News
Dr. David Dabbs shares career lessons and life advice at Distinguished SAGE Speaker Series
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown welcomed alumnus Dr. David Dabbs, Class of 1974, for the Distinguished SAGE Speaker Series on Thursday, Nov. 12, at the John P. Murtha Center. During his presentation, “To and From UPJ: Useful Tools in a Real World Career Mashup of Plans and Chances,” Dabbs reflected on his journey from growing up in Johnstown to building a distinguished career in academic pathology and breast cancer research.
UPJ Honors Veterans at Ceremony Featuring Colonel Karen Esaias as Guest Speaker
JOHNSTOWN, PA — The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) honored the nation’s veterans in a solemn ceremony featuring many campus veterans—students, faculty, and staff —as well as distinguished alum Colonel Karen Esaias, Class of ‘79.
Pitt-Johnstown Alumna Challenges Students to Become Changemakers
More than 300 students and community members gathered in the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Nov. 5, for the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown’s Distinguished SAGE Speaker Series featuring Dr. Bobbi Watt Geer, president and CEO of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and a proud Pitt-Johnstown alumna.
Pitt-Johnstown Community Gathers to Remember September 11
Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown community came together at the Heroes Memorial to remember those affected by the tragedy and reaffirm its commitment to never forget.
President Dr. Jem Spectar participated in the wreath-laying ceremony alongside students, faculty and staff. Admissions Counselor and Recruitment Specialist Sydney Petro performed “America the Beautiful” during the ceremony. The gathering concluded with a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first plane struck the World Trade Center.
Congratulations to our Spring 2026 Dean’s List honorees!
Dean's List Spring 2026
Pitt-Johnstown Remembers Associate Professor Emeritus Dr. Rodney Eatman
It is with great sadness that we annou
UPJ Mourns the Passing of Rick Bross, Distinguished Alumnus and Friend
Dear UPJ community,
I am deeply saddened to share that Rick Bross (B.A. ’73) passed away on May 10, 2026, at the age of 74, while on a biking adventure with friends in Portugal.
On behalf of UPJ, I express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family, loved ones and friends of Rick Bross.
Rick, who graduated from Johnstown High School in 1969, went on to earn his BA in Economics from UPJ in 1973, a formative period which Rick later credited for his future success at the national and global levels!
Commencement Speaker: Miguel A. Cardona
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnst
Dr. Spectar's Op-Ed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Summary by Trevor Farabaugh
Pitt-Johnstown President, Dr. Jem Spectar, an accomplished author, recently wrote an op-ed that was featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the changing role of universities in an era influenced by artificial intelligence.
