Pitt’s 2024-25 United Way campaign raised $700K to support neighbors in need

More than a thousand people across Pitt’s five campuses came together to raise $702,615 for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania through the University’s 2024-25 campaign.

“I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” said Kelly Gilliam, director of Pitt’s United Way Campaign. “This campaign isn’t just about raising money, it about showing up for our community with love, generosity, and compassion.  Every dollar, every volunteer hour, every effort makes a real impact to our communities.”

Across Pitt’s five campuses, 1,675 people contributed to the campaign — through virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities, financial donations, vacation time donations and automatic payroll rollover deduction donations. University employees donated 1,325 vacation hours, totaling $61,167. More than 800 people gave through automatic payroll rollover, contributing $203,261.

Notable volunteering efforts during the year included the 2025 Build a Bike event, where volunteers built 600 bikes for local children, and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, through which Pitt Business students offer free income tax assistance to residents.

Pitt retirees raised $99,154, with their continued support for the United Way Campaign helping more than 109 local organizations to serve people across the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

The 2025-26 Pitt United Way campaign begins Oct. 1 and will be co-chaired by Lina Dostilio, vice chancellor for external relations, and Dwayne Pinkney, executive senior vice chancellor for administration and finance and chief financial officer.