Cadiz native earns two degrees from Duquesne

Duquesne University student Gabe Pecar, 23, of Cadiz, accomplished something rarely seen May 9, walking across two graduation stages four hours apart to earn two different degrees on the same day.

Pecar graduated from Duquesne University with two bachelor’s degrees in distinct disciplines: physics from the School of Science and Engineering and music from the Mary Pappert School of Music.

Pecar crossed the first stage at 11 a.m. at the Gormley Student Union Ballroom for the School of Music ceremony. Deeply immersed in jazz studies and performance, he recently was named Outstanding Student of the Year by the school.

At 4 p.m., Pecar crossed the stage again at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, earning his physics degree from the School of Science and Engineering, where his academic achievements were recognized with a Certificate of Excellence in Physics.

“Doing two things that are so different drives you to understand each subject on its own terms. That skill has been incredibly valuable,” Pecar said. “Despite them not being closely connected in practice, I feel very passionate about both fields, and that’s what led me to study them closely.”

This fall, Pecar will attend Carnegie Mellon University to begin a physics doctoral program while continuing to keep music central in his life.