Pitt-Bradford Presents Its Highest Honor to Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, whose significant support of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has resulted in unprecedented growth, received the Presidential Medal of Distinction at a tribute reception and dinner on Thursday evening.

The presidential medal is Pitt-Bradford’s highest honor.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of a remarkable leader, whose impact has extended well beyond the Pittsburgh campus,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “Throughout his tenure, Chancellor Nordenberg has been an ardent supporter and advocate for our campus. He inspires us to do our very best to advance the university.”

Last summer Nordenberg announced he would step down after serving 19 years as chancellor in August of this year.

During his tenure, enrollment has increased and average SAT scores have risen at the campus in Pittsburgh and in Bradford.

Pitt research and strong alliances with UPMC and Carnegie Mellon University have benefitted the regional economy of Pittsburgh, where one in five jobs is now in the education or medical sectors.

Before serving as chancellor, Nordenberg was dean of Pitt’s school of law and interim provost of the university. In 1994, he was elevated to the special faculty rank of distinguished service professor. In 1995, the university’s board of trustees elected him interim chancellor, and in 1996, following a national search, he was elected chancellor.

He began his career at Pitt in 1977, when he joined the school of law, where he gained the reputation as an outstanding teacher and was the initial recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award now presented annually by the law school’s graduating class.

Later he was one of the first faculty members to receive the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, which recognizes teaching excellence university-wide.

Nordenberg earned his bachelor’s degree at Thiel College and his law degree at the University of Wisconsin Law School. He has been married to Dr. Nikki Pirillo Nordenberg for more than 40 years, and the couple has three adult children and three young grandsons.

Nordenberg is the 26th individual awarded the Presidential Medal of Distinction, which is presented to a person who has either volunteered his or her time for several years; supported the university either financially or with expertise or advice; served the university’s service region through community, government or business affiliation; or has made distinctive achievements in his or her field that have affected Pitt-Bradford.

Recent medal winners include the Rev. Leo Gallina, George Duke, Thomas Bromeley and former University of Pittsburgh Provost James V. Maher.

Pictured, Pitt-Bradford President Dr. Livingston Alexander and University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg.
Photo by Alan Hancock
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