Point Park University

Season’s Greetings from Point Park University!

We’re thankful for our incredible community — students, faculty, staff and alumni — who made this year truly special. 💛❄️

📸 Dustin McGrew Photography

Act soon. Space is limited. Point Park University

As we ease into the holiday season, be sure to take some time to relax and enjoy the things that bring you joy! ❤️

The University will be closed Monday, Dec. 23, and will reopen on Thursday, Jan. 2.

We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

📸 Nadia Jones '25

There's always so much to celebrate at Point Park University! 💛💚

Take a look back with us at some of the top highlights from this year in our 2024 rewind.

Go Pioneers! ⬇️
pointpark.me/2024Rewind

We are so proud of Musical Theatre alumnus Austin Schulte '22 for recently making his broadway debut in "Elf: The Musical" 👏

"I would not be the person and performer I am today without the professors I worked with at Point Park. They are in every work I create and their impact on my life cannot be understated. I am so fortunate to remain in contact with them and hope to be for years to come. Special moments like my Broadway debut are as much for them as they are for me."

Full Q&A with Austin ⬇️
pointpark.me/3ZxeZ8A

As we continue to celebrate the rich history and vibrant community at Point Park University, we’d love to hear from our alumni!

Whether it was the excitement of your first performance, the camaraderie in the classroom, or the unique traditions that made your time at Point Park unforgettable, we want to hear your stories.

What memories do you hold dear from your time as a student? How did the traditions at Point Park shape your experience and impact your career today?

Share your reflections in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the traditions that continue to connect us all! 💭⬇️

Point Park gained 259 new graduates at the 2024 fall hooding ceremony, Dec. 14.

Congratulations to all of those who received new degrees and certifications! 🎓 ⬇️
pointpark.me/2024FallHooding

📸 Mark Simpson Photography

Today's the day — we welcome our Hooding Graduates to our ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Pittsburgh Playhouse! 🎓

If you're not able to make it to the ceremony, we will be live streaming the event on our website ⬇️
pointpark.me/3AGu27p

We broke out the big scissors earlier this week to officially welcome the Professional Career-Readiness Center to the lower level of the Student Center! ✂️

We love this new space on campus and hope that you will too. The Professional Career-Readiness Center provides programs and services to enhance student success by creating opportunities to achieve career readiness, increase knowledge of career pathways and connect to experiential learning such as internships and co-ops.

Learn more about our newest space on campus ⬇️
pointpark.me/47lEPQm

📸 Ethan Stoner '25

Meet Joshua Challen Ice '17, independent artist and art fabricator, and creator of Aurora: The Illumination of Mellon Square Park currently on display for the holiday season in Downtown Pittsburgh.

"Having Aurora featured in Downtown Pittsburgh during the holiday season is an incredible honor. Mellon Square is a historic and beloved space, and to contribute to its legacy by adding a contemporary, interactive element feels deeply meaningful. It’s an opportunity to engage with the community in a festive yet timeless way, encouraging play, reflection, and togetherness in the heart of the city."
— Joshua Challen Ice

Full Q&A with Joshua ⬇️
pointpark.me/4f15jc9

Point Park students explore art, history, etiquette and more in School of Arts & Sciences' Japanese Culture course.

Due to this course, Logre Abdis '27 and Ryan Milazzo '26, both now have a deeper understanding of their dream destination after graduating from Point Park.

Abdis, a broadcast reporting major, aspires to become a Japanese translator or localization specialist. Milazzo, an international business management major and applied computer science minor, plans to continue his education in Japan and enter its workforce or do business internationally across Asia. He will intern with the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania this spring.

"Not everyone has the opportunity to hop on a plane and go to Japan tomorrow – I wanted to bring Japan to my students."
— Rosita Grigaite, lecturer

More on the impact of the Japanese Culture course ⬇️
pointpark.me/4gnGZC9

5 days until tuition is due ⏰

Tuition for Spring Semester 2025 is due on Monday, Dec. 16.

Have questions or need help? Contact the Office of Student Accounts at 412-392-3424 or [email protected]!

Where learning meets industry 🎶

At Point Park University, the Sports, Arts, Entertainment & Music (SAEM) Business Program blends classroom knowledge with hands-on experience. Students like Lydia Zarefoss '26 work at Pioneer Records, attend industry events like the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) and build the skills needed for success.

Check out Pioneer Records and SAEM ⬇️
pointpark.me/3BcyfA0

Congratulations to Point Park University students Aaron Baker and Natalie Caine for their first place win in the America250PA Direct Effect Innovation Challenge! Their winning campaign promoted solar energy on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, showcasing their creativity and real-world marketing skills.

This hands-on experience enhanced their career readiness and provided valuable insights into integrated marketing strategy, messaging, and collaboration. Huge thanks to Dr. Dorene Ciletti for her expert guidance!

We're excited to see what's next, way to go! 🌟
pointpark.me/3BlSEm2

We’re excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduate students at the Graduate Degree Hooding Ceremony next Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse at 10 a.m. 🎓

We’re proud to share this moment with you and can’t wait to see all that you’ll accomplish next.

More on our December Hooding ⬇️
https://pointpark.me/3AGu27p

Willie Parker, the legendary running back who won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Point Park are teaming up on a new partnership designed to expand support services to high school students in North Carolina and the Pittsburgh area.

Parker’s 39 Legends Foundation, which supports underprivileged children and families in his native North Carolina, is partnering with Rising Brothers and Sisters, a nonprofit organization housed in the Point Park University Rowland School of Business, to offer mentorship, guidance and support to high school students.

"Our partnership with Point Park University and Rising Brothers and Sisters represents a powerful step forward in our mission to uplift high school students in North Carolina and Pittsburgh," said Willie Parker, who was back in Pittsburgh for his induction into the Steelers Hall of Honor. "By combining our resources and shared commitment to education, mentorship and community, we can provide these young people with the tools and support they need to reach their full potential both on and off the field."

More on the partnership ⬇️ 🏈
pointpark.me/3ZrUY2W

Congratulations to Point Park University Rowland School of Business student Jana Schmid for receiving the 2024 PennACE Student of the Year Award for Business!

The award recognizes the achievements and contributions made by undergraduate students enrolled at PennACE member institutions who have completed an internship or co-op. Last year’s award went to sports, arts, entertainment and music business major Cecelia Eidsvoog.

Jana is a business management major and student-athlete on the track and field team. She interns with the German Chamber of Commerce and is enrolled in the University’s Experiential Learning Business Management course.

Learn more about Jana’s Point Park experience in this story about internship opportunities for international students ⬇️
pointpark.me/3OlNxVZ

We’re proud of you, Jana! 🎉 👏

Get career-ready with first-year acting major Bianca Dixon 👏

In her first semester at Point Park, Bianca has found her home here at Point Park — between the professors and the performance spaces, she loves it.

"Point Park's Pittsburgh Playhouse is beautiful. The dance studios, the workspaces, the performance spaces, there's so much to talk about. I love spending time there and it really is a privilege as a student at Point Park."

Q&A and TikTok with Bianca ⬇️ 🎭
pointpark.me/49pHfhN