University Times

Pitt has topped the $800 million mark in its $1 billion capital campaign.

Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg announced the milestone at the June 24 Board of Trustees meeting, as part of his summary of the University’s accomplishments since 1995, when he was named interim chancellor (and later chancellor).

The fundraising effort hopes to raise $1 billion by June 20, 2007. According to materials distributed at the meeting, by passing the $800 million mark, the campaign broke its own record for the most successful fundraising campaign ever in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The capital campaign, launched in 1997, has funded 285 new endowed scholarship funds, 25 new endowed fellowship funds and 62 new endowed faculty positions, in addition to supporting educational and research programs, student-life initiatives and facilities.

“Securing those lasting forms of support is essential for the future of an institution with a life that already exceeds 218 years,” Nordenberg pointed out.

The campaign’s success has depended on large numbers of major donors, the chancellor said. “In fact, we now have received 157 gifts of $1 million or more, and what continues to astound me is that 32 of those million-dollar gifts came from donors who had never made a financial contribution to Pitt before this campaign,” Nordenberg said.

Overall, 102,630 donors (including 62,609 alumni) have contributed to the campaign, the materials stated.

—Peter Hart