YEAR IN REVIEW | 2016 JULY 1, 2015 - JUNE 30, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS 01. 03. 05. 07. 09. 11. 13. 15. 17. 19. 21. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 29. 31. 32.
A LETTER FROM JEFF GLEIM BACK TO CAMPUS EVENTS FOOTBALL HOMECOMING P I T T DAY I N H A R R I S B U R G PITT ON THE ROAD PITT ON THE PROWL G R A D U AT I O N T I M E
N AT I O N A L N E T W O R K I N G D AY HERE AND THERE S O C I A L M E D I A A N D C O M M U N I C AT I O N S BLUE AND GOLD SOCIETY S T U D E N T A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N PITT ALUMNI CLUBS AND COUNCILS PITT ALUMNI NETWORK OF WESTERN PA PITT TRADITIONS HEINZ CHAPEL ALUMNI ONLINE SERVICES A LETTER FROM JEFF KONDIS
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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JEFF GLEIM
Dear Pitt Alumni: This has been a great year for Pitt and the Pitt Alumni Association. Founded in 1866, the association is now celebrating 150 years of engaging Pitt alumni and students. We have chosen this milestone to do away with membership dues in an effort to remove barriers and encourage all alumni to participate in the vast Pitt community. While Life Members of the PAA will continue to be honored and receive special benefits, all graduates of the University will now be recognized as active members of the association.
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As we close the books on another fiscal year, we are pleased to feature a few of our recent events; recap events that were held throughout the year; share updates about Pitt clubs, alumni councils, and our student affiliates; and highlight the Pitt traditions that our alumni know and love.
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Visit our Web site at www.alumni.pitt.edu to get details about our upcoming events, including the annual Homecoming festivities which will occur October 3-9. You won’t want to miss the all-alumni Welcome Back Reception on Friday evening, October 7, or the Homecoming game against Georgia Tech on Saturday, October 8. Finally, I would like to formally thank Jeff Kondis for his hard work and dedication as the association’s president for the past two years, and welcome the incoming president, Gary Brownlee. Page through this publication to get an idea of the wide variety of ways the Pitt Alumni Association has been reconnecting alumni to their alma mater for the last 150 years. Hail to Pitt!
Jeff G ei Executive Director Pitt Alumni Association
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION T H E P I T T A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
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BACK TO CAMPUS EVENTS
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WELCOMING THE STUDENTS Arrival Survival: The Pitt Alumni Association partners with various University departments to welcome freshman students and assist them in moving into University residence halls. Click here to view photos. Legacy Luncheon: Incoming freshmen who have parents, grandparents, or siblings who are Pitt grads are welcomed by the association at a luncheon on the Cathedral of Learning lawn. Click here to view photos.
Click here to view a video.
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Lantern Night: In this, Pitt’s oldest tradition, female alumni pass the light of learning on to freshmen and transfer women.
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e m o c Wel Back
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THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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FOOTBALL
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
CHEERING TOGETHER Panther Game Watches: Pitt Clubs and Councils have game watches in their areas so Pitt fans can gather and cheer together for their Panthers. To find a game watch near you, visit our Web site. If you want to help set one up in your area, contact Ron Idoko at Ronald.Idoko@ia.pitt.edu. He will send you an official Pitt Game Watch placard to proudly post at your game-watch location.
PREGAME EVENTS Join Other Panther Fans: The Pitt Alumni Association sponsors pregame events at all away football games, including bowl games. For information on these events, click here.
If you have questions about Panther Game Watches, please contact Ron Idoko.
Ron Idoko
RONALD.IDOKO@IA.PITT.EDU
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HOMECOMING 2015
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
HOMECOMING At Homecoming, Nostalgia Rules: From October 6 to 11, alumni returned to campus in droves to celebrate Homecoming 2015. From coming together to work on a community garden to the Homecoming game, nostalgia ruled.
