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Newsmakers/OCC Honorary Society

Issue Date: 
April 4, 2012
The green cords of distinction worn by some Pitt graduates today indicate completion of the University’s Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC). OCC began at Pitt in 2008 as an initiative to help students fully participate in college life and prepare for their futures. A wide range of activities earns OCC credits, and students’ participation is documented on their academic transcripts. Once a student has fulfilled the OCC requirements, he or she receives a green cord of distinction for commencement and, if desired, can seek induction into the Honorary Society. About 285 students have completed the curriculum this year, 206 of whom have been inducted into the Honorary Society. An estimated 183 seniors have earned their cords of green, which represent Pitt’s colors, blue and gold, blended to symbolize the education of the whole student. Pictured, from left, are OCC Honorary Society officers and graduating seniors Mark Hennessy, vice president of membership; Samantha Bertocchi, secretary; Glyn Cozart, president; and Britta Anderson, vice president of programs. Not pictured is Emily Hoover, business manager.The green cords of distinction worn by some Pitt graduates today indicate completion of the University’s Outside the Classroom Curriculum (OCC). OCC began at Pitt in 2008 as an initiative to help students fully participate in college life and prepare for their futures. A wide range of activities earns OCC credits, and students’ participation is documented on their academic transcripts. Once a student has fulfilled the OCC requirements, he or she receives a green cord of distinction for commencement and, if desired, can seek induction into the Honorary Society. About 285 students have completed the curriculum this year, 206 of whom have been inducted into the Honorary Society. An estimated 183 seniors have earned their cords of green, which represent Pitt’s colors, blue and gold, blended to symbolize the education of the whole student. Pictured, from left, are OCC Honorary Society officers and graduating seniors Mark Hennessy, vice president of membership; Samantha Bertocchi, secretary; Glyn Cozart, president; and Britta Anderson, vice president of programs. Not pictured is Emily Hoover, business manager.