The University of Pittsburgh School of Business held the Undergraduate Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2026, at the University Club in Oakland to honor students, staff, and faculty for their accomplishments this past year.
Addressing the graduates, Gene Anderson, Henry E. Haller, Jr. Dean, thanked the students for entrusting Pitt. He also recognized the faculty, staff, family, friends, and loved ones who inspired, guided, and supported the students.
He said, “Our agenda this morning is to celebrate. Each of you is deserving of our recognition, appreciation, and gratitude.”
Major Award Winners
Each year, one student from each major is highlighted as the top of the class. This year we congratulate the following eight students:
- PICPA – Accounting Student of the Year Award was awarded to Hunter Markham
- Outstanding Business Information Systems Major Award was awarded to Elijah Rogers
- Outstanding Finance Major Award was awarded to Michael Cocozza
- Outstanding Global Management Major Award was awarded to Colin Speitel
- Outstanding Human Resources Management Major Award was awarded to Leanne De Silva
- Outstanding Marketing Major Award was awarded to Audrey Josephson
- Center for Supply Chain Management Outstanding SCM Major Award was awarded to Rohan Patel
- Business Analytics Student of the Year was awarded to Taavi Herzog
Student, Staff, and Faculty Recognitions
A handful of special awards were announced at the event.
Shanele Tamulevicius was recognized as one of Poets&Quants Top 100 Best and Brightest students for the Class of 2026.
The Student Impact Award Winner for Faculty was given to Heidi Bartholomew, associate professor of business administration. This award recognizes a faculty member who has made a tremendous impact on student learning and professional development both inside and outside the classroom.
Bartholomew is among the speakers at the Pitt Business Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 2, along with senior student speaker George Collins. More information about the ceremony and how to watch online can be found on our website.
The Student Impact Award Winner for Staff was awarded to assistant director of career programming, Rebecca Rhoades. This award is chosen by graduating students as the individual who made the greatest impact on their time at Pitt Business.
Commending Collective Brilliance
A few special students and student groups were celebrated at the event as well.
The Pitt Business Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) provides students with a clearly defined pathway of extracurricular experiences in business that they should complete as college students. Lauren Melcer was recognized as the graduating senior who finished atop the OCC Leaderboard.
Nearly 30 students were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the scholastic honor society dedicated to the principles and ideals that are essential to a worthy life as well as a commendable business career.
Dean Anderson recognized a handful of student groups for having gone above and beyond this year. The student organizations recognized included Phi Beta Lambda (business fraternity), Women in Business, and the Human Resources Club. He praised the groups for creating community-building opportunities, engaging the Pitt Business community, and offering innovative programming.
A brunch reception followed the awards ceremony, giving students, faculty, and guests the chance to celebrate the Class of 2026. There is an online gallery of event photos.