Pitt Royalty: The student body votes for the Homecoming King and Queen, and winners are announced during halftime at the Homecoming game. Chancellor Patrick Gallagher (far left) and PAA President Jeff Kondis are pictured here with Homecoming Queen Paige Lumley and King Michael Hizny.
Click here to view a video from Pitt's 2015 Homecoming celebration. If you have questions about Homecoming, please contact Gary Pollock.
Gary Pollock GVP3@PITT.EDU
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PITT DAY IN HARRISBURG
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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DIFFERENCE MAKERS Pitt Day in Harrisburg occurred on March 22. This year was an especially important gathering since Pitt had not yet received its annual state appropriation. With the help of dedicated alumni advocates, who responded to Chancellor Gallagher’s “With Pitt PA Wins” campaign, the University received a five percent increase in its annual state appropriation.
380 The number of students, staff, and faculty who joined the Pitt Alumni Association in Harrisburg
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PITT ON THE ROAD
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
PITT ON THE ROAD
Spreading the Word: On January 22, Chancellor Patrick Gallagher provided a University update to more than 100 alumni and friends in San Francisco. Several Pitt-centered events also took place in Washington, DC, during the ACC Basketball Tournament, including a Young Alumni Reception and networking opportunities for students with alumni.
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Pitt Is It - Washington D.C.: Over 260 alumni and students attended the week-long Pitt Is It event in Washington D.C. Offerings included a young alumni networking reception and job shadowing for current undergraduates. A showcase of Pitt research was also featured.
Winter Academy: Pitt alumni gathered in West Palm Beach, Fla. on February 17 and in Naples, Fla. on February 19 to hear updates from Schools of the Health Sciences faculty.
2016 YEAR END REVIEW
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PITT ON THE PROWL
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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COACHES ON THE PROWL Head football coach Pat Narduzzi, head women’s basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio, and new head men’s basketball coach Kevin Stallings went on the road to meet and greet Pitt alumni and fans in New York and Chicago. The coaches posed for photos with fans, answered questions, and gave glimpses of their winning personalities.
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Individuals attended Pitt on the Prowl events in two cities.
Number of attendees at Pitt on the Prowl in New York Number of attendees at Pitt on the Prowl in Chicago
130 83
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GRADUATION 2016
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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Graduating seniors – 393 scholar student-athletes and 68 scholar cheer and dance team members – were honored by Pitt Athletics and the PAA.
BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS The association partnered with athletics to recognize Pitt athletes and cheer and dance team members. The seniors who are feted at the annual Student Athlete Breakfast maintain 3.0 grade point averages as Pitt student athletes.
3,300+ Graduating students walked through Grad Central before walking at Commencement.
WALKING THE WALK The Pitt Alumni Association partnered with the University Store on Fifth and other Pitt partners to provide a one-stop-shop for graduating students. To see a video of Graduation Central, click here.
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PITT NETWORKING DAY
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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3,020 Total number of students and alumni that registered for networking events across the country
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Networking events were held in cities across the U.S.
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Networking events were held at international locations
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS A Record Day: More than 3,000 alumni gathered for social and professional networking at 80 locations around the world on Pitt Networking Day. In its third year, Networking Day provides a great opportunity to engage new Pitt graduates and all alumni in PAA activities, as well as affords alumni the opportunity to establish new professional and personal connections within the Pitt community. Click here to view the full photo gallery.
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW
Travel with Pitt: Join other Pitt alumni and travel the world. For more iformation, contact Laraine Hlatky at 1-800-ALU-PITT or click here to view the Pitt Travel page on our Web site.
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HERE AND THERE
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
667
Alumni travelers have traveled with us multiple times
1,475 Alumni took advantage of the Pitt Travel since its inception
20 DINNER THEATER Dinner and A Show: The Pitt Alumni Association hosted an evening of dinner at the University Club and Pitt Stages' production of Nine at the Charity Randall Theater.
