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A record-setting 11,400 alumni and donors raised $2.4 million on Pitt Day of Giving

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The Pitt community set a new record this year when they came together to show their generosity, commitment and love for the University during the eighth annual Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG), Feb 27.

A total of 11,473 donors — the most ever on PDoG — representing 50 states, 25 countries and five continents gave to dozens of areas and funds across each University of Pittsburgh school, college and campus, as well as many student organizations. This year’s daylong fundraising sprint generated more than $2.4 million for scholarships, research, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and other vital initiatives.

“Every year on PDoG, the Pitt community enthusiastically responds to our call to support the areas that mean the most to them,” said Kris Davitt, senior vice chancellor for philanthropic and alumni engagement. “Through their generosity, they foster excellence and create opportunities for our students, faculty and researchers to be their very best. Our alumni, parents and friends are terrific, and we’re grateful for their commitment to this Pitt tradition.”

Students, faculty and staff across all campuses celebrated the day with activities, challenges, prizes and giveaways. In Pittsburgh, students who found a plush Pitt Panther hidden on campus could direct a $50 donation to a Pitt organization of their choice and learn about the donor who made that gift. Others donated food to the Pitt Pantry, and more than 260 students spent the evening at the PDoG party hosted by the Pitt Alumni Student Network.

A dog looks up at its handler, who talks to a person in front of a trifold poster
A person puts a beaded friendship bracelet on a panther mascot
People sit at a table in front of a projector playing a basketball game
People kneel to write notes on a table filled with cards
A person and a panther mascot shoot basketballs at a net game
Four cheerleaders in yellow Pitt uniforms wave blue pompoms

The Pitt community was just as active online. More than 5,058 supporters signed on as PDoG Social Media Ambassadors, using their personal social media accounts to encourage others to make gifts. PDoG social posts were seen 10 million times in February.

Scores of alumni, students and friends also joined the PDoG mosaic, sharing their favorite Pitt story and a photo. One alumna wrote: “Today, I'm supporting Pitt Pharmacy so that others can have as stellar of an education as I have, Pitt Band so that others have life-changing experiences like my husband did, and Heinz Chapel so that many other couples can have their marriage dreams come true in a gorgeous building.”

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

The 2024 challenges and winners included:

  • Schools and Colleges Raise the Bar Challenge $100,000: Pitt Nursing took the top spot with a 103% increase in donors — 248, compared to 122 in 2023. Winnings will be distributed to the 16 schools, colleges and campuses that exceeded their 2023 donor total.
  • Schools and Colleges Level Up Challenge $30,000: Winnings will be distributed evenly across the 14 schools, colleges and campuses that “leveled up” by reaching their increased 2024 donor goal.  
  • Places, Experiences and More Participation Challenge $30,000: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, $10,000; Pitt Global, $7,500; Falk Laboratory School, $5,000. These winnings are also distributed among the top 10 leaders.
  • Schools and Colleges Power Hour $1,000: Pitt-Greensburg
  • Places, Experiences and More Power Hour $1,000: Falk Laboratory School
  • Student Organizations Power Hour Challenge $1,000: Catholic Newman Club

“We were ecstatic 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 on PDoG enhances the student experience all year and funds scholarships, research, mentorship, internships and many other experiential learning opportunities. I’m also proud that this day helps to further Pitt’s academic mission and ensures the University’s ongoing progress and success.”

See all the results or make a gift at Pitt Day of Giving.

 

— Josh Tysiachney, photography by Tom Altany unless otherwise noted

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