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Bill Pierce is a double 51��Ʒ��Ƶ grad and a former college swimmer, so his Panther pride has always run deep. Even after graduating and settling into a Washington, D.C.-based career in health care policy communications, he jumped at opportunities to support his alma mater. Over the years, he’s helped to launch the Student Resource Fund at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), joined the GSPIA Board of Visitors and donated to the Trees Hall pool and locker room renovation project.

“I feel strongly that you should give back if you can,” says Pierce (A&S ’82, GSPIA ’85).

So, when a fellow alum suggested Pierce join the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Alumni Association (PAA) board, he saw it as an expansion of his relationship with 51��Ʒ��Ƶ and a chance to work with others who are just as passionate about the blue and gold.

Five years later, Pierce is the newest PAA president. He takes over for Rich Sedory, who moved into the past-president role in July and will take a seat on 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s Board of Trustees.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from the outstanding leadership of Rich Sedory,” says Nancy Merritt, vice chancellor for alumni relations. “The legacy of strong leadership will continue with Bill Pierce, and I’m looking forward to partnering with him and the entire PAA Board of Directors so that we can foster meaningful engagement for all 51��Ʒ��Ƶ alumni.”

Sedory’s term was an active one, marked by record engagement. Over the past two years, the PAA created additional affinity groups and lifelong learning opportunities; set attendance records at multiple events, including tailgates and Lantern Night; and, most importantly, saw more students applying to, and receiving, PAA-funded scholarships.

He credits the support of Chancellor Joan Gabel and Merritt and her staff for allowing the PAA to bring new goals to fruition while keeping its customs intact.

“It’s so important to keep those traditions,” says Sedory (A&S ’83, LAW ’86). “It’s the thread that runs through all of us.”

Pierce plans to capitalize upon the momentum Sedory has built and ensure 51��Ʒ��Ƶ alumni have two things. First, an opportunity to give back in whatever way they can, whether through donating to a scholarship or mentoring a student. And second, a deep pride in their alma mater that rivals his own.

“51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh is a first-class city, and 51��Ʒ��Ƶ is a first-class university,” Pierce says. “Every alum should understand that.”