Martha Pittaway, C'12, addresses student body during 2012 Commencement exercises

Martha Pierce Pittaway, C’12, was selected to address graduating students as the student speaker at the May 5 Commencement exercises of the School of Continuing Studies.

Pittaway is finishing the final classes required to earn her Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies through the School’s Weekend College program. She participated in the Commencement exercises as an August 2012 graduate.

In her address to her fellow graduates, Pittaway likened herself and her classmates to “late bloomers,” those who bloom “just as bright, if not brighter” than those who follow more direct routes to college.

She encouraged those graduates who were or would become teachers and school leaders to be on the alert for late bloomers like herself.  “I hope you’ll be watching for the late bloomers in your classrooms and schools. I think you’ll find that with a little patience and nurturing, they too will bloom just as brilliantly as the rest of your students.”

Pittaway closed her address by reminding her fellow graduates that they would be the last class graduating from the “School of Continuing Studies”—future students will graduate from the “School of Professional and Continuing Studies.” And she thanked Dean Narduzzi, along with the staff and faculty of the School, for their dedication and stewardship.

Pittaway works at the University in the Office of Enrollment Management as the assistant to the vice president. Before joining the staff at the University, she served as assistant editor and marketing director for an investment advisory publication service, which she co-founded.

She is currently a member of the University Staff Advisory Council and has served on numerous University committees and working groups. Last year, Pittaway was the recipient of the University’s Outstanding Service Award in the clerical support division.

As a student, Pittaway has served as secretary and president of the Student Government Association at the School of Continuing Studies, co-chaired two commencement gift campaigns, and served as a student ambassador. She also is a member of Golden Key Honor Society. Last year, Pittaway received the Stratton and Peggy Almond Memorial Book Scholarship Award, which provides funds for textbooks to outstanding participants in the Weekend College program.

This year, Pittaway is co-recipient of the 2012 Jean H. Proffitt Student Award. She received the award May 2 during SCS Night, the School’s honors ceremony for graduating students.