University Times

Pitt homecoming 2017 isn’t just for alumni.

There’s an entire week of special events during Oct. 9-15, with many that the University’s staff and faculty community can participate in and enjoy — from a concert to a tailgating party before the Pitt Panthers take on North Carolina State on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Here’s a selection especially for Pitt staff, faculty and friends.

(Event details, including time and locations, are subject to change. The full schedule of homecoming events is available on the Pitt Alumni Association website.)

“Sounds of Pitt”

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m.
Heinz Memorial Chapel

“Sounds of Pitt” is a free concert featuring the Pitt String Orchestra, the Women’s Choral Ensemble and PalPITTations. It is followed by a dessert reception with the performers in Alumni Hall. The cost of attending the reception is $10 per person. To make your concert reservation, click here.

Bleed Blue & Gold Blood Drive

Thursday, Oct. 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
William Pitt Union Assembly Room

Sure, everyone bleeds blue and gold, but Pitt’s homecoming blood drive, in partnership with Central Blood Bank, is a chance to show Pitt pride through a commitment to help the broader community. Besides, Central Blood Bank is raffling off two tickets to the weekend’s football game for blood donor participants. Donors can register for an appointment online by selecting either “New Donor” or “Donor Login” and searching by the group code CU190057. If you can’t get to campus but still want to participate, call 1-866-386-6771 to find a location near you.

Annual Appleseed Community Service Project

Friday, Oct. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Pittsburgh Public Schools (locations to be determined)

The Appleseed Community Service Project aims to improve the lives and education of city school students in tangible and lasting ways. Check the homecoming events site for details. Advance registration is required; contact 1-800-ALU-PITT for more information.

Academic Showcase: Data-Driven Discovery Panel

Saturday, Oct. 14, 8:30-10 a.m.
Clapp Hall (4249 Fifth Avenue), Lecture Room 9

Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia Beeson will lead a lively discussion with faculty and researchers to demonstrate how Pitt and UPMC are taking the lead in data-driven discovery. They’ll delve into new technologies and tools that are bringing fresh insights and innovation into faculty research, from natural science and medicine to education and the humanities.

Included on the panel are:

• Paul Cohen, founding dean and professor, School of Computing and Information
• Michael Colaresi, William S. Dietrich II Chair of Political Science, Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
• Rebecca Jacobson, chief information officer of the Institute for Precision Medicine, professor of biomedical informatics and of pathology, and director of the University of Pittsburgh Biomedical Informatics Training Program
• Jeremy Levy, distinguished professor of condensed matter physics, Department of Physics and Astronomy, and director of the Pittsburgh Quantum Institute.

To attend the panel event, RSVP online.

Official Pregame Event

Saturday, Oct. 14, two and a half hours before kickoff
Located under the large white tent adjacent to Heinz Field, Gate A, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Side

It’s not homecoming without a football game, and it’s hardly a game without the pregame tailgating. This year’s gathering features a buffet; a cash bar; live entertainment; a trivia contest with prizes; a pep rally featuring Roc, the Pitt cheerleaders and the Pitt Band; and the introduction of the 2017 Homecoming Court.

This event is $25 per person (children ages 10 and under are free). RSVP here by noon, Oct. 4.

The tailgate menu includes a selection of appetizers, a build-your-own beef slider station, a nacho bar, prime rib, desserts and a cash bar featuring Panther Punch.

Contact:
Marty Levine, martyl@pitt.edu, 412-758-4859