If you have questions about the Pitt Travel Program, contact Laraine Hlatky.
Laraine Hlatky HLARAINE@PITT.EDU
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW 2015 ANNUAL REPORT
SOCIAL MEDIA
4,586,8
So Well Liked: The PAA social media presence is growing more quickly now than ever before. See here the increase in participation in these social media platforms in the last year.
FOLLOWERS
LIKES
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14.1K
+25.5 %
IMPRESSIONS
3.4M ENGAGEMENTS
123K
Combined number of PAA Facebook and Twitter impressions recorded
4.5K
+19.1 % IMPRESSIONS
1.2M ENGAGEMENTS
41K
MEMBERS
21.4K
+4.9 %
FOLLOWERS
1.6K
MEMBER LOCATION
+497 %
POSTS
123 AVERAGE LIKES PER POST
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THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION T H E P I T T A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N
815
E-MAILS SENT BY THE UNIVERSITY
83 (10%)
COMMUNICATIONS BROADCAST EMAILS
d
Staying Connected: The PAA sends e-mails to our alumni to let them know about events, news, invitations, and pretty much anything that is happening at Pitt. E-mailing is a vital part of alumni outreach and one of the best tools we have to stay connected to our alumni.
E-MAILS SENT BY THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
506 (58%)
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E-MAILS SENT BY UNIVERSITY SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, DEPARTMENTS, AND REGIONAL CAMPUSES
282 (32%)
WEB SITE STATISTICS
HOW YOU ARE VIEWING IT: THE FACE OF THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
50
%
44
%
6
%
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THE PITT BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY
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Number of years the Blue and Gold Society has been a Pitt staple
ABOUT THE BLUE & GOLD SOCIETY Panther Pride: The Blue and Gold Society is an undergraduate student organization sponsored by the Pitt Alumni Association. It is composed of top students who serve as student ambassadors for the association and the University. In addition, the society is the governing body of the Student Alumni Association. Founder of the Blue and Gold Society MJ Lovett (at left in photo above) has been its advisor for 24 years. She is stepping down and will be missed.
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
THE STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
1,538 Members in the SAA, the largest student group on campus
STATISTICS
10 Events the SAA hosted this year 22 New members this year 1,176 Years the SAA has been active
ABOUT Members of the Student Alumni Association (SAA) have the opportunity to attend a Welcome Back picnic each fall; attend the Cathedral Ball, a semi-formal event held in the Commons Room of the Cathedral of Learning; and enjoy a Dinner with 12 Panthers event where they can network with alumni. The SAA is administered by the Blue and Gold Society (the association’s student ambassadors).
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PITT ALUMNI CLUBS & COUNCILS
430+ Number of events held by Pitt Clubs and Councils last year
STATISTICS
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Domestic Pitt Alumni Clubs International Pitt Alumni Clubs Continents where Pitt Alumni Clubs are located Alumni Affinity Councils
For information on starting a club or council, contact Ron Idoko.
Ron Idoko
RONALD.IDOKO@IA.PITT.EDU
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HIGHLIGHTS Pitt Fans Together: The Pitt Alumni Association has 55 Pitt Clubs in the US (click here) and boasts a growing number internationally (click here). The association also has 11 affinity councils, allowing alumni with common interests (click here) to join together. Pitt Send-Offs: Pitt Clubs host send-off events each summer so freshmen and their families can get to know Pitt alumni and other new students before they come to campus in the fall.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN A CLUB OR COUNCIL
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
PITT ALUMNI NETWORK OF WESTERN PA
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100+
Number of events featured by the PA Alumni Network of Western PA last year
A STRONG NETWORK Power In Numbers: The Pitt Alumni Network of Western Pennsylvania is a collaborative platform developed by the Pitt Alumni Association to offer comprehensive alumni programming and networking in the Pittsburgh region. The network highlights an array of local alumni engagement opportunities sponsored by the Pitt Alumni Association, various University departments, students, and individual alumni.
