University of Pittsburgh announces $3 billion fundraising campaign
PITTSBURGH —
The University of Pittsburgh on Friday announced a $3 billion fundraising campaign to grow its programs and campuses, as Pitt leaders asked donors to step up for the future.
“The university’s endowment must grow for our mission to be met,” said John Verbanac, chairman of Pitt’s board of trustees. “More than almost anything, the one thing that will drive what’s possible for Pitt, our students, our faculty, our community and the world at large is the generosity of people like you. We need your help.”
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While Pitt leaders acknowledged that $3 billion is an “ambitious” goal, Chancellor Joan Gabel says it will help the university compete with other higher education institutions amid federal funding cuts.
“What we want is to be excellent, and for every student that wants to access our education to have no barriers to do so,” Gabel said. “The cornerstone of the campaign is student support.”
Pitt is calling the campaign “Proving Possible,” and university officials said $1.4 billion has already been raised through early contributions, including millions of dollars from the Richard King Mellon Foundation, alumni and other private investors.
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