More than 11,100 donors — the most ever — gave nearly $2.5 million to scholarships, research, academic programs, student organizations, athletics, and other vital initiatives during the fifth Pitt Day of Giving on Feb. 23.
The gifts came from alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends in all 50 states and 31 countries, according to a news release. The numbers far exceeded last year’s totals of 7,630 unique donors for a total of $1.6 million.
“The Pitt community is simply amazing, and once again, Pitt Day of Giving was a big win,” Kris Davitt, senior vice chancellor for philanthropic and alumni engagement, said in Pittwire. “Everyone involved created an atmosphere of excitement and momentum through the online challenges and social media. It was terrific.”
The number of Pitt faculty and staff members who gave — 2,297 — surpassed a challenge set by Chancellor Emeritus Mark A. Nordenberg for more than 2,000 faculty and staff donor. Last year, there for 1,806 faculty and staff donors. Nordenberg will award an additional $5,000 to the LGBTQIA+ Research/Outreach Fund, which received the most gifts from faculty and staff.
Several other challenge grants were distributed in a variety of categories:
Most donors: Pitt–Johnstown, 1,322 ($10,000 bonus); Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences, 806 ($7,500); Swanson School of Engineering, 508 ($5,000) and seven other schools split $7,500
Raise the Bar challenge (Largest increase in donors): Pitt Law, up 192 percent from 62 to 181 ($25,000 bonus); Swanson School, up 134 percent from 217 to 508 ($15,000) and Pitt–Johnstown, up 95 percent, from 677 to 1,322 ($10,000). Eleven other schools that “raised the bar” will get a portion of a $50,000 challenge grant.
Places, experiences and more (most donors): Ten groups split $30,000 in grants. Top three in number of donors were: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (350, $10,000 bonus); Pitt Global (223, $7,500) and Falk Laboratory School (215, $5,000).
Student organizations: Groups getting the most donors were: Pitt Rowing Club (466, $5,000 bonus); Catholic Newman Club (356, $2,500); Pitt Men’s Rugby (230, $1,500); and Pitt Men’s Glee Club (180, $1,000).
Dozens of people also participated in the Color Your Cathy challenge. Five winners were selected with $500 each going to the area of their choice.
See all the results at pittdayofgiving.com. You still can make a gift of any size in honor of Pitt Day of Giving at giveto.pitt.edu/pdog2021.
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