You made a difference
with your gift in 2024
Join us on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 for this year's Pitt Day of Giving as we continue to make an impact on the Pitt community.
Ballet Club Brings ‘Wonderland’ to Life with Pitt Day of Giving Support
The Ballet Club at Pitt transformed its usual April showcase by producing a full-length “Alice in Wonderland” performance that blended ballet with jazz and hip-hop. Their nearly $5,000 Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) fundraising total—more than double the previous year—made the ambitious project possible, supporting choreography, sets, lighting, and costumes. Winning the Social Media Ambassador Challenge also boosted their funds. Production chair Tümay Onat said the support gave members confidence and helped “bring the magic to life.” With free performances, low dues, and an open, inclusive membership, the club relies on PDoG to continue making the arts accessible to the Pitt community.
RISE Summer Program Sets Stage for College Success with Pitt Day of Giving Support
The RISE Summer Program, part of Pitt’s Justice Scholars Institute, helps Pittsburgh Public Schools students prepare for college by offering training in scholarships, personal statements, applications, and the overall admission process. In 2024, the program received its first Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) support, with 40 donors contributing to expand access. Program manager Erica Roberts says RISE helps level the playing field for students who may lack resources found in other communities. Participants also gain mentorship from current college students, a highlight for Pitt first-year Demir Frison. With stipends that make attendance possible, RISE continues to grow—with PDoG funding key to serving more students.
Pitt Engineering Students Take Crucial First Step Toward Global Education, Thanks to Pitt Day of Giving Support
Thanks to Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) support, engineering students at the University of Pittsburgh are taking an important first step toward studying abroad by overcoming passport-related barriers. For the second year in a row, PDoG funding helped support an on-campus Passport Fair, making the application process faster and more convenient for busy students. Recognizing that passport fees can also be a financial obstacle, the Swanson School of Engineering reimbursed application costs for eligible students through a random drawing. Additional donor and grant support expanded access even further, helping students gain global experiences that strengthen their education and future careers.
Pitt Day of Giving Supports Hands-on Learning for Falk Students
At Falk Laboratory School, hands-on, inquiry-based learning is central to every student’s experience, especially in the WonderLab makerspace. Supported by Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG), the WonderLab provides students opportunities to explore woodworking, sewing, making, and creative problem-solving. In 2023, PDoG donors contributed $4,730 to purchase essential tools like hammers, lumber, and a 3D printer, while additional giving later funded custom-built tables sized for younger students. Educators say these resources enable meaningful, real-world learning that goes beyond traditional classrooms, helping students think creatively, collaborate effectively, and solve authentic problems across disciplines.
Frederick Honors College Researchers Share Racial-Equity Resource with a Global Audience, Thanks to Pitt Day of Giving Donors
Researchers in the David C. Frederick Honors College shared their Racial Equity Awareness Database (R.E.A.D.) with a global audience after receiving travel support from Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) donors in 2024. The student-led project, designed to curate and share racial-equity programs, policies, and practices worldwide, was presented at the United Nations’ Permanent Forum on People of African Descent in Geneva. Modeled after the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, R.E.A.D. helps advocates avoid starting from scratch while fostering global collaboration. Students described the experience as transformative, building confidence, professional connections, and real-world impact made possible through donor support.
Pitt Day of Giving Opens Door to Global Learning for Graduate School of Public and International Affairs Student
Thanks to Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) support, Bailee Hassen, a master’s student in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, gained invaluable global learning experience through study in Slovakia. After completing six weeks of beginner Slovak at Pitt’s Summer Language Institute, Hassen spent a month in Bratislava continuing intensive language study and exploring the country’s history, culture, and public policy landscape. Conversations with Ukrainian refugees deepened her understanding of refugee and international policy in practice. PDoG donors helped generate nearly $10,000 for the school in 2024, making experiences like Hassen’s possible and helping remove financial barriers to global education.
Pitt Day of Giving Donors Fuel Future-Building Opportunities for Panthers Forward Participants
Thanks to Pitt Day of Giving donors, the Panthers Forward program continues to create meaningful mentoring and financial support opportunities for Pitt seniors. The program paired recent graduate Jimmy Rekowski with alumnus mentor Joseph Kannarkat, who provided guidance on medical school applications, professional writing, and career development—leading to a co-authored article in JAMA Health Forum. Supported by donor generosity, Panthers Forward annually serves 150 seniors with up to $5,000 in federal student loan relief, financial wellness resources, and alumni mentoring. These investments strengthen Pitt’s alumni network, reduce financial stress, and help students build confidence, community, and a lasting commitment to giving back.
PDoG Donors Bolster Legacy of Empowering International Education
Donors to Pitt Global on the 2024 Pitt Day of Giving (PDoG) strengthened access to international education while honoring the legacy of longtime global education leader Carol Larson. Contributions supported the Carol Larson Endowed Fund, which provides financial aid for study-abroad travel and related expenses, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds. In 2024, 339 donors more than doubled the previous year’s giving and unlocked $7,500 in challenge funds. Along with workshops and preparation resources, PDoG support helps remove financial barriers to global learning. Donor generosity ensures Pitt students can gain the cultural awareness, adaptability, and global perspective needed to thrive in an interconnected world.
