More than 11,000 people gave $3 million on Pitt Day of Giving 2022

The Pitt community once again showed its generosity and resolve by coming together to support the University on Feb. 22 for the sixth annual Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG). A total of 11,046 donors from 50 states and six continents gave to dozens of areas and funds representing every University of Pittsburgh school, college and campus.

This year’s PDoG — a daylong fundraising sprint — generated $2.96 million for scholarships, research, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and other vital initiatives.

“Every year, we challenge the Pitt community, and they respond without hesitation,” said Kris Davitt, senior vice chancellor for philanthropic and alumni engagement. “I’m proud of this community and grateful for everyone involved in creating an atmosphere of excitement and momentum. Our alumni and friends give generously, and the entire Pitt community benefits.”

Students, faculty and staff across all campuses celebrated the day with activities and giveaways. In Pittsburgh, 490 students braved the rainy day to participate in a philanthropic trivia scavenger hunt while others donated a total of 170 pounds of food to the Pitt Pantry.

The Pitt community was equally active online. #PittDayofGiving was a trending topic throughout the day in Pittsburgh, and PDoG social posts were seen 11.7 million times in February. Additionally, more than 320 supporters signed on as PDoG social media ambassadors, using their personal social media to encourage others to make gifts. One social media ambassador and Pitt alumnus posted, “I moved to @Pittsburgh to attend @GSPIA @PittTweet and my time there moved me to try and make the world a better place, however possible. Donating to educational institutions is paying it forward, and #PittDayofGiving is a worthy way to do so!”

[See all the results or make your own gift on the Pitt Day of Giving website.]

Alumni, students and friends also joined the spirited Create Your Cathy competition. After folding an origami Cathedral of Learning, participants posted photos of their creations on social media and answered that all-important question: #TeamCathy or #TeamCathedral? Team Cathy came out on top.

Challenge funds — which were provided, in part, by University trustees, alumni and friends — allowed the Pitt community to participate in friendly online competitions. Throughout Pitt Day of Giving, gifts were tracked in real time and posted to online leaderboards. The schools, programs and student organizations that landed at the top of the boards received additional funding.

Among the challenges and winners were:

• Schools and College Participation Challenge: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, $10,000; Swanson School of Engineering, $7,500; Pitt Business, $5,000
• Schools and College Raise the Bar Challenge: Pitt Law took the top spot with a 71% increase in giving and, along with all other units that “raised the bar,” will receive a proportional share of $100,000
• Places, Experiences + More Participation Challenge: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (College of General Studies), $10,000; Pitt Alumni Association, $7,500; Pitt Global, $5,000
• Student Organizations Challenge: Catholic Newman Club, $5,000; Pitt Rowing Club, $2,500; Pitt Men’s Glee Club, $1,500; University of Pittsburgh Men’s Rugby Club, $1,000

“We were thrilled to be back on campus and see the excitement generated by Pitt Day of Giving,” said Jake Strang, assistant vice chancellor for alumni annual giving. “The generosity we receive in one day supports Pitt students all year and funds the life-changing research we conduct every day. I’m proud that this day helps to enhance the student experience, further Pitt’s academic mission and ensure the University’s ongoing success.”