The University of Pittsburgh has launched a $3 billion fundraising campaign supporting students, faculty, researchers and staff at all Pitt schools and campuses to accelerate innovation and discoveries benefiting Pittsburgh, the commonwealth, our nation and the wider world. The comprehensive campaign has already raised almost $1.4 billion through early gifts and commitments.<\/p>\n
Chancellor Joan Gabel announced the public launch of the campaign on Friday, Sept. 25, during a celebration at the Petersen Events Center that was emceed by Pitt legend and recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Larry Fitzgerald. The launch coincided with homecoming and the 100th anniversary of the Cathedral of Learning\u2019s groundbreaking.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt its core, this campaign is about restating the promise of possible at Pitt,\u201d said Gabel. \u201cIt is an investment in the leaders, doers and risk-takers who not only exemplify what can happen when talented people are given the opportunity to learn, discover, create and serve, but who will define Pitt\u2019s next chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through \u201cProving Possible<\/a>,\u201d which is closely linked to the University\u2019s strategic plan, Pitt aspires to:<\/p>\n \tEnsure that every admitted student can attend the University regardless of their finances and without fear of student debt. Alumnus John J. Verbanac (CGS \u201990), chairperson of Pitt\u2019s Board of Trustees, noted that \u201cProving Possible\u201d will enhance Pitt\u2019s position as a powerhouse research university.<\/p>\n \u201cThe endowed scholarships, professorships, and other gifts made through this campaign will strengthen Pitt for generations to come and sustain and advance its academic excellence,\u201d said Verbanac, who also serves as ex-officio chair of the campaign cabinet. \u201cEndowment support gives the University the flexibility to pursue new opportunities as they emerge and the financial resilience to navigate unexpected challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n Multiple early gifts to the University are already advancing several campaign goals. Among those commitments:<\/p>\n \tThe Richard King Mellon Foundation made the largest single-project investment in history<\/a> to help launch BioForge at Pitt, which accelerates innovation and breakthroughs in the manufacturing of precision medicines. \u201cThe generosity that Pitt alumni and friends have already demonstrated is tremendous,\u201d said Pete Varischetti (CGS \u201992), University trustee and campaign co-chair. \u201cIt\u2019s clear that our community has a passion for Pitt and knows how much their philanthropy can transform lives.\u201d<\/p>\n Debbi Gillotti (A&S \u201977), also a University trustee and campaign co-chair, agreed with that sentiment and said that \u201cProving Possible\u201d will succeed because of the overwhelming support of the Pitt community.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had the opportunity to experience this institution from just about every angle there is, and I\u2019m proud to join Pete in leading an effort of this scale and ambition,” she said. “We\u2019ve set our sights high, but I\u2019m confident that together this community will prove that it\u2019s possible at Pitt.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to the $3 billion figure, the University announced two supporting goals for \u201cProving Possible\u201d: 200,000 donors, and 1 million moments of alumni engagement.<\/p>\n \u201cThe foundation of this campaign is formed by everyone who makes the University of Pittsburgh such a special place. This community extends from the students, faculty and staff and alumni who are already \u2018Proving Possible\u2019; to the community members who partner with us to extend our public impact; to the University\u2019s friends and supporters who believe in our mission,\u201d said Kevin Washo (A&S \u201904), senior vice chancellor for external relations. \u201cThis is just the beginning, and we can\u2019t wait to build the future of Pitt together through the campaign.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tStrengthen every aspect of the student experience, from classroom instruction and experiential learning to health, wellness, belonging and leadership development.
\n\tInvest in faculty at every career stage, elevating ongoing work to attract and retain teachers, scholars and researchers who represent the best of what they do.
\n\tDeepen Pitt\u2019s public impact through enduring partnerships, community and economic engagement, and connections with alumni around the globe.
\n\tFocus the power of the University\u2019s full research enterprise, and its unique partnership with a world-class health care system, on solving challenges at the intersection of opportunity and distinction.<\/p>\n
\n\tA gift from alumnus and renowned attorney David C. Frederick, trustee (A&S \u201983, FHC \u201983), and Sophia Lynn led to the naming of the David C. Frederick Honors College<\/a>, sparking its rise to the top tier of honors colleges in the country.
\n\tSupport from alumnus and investment firm leader Michael Rees (A&S \u201997, ENGR \u201997, FHC \u201997) and his family created the Rees-Chancellor\u2019s Scholars Program<\/a> at the Frederick Honors College. The program expands the number of full-tuition and room-and-board scholarships available to honors<\/a> college students and provides them with support for experiential learning opportunities.
\n\tOrland Bethel, founder of one of the nation\u2019s largest egg producers, and the Orland Bethel Family Foundation became one of the University\u2019s most generous lifelong donors after Bethel\u2019s surgery at UPMC. Bethel\u2019s experience inspired him to help others, first by establishing an endowed chair and then by creating the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center<\/a>, a national leader in spine research.<\/p>\n