“You are the singular most important factor in shaping your future and your education is the most important asset in forming your ability to becoming lifelong learners as you meet the challenges and opportunities that present themselves,” said Mark Nordenberg, chancellor emeritus of the University of Pittsburgh, Sunday as he addressed the Class of 2017 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

A former dean and interim provost of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Nordenberg suggested the class members follow certain principles to help ensure success.

“First,” he said, “is aim high. Strive to be the best you can be and be ready to go forward.”  

Another one is working hard, said Nordenberg.

“It is less true today that by working smart would result in opportunities coming your way, but today, by deploying your talents and working in thoughtful ways can be more important,” said Nordenberg.

“Education can be key to building a foundation for the future and allowing you to always move forward,” he added.

Nordenberg advised the soon-to-be graduates to believe in the basic good of people and be nice to themselves. Bad people self destruct, and it costs nothing to be kind and considerate.

“Finally, find ways to make yourself happy,” he said, referring to an author who mentioned that having more experience with happiness makes them better people.

In his introductory remarks about Nordenberg, Pitt-Bradford President Dr. Livingston Alexander noted that under Nordenberg’s leadership as chancellor, he led Pitt through one of its most impressive periods of progress in its 229-year history. Undergraduate admission applications grew from under 8,000 to more than 30,000. Annual research expenditures increased from less than $250 million to a peak of $800 million, placing Pitt in the top five national ranking in terms of federal research support.

In 2014, Pitt-Bradford honored Nordenberg with its highest award, the Presidential Medal of Distinction.

Alexander announced that this year the university will present the President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service to two recipients: Dr. Shailendra Gajanan, professor of economics and chair of the Division of Management and Education, and Tim Ziaukas, professor of public relations and program director, for their excellence in teaching and the central roles they play at the institution.

Known on campus as an excellent teacher, Gajanan has consistently received excellent student evaluations, and the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association has honored him with its Teaching Excellence Award in 2011.

In his administrative duties, Gajanan has been chair of the Department of Management and Education since 2013 and has been reappointed for a new four-year term.

Since arriving at Pitt-Bradford, Ziaukas has taught 17 different courses, developed 11 new ones and revised six others. Besides public relations courses, he has taught journalism and communications courses as well as classes in popular culture. He also has served as faculty advisor for The Source, Pitt-Bradford’s award-winning student newspaper.

At the university, Ziaukas has been a member of more than 30 committees, including search committees and 13 peer evaluations.

In the community, Ziaukas spent 20 years as marketing director of the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center.

This year’s Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association Award of Distinction went to George Repchick, a member of the Class of 1982.

He is the president and co-owner of Saber Healthcare Group LLC, which owns and operates 103 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in six states. Repchick and his business partner, Bill Weisberg, formed Saber in 2001 by operating a single inner-city nursing home in Cleveland. Saber now has more than 10,000 employees in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana and Florida, making it one of the largest nursing home providers in the nation with more than 10,000 beds.

Repchick hasn’t forgotten his alma mater, where he has been president of the PBAA and is a member of the Pitt-Bradford Advisory Board.

Dr. Steven Hardin, vice-president and dean of academic affairs, recognized the graduates and conferred their degrees.

One of the graduates, Josh Sourbeer, who received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, received a standing ovation when it was announced that on Saturday he was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the U. S. Army.

Dr. James Evans, vice-president and dean of student affairs, offered the benediction and invocation.

A reception followed in the McDowell Field House.