Alumna Susan Silvestri will receive Pitt-Bradford’s Presidential Medal of Distinction

Susan H. Silvestri (A&S ’76), who attended the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in the early 1970s and has been an active and loyal supporter of her alma mater, will receive a Presidential Medal of Distinction, the University’s highest honor.

Pitt-Bradford President Rick Esch will present the medal to Silvestri during the campus’ commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. May 4.

“Sue has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening our campus community,” Esch said. “Through her exemplary volunteer service, financial support and invaluable expertise, she has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to Pitt-Bradford’s growth and success over many years.

“Her significant contributions have not only enriched the campus community but served as a shining example of the impact that engaged and passionate alumni can have on their alma maters. We are profoundly grateful for the legacy Sue continues to build.”

Silvestri, who attended Pitt-Bradford from 1972 to 1974, has a long history of supporting her alma mater, which has taken many forms over the years.

She is a longstanding member of the executive committee of Pitt-Bradford’s Advisory Board and is chair of the board’s athletics council. Silvestri also was a founding member of the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association (PBAA) and has served in many capacities, including as president and as chair of the PBAA scholarship committee.

 “It is a great honor to receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction,” Silvestri said. “It has been a privilege to work with so many talented alumni, faculty, staff and students. It has always been my goal to help the University connect with the community, establish scholarships and engage alumni in volunteer activities that benefit students.”

In 2000, Silvestri became the second person to receive the PBAA Distinguished Volunteer Award, which was created to recognize a Pitt-Bradford graduate who has enriched the life of the University and the Alumni Association through volunteer efforts.

She and husband Greg (A&S ’77), who also attended Pitt-Bradford between 1973 and 1975, established the PBAA/Gregory and Susan Silvestri Scholarship to benefit students majoring in several academic programs, including criminal justice, human relations, sociology and psychology. Since the fund was established in 1996, 50 students have received scholarships.

They are both also members of Pitt-Bradford’s Founders’ Society, which is composed of alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have made the regional campus part of their estate planning.

When Silvestri attended Pitt-Bradford in the early 1970s, the campus did not offer four-year degrees, so she completed her undergraduate studies in political science at the University’s campus in Pittsburgh. She earned a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1992.

Before retiring in 2019, Silvestri was the aging care management supervisor at the Westmoreland County Area Agency on Aging.