Record-Setting Support For Pitt Day of Giving

PITTSBURGH—A record 6,346 members of the University of Pittsburgh community — faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and friends — from all 50 states and 17 countries made donations to support the 2019 Pitt Day of Giving.

The annual 24-hour fundraising event, in commemoration of the University’s founding on Feb. 28, 1787, supports scholarships, research, academic programs, student activities and initiatives such as the innovative new Panthers Forward program for Pitt seniors. Gifts were made to every University of Pittsburgh school, college and campus as the number of donors increased 89 percent compared to last year.

“This whole effort is about community and giving. When that comes together on one day, it’s simply amazing,” said Kris Davitt, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and president of the Medical and Health Sciences Foundation. “Having all of these individuals engage like this is a great source of strength for the University.”

Challenges worth $200,000 sparked friendly competition among Pitt schools, programs and student groups. The prize winners in the four categories included: 

• Schools or Colleges: The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences received $25,000. Pitt–Johnstown earned $15,000 and Pitt–Greensburg earned $10,000.
• Places, Experiences and More: The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute claimed $25,000.
• Students Organizations: Pitt Club Tennis was first to earn $5,000.
• Athletics: The University Band Fund was first to earn $5,000.

Pitt Day of Giving moved beyond the virtual world this year by holding an on-campus celebration in the William Pitt Union. During the event, almost 2,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends mingled with Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, Provost Ann Cudd, Athletic Director Heather Lyke and Pitt’s panther mascot Roc.

“This is the day when we make it a collective habit to reach out globally and connect with each other to support what we all have in common, which is our University,” said Pitt Chancellor Gallagher. “Giving happens throughout the year but on this single day we, together, make a powerful statement.”

The Pitt community’s enthusiasm was reflected in social media activity throughout the 24-hour event.

Pitt alumna Maura Williams (A&S ’93) tweeted: “It's #PittDayofGiving and I just donated to the General Scholarship Fund. This much needed tuition assistance ensures racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity by making Pitt more affordable to all students. Giving back because Pitt gave to me! #H2P”

That was just one of the hundreds of social media posts Thursday using #PittDayOfGiving. The hashtag garnered more than three million impressions over the 24-hour fundraising event, making it the No. 1 trending tag in Pittsburgh by 9:00 a.m., a position it held throughout much of the day.

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