Pittsburgh, PA (May 08, 2021) – On Saturday, May 8, 2021, La Roche University presented Howard W. “Hoddy” Hanna, III, Chairman of Hanna Holdings, Inc., with an honorary doctorate of business administration degree at their 55th commencement. As an honoree, Hoddy Hanna also delivered the commencement address at two ceremonies honoring the graduating classes of both 2020 and 2021.
Hanna was honored as a lifelong businessman, innovative industry leader, community philanthropist, and former trustee of La Roche who exemplifies the mission of the university, which is “to be a lifelong learner, to achieve success in a chosen career, and to promote justice and peace in a constantly changing global society.”
Obtaining his real estate license at 18, he began his real estate career as a weekend sales associate and throughout the decades, together with his family, has grown and diversified Howard Hanna to become the largest family-owned and -operated real estate services provider in the nation. In addition to being a member of several community and education boards of directors, Hanna also currently serves as chair of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees and as a member and former chair of the hospital’s Foundation board. He is also a board member of Citizen’s Financial Group, a director of UPMC Health System, and chair of the Senator John Heinz History Center Board of Trustees.
With a focus on the future, Hanna encouraged the graduates to find something that ignites their excitement in life – and when they do, they will achieve success.
“As you begin the next chapter of your lives, my first piece of advice is to choose your path with passion,” said Hanna. “We are truly a global world of economics, cultural exchange, technology, geopolitics, real estate, education, health care, and commerce. The opportunities that are in front of you are truly incredible.”
“As a strong Catholic businessman, Mr. Hanna is an individual whose career and personal life reflect the values we espouse,” said Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., president of La Roche University. “His distinguished career in real estate, his leadership in supporting multiple charitable causes in the greater Pittsburgh community and other markets the company serves, all support his choice to speak to our graduates and to receive an honorary doctorate of business administration degree.”
About Howard Hanna: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is the #1 family-owned and -operated independent broker in the U.S.A. The full-service real estate company has more than 300 real estate, mortgage, insurance, title, and escrow service offices across 11 states, including Allen Tate Realtors in the Carolinas, with more than 12,000 sales associates and staff, including many of the industry’s top-producing real estate agents. For more information, visit www.HowardHanna.com.
Contact: Josie Schultz, josieschultz@howardhanna.com; 724-290-5916
