Pitt Welcomes Back Alumni and Friends for Homecoming 2013

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh will celebrate Homecoming 2013 with a wide variety of activities for alumni, students, and friends, Sept. 23 to 28. 

Notable Homecoming 2013 events will include Pitt’s Day of Caring, Young Alumni Mixer, Welcome Back Reception, Spectacular Fireworks and Laser Show, and Homecoming Football Game. Throughout the week, many of the University’s schools, student organizations, and alumni associations also will sponsor lectures, luncheons, continuing education events, and other gatherings. 

With an emphasis on community engagement, Homecoming festivities will commence with a range of volunteer opportunities. In partnership with the Central Blood Bank, the Pitt Alumni Association will sponsor the “Bleed Blue and Gold” Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Lower Lounge of the William Pitt Union, 3959 Fifth Ave., Oakland. Pitt’s 22nd annual Day of Caring, cosponsored by the United Way, will allow alumni to join faculty and staff in participating in community service projects throughout Pittsburgh from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24. Later in the week, the African American Alumni Council will host its Apple Seed Project, which provides an opportunity for Pitt alumni to share their experiences with students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27.  

The Young Alumni Mixer, sponsored by the Young Alumni Council of the Pitt Alumni Association, will open the weekend’s activities. The event will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 26 at Mario’s East Side Saloon, 5442 Walnut St., Shadyside. 

Alumni visiting campus on Sept. 27 are invited to have their photos snapped with the panther statue outside the William Pitt Union from 1 to 5 p.m., dabble in artwork at a screen printing event from 3 to 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Frick Fine Arts Building, and walk down the aisle at Heinz Memorial Chapel and have photographs taken with their sweethearts between 7 and 9:30 p.m.  

In the evening, the Welcome Back Reception hosted by the Pitt Alumni Association will provide alumni with a chance to reconnect with former classmates, visit the Nationality Rooms, and browse an exhibition of archives from Hillman Library. Complete with light hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a festive atmosphere, the free reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. A number of schools and departments also will host their own alumni receptions and mixers the same evening. 

The Spectacular Fireworks and Laser Show, sponsored by the Pitt Program Council, is sure to inspire “ohhhs” and “ahhhs” from onlookers. The show will start at 9 p.m. Sept. 27 on Bigelow Boulevard between the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union. 

On Sept. 28, the Panthers football team will face the University of Virginia Cavaliers at 12:30 p.m. in Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore. Pregame festivities will start three hours before kickoff and will include the Pitt Alumni Association’s Pregame Party at Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore, as well as the “World’s Largest Family Tailgate” on Art Rooney Avenue, adjacent to Heinz Field. Approximately one hour before kickoff, Pitt’s Marching Band and Homecoming Court will lead the March to Victory Parade into Heinz Field. At halftime, the 2013 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced. 

A complete listing of all Homecoming 2013 events can be found at http://www.alumni.pitt.edu/homecoming or by calling 412-624-8229. For ticket information for the Homecoming football game, visit www.pittsburghpanthers.com or call 1-800-643-7488. 

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9/18/13/amm/cjhm