Celebrating our Transfer Students
The School of Education offers a welcoming environment for transfer students, whether they are joining from a community college or from another four-year institution.
In fall 2024, there were 44 students who transferred from two-year and four-year institutions into Pitt Education. They are from over 20 different institutions across nine states, including from as far away as Alabama, California, and Washington state. The most popular transfer institution is the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC).
To highlight its commitment to transfer success, Pitt Education celebrated National Transfer Student Week from October 21-25, 2024. The theme, “Unlocking Potential: Keys to the Transfer Journey,” recognized the incredible strengths and experiences that transfer students bring to Pitt.
Eboni M. Zamani-Gallaher, the school’s Renée and Richard Goldman Dean, held a “Donuts with the Dean” event that week to recognize transfer students and announce the first recipients of the school’s new community college transfer scholarship. Five students were selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship.
Transfer Student Spotlights
School of Education
Bethany Bickford, BS in teacher education program, transferred from Delaware County Community College in Media, Pennsylvania.
“Pitt has helped me unlock my potential by helping me gain new perspectives that will help me become a more understanding teacher.”
Future plans: Teaching position in Pittsburgh or Delaware County, Pennsylvania
Mariana Bolena, who is in the Combined Studies in Applied Education (CASE) program, transferred to Pitt from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.
“Pitt helped me find my potential through consistency with my professors. Within my classes I have had many new opportunities to grow and to gain experiences within multiple teaching placements.”
Future plans: Moving to Chicago to become an early childhood educator
Mary Howski, BS in Exercise Science, transferred from Boston College in Boston, Massachusetts.
“Pitt has been the best place to unlock my potential because it is a place where I feel simultaneously at home and pushed out of my comfort zone in order to succeed.”
Future plans: Graduate school and becoming a strength and conditioning coach
Paige Lewis, BS in Applied Developmental Psychology, transferred from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.
“Pitt has opened countless doors for me, allowing me to find my true potential. The friendships I have formed here, specifically through the Heinz Chapel Choir, played a key role in discovering my true self.”
Dustin Tu, BS in exercise science, transferred from Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York.
“Pitt has allowed me to explore many options regarding the field I’m interested in that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do elsewhere.”
Future plans: Athletic training with professional athletes
Frederick Honors College
Jack Cignetti, bachelor’s in psychology, transferred from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
“Pitt unlocked my potential through the welcoming advisors who assisted me in acclimating to a new environment. Additionally, Pitt offers various clubs and student organizations that helped me get involved on campus.”
Future plans: Clinical psychologist
Harrison J. Romero, political science, transferred to Pitt from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
“I’ve been able to grow and challenge myself both in and out of the classroom. Outside the classroom, I’ve not only strengthened my Jewish identity at Chabad and Hillel and joined campus groups that pique my wide range of interests…but Pitt gave me the opportunity to start a club of my own, Complete Streets, for like-minded students concerned about the needs of our local community.”
Future plans: Working as an EMT while pursuing graduate school
School of Public Health
Ashley Wald, who is majoring in public health, transferred to Pitt from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
“Transferring to Pitt was the best decision I made. This school unlocked my potential by providing experiences that shaped my academic and personal growth.”
Future Plans: Dental school
