacy, is taking a fresh approach to saving lives.

Best-selling author and Pitt alumna Bebe Moore Campbell (EDUC ’71) explored racial justice, childhood and friendships in her work. Recently, Pitt acquired her archives.

Rachael Lippincott (A&S ’17) wrote the young adult book “Five Feet Apart" with the support of Siobhan Vivian of Pitt's English department. A film version hits theaters in March.

Sangya Gyawali (A&S ’16), who studied anthropology and economics, is headed to Tsinghua University for a prestigious program that aims to help future leaders better understand China and its role in global affairs.