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January 11, 2001

Computer science dept. receives $100,000 gift to fund equipment

A Pitt alumna has given the first gift to the University that will endow equipment in the planned Multi-Purpose Academic Complex (MPAC).

Deborah Jeanne Gillotti has pledged $100,000 to the Department of Computer Science, which will be housed in the new academic building.

Scheduled to open in 2002, MPAC will be a six-story facility on Forbes Avenue, across South Bouquet Street from the Law Building.

The Deborah Jeanne Gillotti Endowed Equipment Fund will furnish the Interactive Learning Suite, providing the most sophisticated and up-to-date software and equipment available for student and departmental use.

Gillotti, a 1977 Pitt graduate who earned dual degrees in economics and history, has served as the chief information officer for Starbucks Coffee Company and most recently as chief operations officer for Viathan Corporation.

In announcing her gift, Gillotti said it's important for women in leadership positions to be active and visible, especially in high-tech fields. "I wanted to sponsor something physically tangible and accessible on campus — something that could really make a difference for students in the information technology field," she said. "I hope my gift will inspire other alumni to consider similar bequests."

Rami Melhem, chair of computer science, said, "Both undergraduate and graduate computer science students will benefit from this facility, which will be used for teaching Java and web-based networking, advanced computer graphics and interactive collaborative computing."

The Gillotti endowment is part of Pitt's capital campaign. The University hopes to raise $500 million by July 2003.

Filed under: Feature,Volume 33 Issue 9

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