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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.The Pitt community once again showed its generosity, commitment and love for Pitt by coming together to support the University on Feb. 21 for the seventh annual Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG).
A total of 9,450 donors from 50 states, 35 countries and six continents gave to dozens of areas and funds representing every University of Pittsburgh school, college and campus as well as many student organizations. This year’s PDoG — a daylong fundraising sprint — generated $2.4 million for scholarships, research, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and other vital initiatives.
“Every year, we challenge the Pitt community, and they respond with enthusiasm and resolve,” 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, parents and friends give generously, and the entire Pitt community benefits.”
Students, faculty and staff across all campuses celebrated the day with activities, challenges, prizes and giveaways. In Pittsburgh, 329 students participated in a philanthropic puzzle scavenger hunt, while others donated a total of 161 pounds of food to the Pitt Pantry and spent the evening at a PDoG celebration party hosted by the Pitt Alumni Student Network.
The Pitt community was equally active online. #PittDayofGiving was a trending topic throughout the day in Pittsburgh and the United States, and number one on Twitter in Pittsburgh. PDoG social posts were seen 10,684,356 million times throughout February. Additionally, more than 240 supporters signed on as PDoG social media ambassadors, using their personal social media to encourage others to make gifts.
Pitt alum and Cincinnati Bengals player Cal Adomitis posted, “It’s Pitt Day of Giving! The lifelong friendships and memories that I made at Pitt didn’t happen without the support of Panther Nation. Show your Pitt Pride and make your gift now!” While another alum, William Sapon posted, “#PittBusiness serves as a vital link between the public, private, and nonprofit sector, and prepares the leaders of tomorrow to address pressing global issues like climate change. I give to create a sustainable future for all. Every gift counts!”
Alumni, students and friends also joined the spirited “Add your missing piece to the PDoG puzzle by supporting the areas at Pitt you love the most” ― this year’s engagement theme. After decorating their blank piece, participants posted photos of their completed puzzle creations on social media.
The challenges and winners
Challenge funds — which were provided, in part, by University trustees, leaders and other 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.
- Faculty and Staff Challenge $5,000: 2,126 faculty and staff made a gift on PDoG, surpassing the Faculty and Staff Challenge goal of 2,000 donors. The Pitt Fund received the most support from faculty and staff, and therefore, will receive additional challenge funds.
- Schools and Colleges Power Hour $1,000: Pitt-Greensburg
- Places, Experiences + More Power Hour $1,000: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
- Student Organizations Power Hour Challenge $1,000: Pitt Rowing Club
- Athletics Power Hour $1,000: Cheer, Dance & Mascot Championship Fund
- Social Media Ambassador Participant Challenge $4,000: The African American Alumni Council Endowed Scholarship Fund will receive additional challenge funds for receiving the most gifts from its social media ambassadors’ networks.
- Schools and Colleges Raise the Bar Challenge $100,000: Pitt-Bradford took the top spot with a 45% increase in donors — 529, compared to 365 in 2022. Winnings will be distributed to all schools, colleges and campuses that exceeded their 2022 donor total.
- Schools and Colleges Participation Challenge $30,000: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, $10,000; Pitt-Bradford, $7,500; Pitt Business, $5,000. The winnings for this challenge are distributed among the top 10 highest ranked participants based on final leaderboard results.
- Places, Experiences + More Participation Challenge $30,000: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, $10,000; Pitt Alumni Association, $7,500; Pitt Global, $5,000. These winnings are also distributed among the top 10 leaders.
“We were thrilled and energized to see the excitement generated by Pitt Day of Giving both on campus and online,” said Jake Strang, assistant vice chancellor for alumni annual giving. “The support we receive in one day enhances the student experience all year and funds scholarships, research and many experiential learning opportunities. I’m also proud that this day helps to further Pitt’s academic mission and ensures the University’s ongoing success.”
See all the results or make your own gift at Pitt Day of Giving.