The University of Pittsburgh marked the 10th annual Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) on February 24, drawing participation from a wide range of donors. According to the university, 11,431 donors from all 50 states, 32 countries, and six continents contributed to various initiatives across the institution’s schools, colleges, campuses, and student organizations. The event raised over $3.04 million to support scholarships, research projects, academic programs, student groups, athletics, and other university priorities.
“I’m grateful for the extraordinary alumni, families, students, faculty, staff and friends who joined in on this milestone anniversary and truly demonstrated what’s possible when we all come together for Pitt,” said Jake Strang, associate vice chancellor for individual giving. “Each year, our community steps up and rises to the challenge to make an amazing impact through Pitt Day of Giving, supporting their favorite areas across the University.”
Activities around campus included challenges with prizes and giveaways. Events began with “10 Days of PDoG” starting February 15. Students participated in activities such as searching for hidden plush Panther mascots—each find allowed them to direct a $50 donation to an organization of their choice—and took part in trivia competitions at The Eatery and William Pitt Union.
More than 9,000 individuals served as PDoG Ambassadors by encouraging others within their networks to donate. The university also featured its mascots from multiple campuses in online marketing efforts and organized a video game where participants could play as these mascots.
Challenge funds provided by trustees and leaders fueled friendly competition between different parts of the university. Real-time leaderboards tracked donations during PDoG; top-performing groups received additional funding.
Among schools and colleges participating in the Raise the Bar Leaderboard challenge—worth $70,000—Pitt-Greensburg recorded a 65% increase in donors compared to last year. Other leaderboard categories recognized achievements by student affairs departments and global programs. Student organizations such as Pitt Men’s Glee Club were awarded based on donor support.
Power Hour challenges rewarded groups that received the most gifts within designated timeframes during PDoG. Specific challenges for recent graduates (Graduates of the Last Decade), parents of students, faculty members and staff surpassed participation goals set by organizers.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside our community during every PDoG since its founding,” said Sean Dean, senior director for annual programs at Pitt’s Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement. “I was thrilled to see so many people — on campus, in the region and across the world — uniting to make this 10th anniversary such a remarkable celebration.”
Dean added: “I can’t thank our supporters enough for their dedication and the opportunities they create for students, faculty and researchers every day. That collective generosity fuels PDoG’s growth and helps ensure an even brighter future for Pitt.”
Further details about results are available at Pitt Day of Giving.
