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Pitt launches $3B ‘Proving Possible’ fundraising campaign

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The University of Pittsburgh has launched a $3 billion fundraising campaign supporting students, faculty, researchers and staff at all Pitt schools and campuses to accelerate innovation and discoveries benefiting Pittsburgh, the commonwealth, our nation and the wider world. The comprehensive campaign has already raised almost $1.4 billion through early gifts and commitments.

Chancellor Joan Gabel announced the public launch of the campaign on Friday, Sept. 25, during a celebration at the Petersen Events Center that was emceed by Pitt legend and recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Larry Fitzgerald. The launch coincided with homecoming and the 100th anniversary of the Cathedral of Learning’s groundbreaking.

“At its core, this campaign is about restating the promise of possible at Pitt,” said Gabel. “It is an investment in the leaders, doers and risk-takers who not only exemplify what can happen when talented people are given the opportunity to learn, discover, create and serve, but who will define Pitt’s next chapter.”

Through “Proving Possible,” which is closely linked to the University’s strategic plan, Pitt aspires to:

  • Ensure that every admitted student can attend the University regardless of their finances and without fear of student debt.
  • Strengthen every aspect of the student experience, from classroom instruction and experiential learning to health, wellness, belonging and leadership development.
  • Invest in faculty at every career stage, elevating ongoing work to attract and retain teachers, scholars and researchers who represent the best of what they do.
  • Deepen Pitt’s public impact through enduring partnerships, community and economic engagement, and connections with alumni around the globe.
  • Focus the power of the University’s full research enterprise, and its unique partnership with a world-class health care system, on solving challenges at the intersection of opportunity and distinction.
Top of Cathedral of Learning with blue sky background and overlaid text saying: "Proving Possible: The Campaign for the University of Pittsburgh"

Alumnus John J. Verbanac (CGS ’90), chairperson of Pitt’s Board of Trustees, noted that “Proving Possible” will enhance Pitt’s position as a powerhouse research university.

“The endowed scholarships, professorships, and other gifts made through this campaign will strengthen Pitt for generations to come and sustain and advance its academic excellence,” said Verbanac, who also serves as ex-officio chair of the campaign cabinet. “Endowment support gives the University the flexibility to pursue new opportunities as they emerge and the financial resilience to navigate unexpected challenges.”

Multiple early gifts to the University are already advancing several campaign goals. Among those commitments:

  • The Richard King Mellon Foundation made the largest single-project investment in history to help launch BioForge at Pitt, which accelerates innovation and breakthroughs in the manufacturing of precision medicines.
  • A gift from alumnus and renowned attorney David C. Frederick, trustee (A&S ’83, FHC ’83), and Sophia Lynn led to the naming of the David C. Frederick Honors College, sparking its rise to the top tier of honors colleges in the country.
  • Support from alumnus and investment firm leader Michael Rees (A&S ’97, ENGR ’97, FHC ’97) and his family created the Rees-Chancellor’s Scholars Program at the Frederick Honors College. The program expands the number of full-tuition and room-and-board scholarships available to honors college students and provides them with support for experiential learning opportunities.
  • Orland Bethel, founder of one of the nation’s largest egg producers, and the Orland Bethel Family Foundation became one of the University’s most generous lifelong donors after Bethel’s surgery at UPMC. Bethel’s experience inspired him to help others, first by establishing an endowed chair and then by creating the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center, a national leader in spine research.

“The generosity that Pitt alumni and friends have already demonstrated is tremendous,” said Pete Varischetti (CGS ’92), University trustee and campaign co-chair. “It’s clear that our community has a passion for Pitt and knows how much their philanthropy can transform lives.”

Debbi Gillotti (A&S ’77), also a University trustee and campaign co-chair, agreed with that sentiment and said that “Proving Possible” will succeed because of the overwhelming support of the Pitt community.

“I’ve had the opportunity to experience this institution from just about every angle there is, and I’m proud to join Pete in leading an effort of this scale and ambition," she said. "We’ve set our sights high, but I’m confident that together this community will prove that it’s possible at Pitt.”

In addition to the $3 billion figure, the University announced two supporting goals for “Proving Possible”: 200,000 donors, and 1 million moments of alumni engagement.

“The foundation of this campaign is formed by everyone who makes the University of Pittsburgh such a special place. This community extends from the students, faculty and staff and alumni who are already ‘Proving Possible’; to the community members who partner with us to extend our public impact; to the University’s friends and supporters who believe in our mission,” said Kevin Washo (A&S ’04), senior vice chancellor for external relations. “This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to build the future of Pitt together through the campaign.”

Learn more about the campaign at provingpossible.pitt.edu.

 

Photography by Tom Altany

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