To learn more about the Pitt Alumni Network of Western PA, please contact Kenny Donaldson.
Kenny Donaldson KED92@PITT.EDU
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PITT TRADITIONS
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
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VARSITY WALKWAY
THE VICTORY LIGHTS
Years the Pitt Alumni Association has been keeping Pitt traditions alive
RUB THE PANTHER’S NOSE
Athletic Success: On the University of Pittsburgh campus, between the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel, is a sidewalk known as the Varsity Walkway. There, embedded in the stones, are the names of former Pitt athletes who have promoted the University through their athletic or academic achievements. The Panther Award is presented to the graduating senior athlete who has promoted Pittsburgh athletics through his/her outstanding athletic achievement. The Blue-Gold Award is given to the seniors who represent the student-athlete ideal based on academic scholarship, athletic achievement, leadership qualities and citizenship.
Be Nosey: A tradition has developed regarding the panther statue outside the William Pitt Union. Students rub the panther’s nose for luck before exams and every Friday before the Pitt Panthers football game to bring our team good luck.
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THE HEINZ CHAPEL STEPS
LANTERN NIGHT
900 The number of consecutive years Lantern Night has been held. 96 The number of lanterns distributed at Lantern Night last year.
Lantern Night, the University’s oldest tradition, welcomes first-year and transfer women to the University as alumnae symbolically pass the “light of learning” from one generation of Pitt women to the next.
Wedding Bells In The Air: Legend has it that if a couple kisses on the steps of Heinz Memorial Chapel, they are destined to wed there.
Let There Be Light: The golden Victory Lights at the top of the Cathedral of Learning shine throughout the Oakland skyline and beyond after an athletics win. The golden glow can be seen after football victories as well as other major athletic accomplishments like conference and national championships.
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HEINZ MEMORIAL CHAPEL
THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Did you know The Pitt Alumni Association now manages this historic venue?
To view a video of the grand reopening of the chapel after a climate control system was installed, click here.
WEDDING BELLS Anyone can now marry at the chapel: A date and time can be secured up to two years ahead. For more information, visit the Heinz Memorial Chapel Web site here.
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2016 YEAR IN REVIEW
GET CONNECTED WITH OTHER PITT ALUMNI
ALUMNIONLINE.PITT.EDU
Get Connected: The Pitt Alumni Online Services at www.alumnionline.pitt.edu
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are available to alumni as the ultimate destination for connecting with fellow Panthers via the alumni directory. You can: • Read class notes to get the latest news, and share your own. • Personalize your profile page. • Update your contact information. • Register for alumni events. • Share and view photos. • Connect via social media. Click here to get started.
PITT ALUMNI ONLINE SERVICES
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THE PITT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S. JEFFREY KONDIS
Dear Fellow Pitt Alumni: As my tenure as President of your Pitt Alumni Association ends, I warmly welcome the new President, Gary Brownlee. I place my confidence in him and in all alumni to continue creating memories to share between themselves and with the next Pitt generation. Stay in touch with the Pitt Alumni Association. We offer numerous opportunities for you in: • • • • • •
Advocacy and Volunteerism Lifelong Learning Communications Enhanced Student Experiences Geographic Alumni Clubs Diverse Alumni Programming
As we move forward into a new school year, I hope to see you all at Homecoming 2016. Many events are planned, and the festivities will culminate in the all-alumni Welcome Back Reception in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room on Friday night, October 7, followed by the football game vs. Georgia Tech at Heinz Field on Saturday, October 8. This year promises to be the biggest and best Pitt Homecoming ever! Remember that while you were a student for a period of time, you are an alumnus forever. To stay on top of what we are doing and to see what’s happening on the Alumni Events Calendar, visit us at www.alumni.pitt.edu and follow us on social media. Hail to Pitt!
S. Jeffrey Kondis (ENGR ’77, BUS ’82) President Pitt Alumni Association
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