Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! Below you'll find our most recent Alumni Spotlight interview.
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Alumni Spotlight: Ed Weiland '13
Ed Weiland attended Pitt-Greensburg from which he graduated in 2013 with a BS in applied mathematics and actuarial science.
What brought you to Pitt-Greensburg?
The smaller campus atmosphere compared to the Pitt Oakland campus.
Were you a commuter or a resident?
Commuter
What activities were you involved with as a student?
I helped create the Ice Hockey Club team and played on it for a few years.
Did you have a favorite professor, staff member, coach, or mentor that really impacted your life?
Dr Gary Hart for sure. He was my senior research advisor, and I had multiple classes with him; he was always helpful anytime anyone needed it.
Of all the classes you took, what is the one class that most impacted you or was your favorite? Why?
I'm torn between two very different courses. The first is a mathematical modeling class that introduced me to MATLAB, which ultimately inspired my career in software development. The second is an elective called Fantasy and Romance. I wasn't an avid reader at the time, but that class opened my eyes to literature and has stayed with me ever since.
What do you remember most vividly from your time at Pitt-Greensburg?
When I look back at my time at Pitt-Greensburg, what stands out most vividly is the personal growth I experienced. It was the perfect environment to transition into adulthood. My memories are a great mix of hard work and connection—from the long hours spent studying in the library to the downtime playing ice hockey with the guys. Most importantly, it's where I built friendships that shaped who I am today.
What have you been up to since graduation?
I have been working as an Application Architect at Brayman Construction. I oversee a team of developers and lead the design and architecture for all requested software projects.
How did your experiences and education at Pitt-Greensburg prepare you for life after college?
I actually worked full-time as a mechanic while I was in college. Managing both work and school really forced me to learn how to multitask and appreciate the need for a solid work-life balance.
As an alum, how do you support Pitt-Greensburg?
In my first role out of college, I actively recruited interns from Pitt-Greensburg. Today, as an alum, I frequently recommend the campus to friends whose children are beginning their college search.
What advice do you have for your fellow Bobcats?
Nobody has it all figured out from day one. I definitely wasn't a perfect student, and I made a lot of mistakes. But whether you're in a classroom or out working in the real world, stumbling and figuring out how to fix it is how you actually learn. Give yourself permission to make errors, take the lesson from them, and just do the best you can.
For fun:
What is your favorite food?: Korean Bulgogi
List 3-5 fun facts about yourself that most people probably wouldn’t know.
- I can Salsa/Bachata Dance.
- In 2018, I placed 32nd out of 750 in the Kayak Bass Fishing National Championship
- I completely restored my Camaro Z28 myself in my garage.
- I've cooked for 60-plus people at my company multiple times.