Bill Cowher will be awarded honorary degree from Duquesne University, will speak at commencement

PITTSBURGH — Duquesne University will be awarding an honorary degree to former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher.

Cowher will also be at the spring 2023 commencement for students of Duquesne University’s McAnulty College of the Liberal Arts.

Catharine Ryan, a philanthropic leader and Duquesne alumni will also be honored at the ceremony.

“It’s fitting that Catharine Ryan and Bill Cowher will be on the stage together as two figures who have done enormous good for our city and region,” said President Ken Gormley. “Bill Cowher achieved national renown as a coach who led the Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl championship and for his advocacy of cancer awareness. Catharine Ryan not only was a driving force in creating Duquesne’s new Catholic Studies department and, as a Board member, our College of Medicine, but she also chaired the Board’s important Student Life Committee, advocating for a host of initiatives that benefitted Duquesne students. Catharine is a major figure in Catholic education nationally as a philanthropist and trustee of various universities and non-profits. Celebrating and honoring the impact of these two Pittsburgh legends will be a very special part of our students’ commencement ceremony,”

Cowher’s father Laird Cowher attended the university and will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

The coach will receive the degree on May 5 at 10:30 a.m.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

Governor visits Pittsburgh school to discuss proposal to help teacher shortage

©2023 Cox Media Group