Marietta College alumna Megs J. Schreck Yunn ’06 will return to campus as the keynote speaker at its 189th Commencement ceremony. Yunn will address the Class of 2026 and their families on Saturday, May 9. The ceremony begins at 1 p.m. in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center on the Marietta College campus.
“Megs embodies the Pioneer spirit through her leadership, compassion, and commitment to serving others,” said Marietta College President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. “Her work reflects the enduring values of this institution and the far-reaching impact of our graduates. We are proud to welcome her back to campus to inspire the Class of 2026 as they begin their next chapter.”
A 2006 graduate of the College’s Communication and Media Studies program, Yunn was deeply engaged as a student. Throughout her time at Marietta, she served as Student Senate secretary, participated on the forensics team, theatre productions, cheer team, and held leadership roles within the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Yunn was also a McDonough Scholar and worked in the McDonough Leadership Program as well as the Office of Admission as a campus tour guide, all of which helped shape her leadership style and passion for communication and advocacy.
Reflecting on her time as a student, Yunn credits her Marietta College experience with shaping both her personal development and professional path, an influence that has had a lasting impact.
“It’s truly an honor, especially as I approach 20 years since graduating and having once stood on that stage as a Jewett speaker,” Yunn said. “To return in this capacity is humbling and feels like a full-circle moment. My time at Marietta helped shape my confidence and voice, which I used often. I was given the opportunity to take ownership of my time at Marietta, and that sense of ownership is something I carry in my professional work today.”
Yunn later earned her MBA from Point Park University and began her career in communications before returning to Marietta as an instructor and assistant forensics coach for one year. She has remained engaged with the College and with faculty such as Professor Emerita Mabry O’Donnell and others who mentored her as a student. Yunn was recognized as an Outstanding Alumna by the Marietta College Alumni Association Council in 2014.
Today, Yunn serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Beverly’s PGH, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and strengthening families through its three core areas of impact: Birthdays, Babies, and Basics. Inspired by a young girl who had never experienced a birthday celebration, Beverly’s PGH was built on the belief that celebration is essential. The organization connects families to resources, provides goods, and creates moments of joy and dignity for those navigating challenging circumstances. Since founding the organization in 2012, Yunn has guided its growth to a $3.3 million nonprofit serving approximately 30,000 children and families annually across Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Under her leadership, Beverly’s PGH has raised more than $15 million and built strong partnerships across healthcare, human services, philanthropy, and corporate sectors. Her work has received national recognition, including being named a “Hometown Hero” on Good Morning America and an “Inspiring American” on NBC Nightly News. She was also honored with Alpha Xi Delta’s 2019 Woman of Distinction Award at the sorority’s national convention.
As she prepares to address the Class of 2026, Yunn hopes to leave them with a simple but lasting thought.
“I hope everybody gets to live with a happy heart,” Yunn said.
Marietta College will celebrate the Class of 2026 with its Commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9, in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center. Doors open to the public at 11 a.m., and tickets are not required. The ceremony will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend. For more information, visit marietta.edu/commencement.