Pitt's Discover a World of Possibilities Capital Campaign Hits A New High and Sets Another Record for Southwestern Pennsylvania

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh's Discover a World of Possibilities billion-dollar capital campaign has hit a new high by raising a total of $705 million in gifts and pledges to date, setting yet another record for the most successful such fundraising campaign in the history both of the University and of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The announcement of the new record-setting amount—$5 million above the campaign's FY 2004 goal—was made earlier today by Pitt Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement Albert J. Novak Jr. at the annual June meeting of the University's Board of Trustees.

"When the University of Pittsburgh began its capital campaign in 1997, we hoped for, but could never have foreseen, the extraordinary successes we continue to realize," said Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. "The media recently reported, for instance, a three percent decrease nationally in giving to education in 2003; during that same period Pitt experienced a 25 percent increase in giving. Clearly, then, the University's deep commitment to institutional excellence has resonated with our generous and loyal alumni and friends."

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6/25/04/tmw