CVS’ Merlo to deliver University of Pittsburgh commencement address

PITTSBURGH — Larry J. Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Health, will be the featured speaker for the University of Pittsburgh’s graduate student commencement convocation at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 29. Merlo, a Pitt alumnus and University trustee, was named Pitt’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Fellow, the University’s premier alumni honor, which recognizes extraordinary professional achievements. In 2010, he received Pitt School of Pharmacy’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 2008 was named a Legacy Laureate. A board of trustees member since 2013, Merlo earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Pitt’s School of Pharmacy in 1978.

Merlo will speak at Pitt’s John M. and Gertrude E. Petersen Events Center.

This year, Pitt announced it will have two commencement speakers. Hence, Merlo will be followed by actress S. Epatha Merkerson, perhaps best known for her work on the television series “Law & Order.” She will serve as speaker for the University’s undergraduate commencement convocation at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 30. 

“The University of Pittsburgh is starting a new tradition — two commencement ceremonies — to give our students and their families a more personal and engaging commencement experience,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “Our undergraduate and graduate ceremonies, while occurring on different days, will share one unchanging goal: to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students. This is also a special time for our community to stop and thank our newest alumni for choosing to learn, lead and grow at Pitt.”