The Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association (PGAA) will present its 2025 Alumnus of Distinction award to Jamal Woodson ’02 at the Alumni Celebration Dinner to be held Saturday, Oct. 4, (cocktails: 5:30 p.m./dinner: 6 p.m.) at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. Registration for the dinner, part of the Blue & Gold Celebration: Homecoming & Families Weekend 2025, is available here.
The PGAA Alumnus of Distinction Award acknowledges excellence among alumni of Pitt-Greensburg. Candidates are evaluated on their outstanding level of professional achievement, service to the community, service to the University of Pittsburgh, special recognition or honors, and any other special efforts or success. It is the highest honor the PGAA gives to an individual alumnus/alumna annually. Woodson exemplifies these qualities through his remarkable achievements and relentless dedication to giving back.
“To be recognized as the Alumnus of Distinction is an incredible honor,” said Woodson, who resides in Pittsburgh. “It means a lot to know that the place that helped prepare me for life sees the impact I’ve been able to make in the community and beyond. For me, it’s proof that betting on yourself, giving back, and staying true to your purpose really does come full circle.”
Woodson, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedicated community service, has made significant contributions to the Pittsburgh area and beyond. After graduating from Pitt-Greensburg in 2002 with a degree in communications, Woodson embarked on a career at WAMO, Pittsburgh's leading urban radio station. His journey from a sales executive to the top sales representative, and eventually to General Manager in 2013, was marked by extraordinary success, including doubling the station's revenue within two years.
“My time at Pitt-Greensburg played a huge role in shaping who I am today,” said Woodson. “It wasn’t just about the classes, it was about the people, the experiences, and the lessons that pushed me to think bigger and chase opportunities beyond the classroom. Pitt-Greensburg gave me a foundation of resilience and creativity that I still carry with me in every business I’ve built and every team I’ve led.”
As co-owner of Exclusive Entertainment, Woodson transformed Pittsburgh's urban music scene by hosting major concerts featuring artists like Eminem, Nas, Lil Wayne, and Lil Jon. From 2003 to 2013, Exclusive Entertainment was the region's premier urban music promoter.
In 2012, Woodson founded SLAAM (Students Learning Athletics & Academics through Mentoring) Basketball, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) program that has mentored countless young athletes, placing many in prestigious universities on scholarships. The program has expanded from five to more than 20 teams, solidifying its status as Western Pennsylvania's leading AAU program.
Woodson’s dedication to giving back is evident through "The Giveback King" initiative, launched in 2017, which focuses on helping those in need through various acts of kindness both locally and internationally. His real estate ventures on Pittsburgh's east side and the introduction of the ATU (Athletic Trauma Unit) food truck in 2018 further highlight his commitment to community development.
For the past four years, Woodson has co-led The CNX Mentorship Academy, guiding high school juniors and seniors in their career paths through personalized mentorship. In 2023, he opened LFG Workout, a fitness gym dedicated to promoting health and longevity within the community.
“Jamal has created numerous opportunities for others to experience success in the Pittsburgh region,” said Huong Vo, president of the Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association. “His career and accomplishments illustrate how Pitt-Greensburg graduates go out into their community and help to make it a better place.”
Woodson's accomplishments reflect his personal motto: "Work hard, stay real, and always give back." His life is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and service. With his girlfriend, Ashley Alberts, Woodson strives every day to give their two sons the same love, patience, and guidance he learned from his parents. His father, Robert Woodson, is his greatest idol—teaching him strength and resilience—while his mother instilled in him the unmatched power of patience and unconditional love.