Pitt Magazine
How the Cathedral of Learning went from grandiose idea to enduring landmark
In the 1920s, Chancellor John Bowman envisioned bringing Pitt together under “the greatest educational structure in the world.” One hundred years later, it’s become an awe-inspiring symbol of ambition and big ideas.
World-expanding stories from Pitt’s Nationality and Heritage Rooms
The cultural spaces that bridge past and present have been a part of the Cathedral since the beginning. As the University grew, so did they.
The Cathedral of Learning is always on display, thanks to this artist’s image-a-day vision
A campus gallery of daily landscape paintings showcases artist Félix de la Concha’s vision of the University’s grand tower.
Study of cosmic rays continues high upon Pitt’s iconic tower
More than a century ago, scientists began studying cosmic rays atop Paris’ Eiffel Tower. Today, Pitt researchers replicate work in the Cathedral of Learning.
Your Cathedral stories highlight family, education and opportunity
The iconic tower continues to serve as the backdrop to some of the biggest moments in the lives of Pitt alumni and supporters.
‘Positive progress for all’ was the result of 1969 Cathedral sit-in
Action showcased the Cathedral of Learning as a central locale for campus and community strength.
The name game: Cathy vs. Cathedral
Pitt people are as passionate about how they refer to the Cathedral as they are about the building itself. Are you Team Cathedral or part of the Cathy Crew?
An iconic 1960 Life magazine image captured baseball history from the Cathedral’s 32nd floor
Woody Turner, former Pitt trustee and alumni association president, was among a handful of students who witnessed the Pirates win the 1960 World Series win from up high.
For 25 years, Cathedral has offered a home on high for peregrine falcons
Standing at 535 feet, the Cathedral of Learning’s height makes it the perfect home for this keystone species.
Meet some of the people who helped build the Cathedral of Learning — and their Pitt-connected descendants
These alumni triplets have a unique connection to Pitt's campus and its famed tower, which was shaped by their great-great-great-uncle, Charles Zeller Klauder.
Alumni updates, fall 2026
Pitt alumni were recently named to the advisory board of the National Museum of American History, earned Faculty of the Year honors, joined Forbes' 30 under 30 list and more.
In memoriam, fall 2026
Remembering lost members of our Pitt community
Pitt-Bradford’s new emergency medicine program is meeting a crucial community need
McKean County is facing a shortage of emergency medicine personnel. Now, students like Jay Mckenzie are stepping up.
Pennsylvania is in the midst of a rural dental crisis. Pitt is ready to help.
The development of regional training centers has the Pitt School of Dental Medicine, led by Dean Marnie Oakley, ready to provide much-needed access to oral health care.
This rural Pennsylvania field station is an ecologist’s dream
Pitt’s Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology has hosted a rotating cast of prominent researchers for nearly a century.