Pitt Always is a dedicated group of alumni and friends who have demonstrated a commitment to our strong tradition and continued success by making permanent gifts to support Pitt Athletics. To learn more about the Pitt Always program please contact Megan Wilson at 412.648.8233 or mwilson@athletics.pitt.edu.
How do I become a member of Pitt Always?
- Include the Department of Athletics in your estate plan
- Designate Pitt Athletics as the beneficiary of your IRA or other qualified retirement plan
- Name Pitt Athletics the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance plan or donate an existing policy
- Establish a life income gift like a Charitable Gift Annuity, Charitable Lead Trust, or Charitable Remainder Trust
- Create an endowment that lasts forever
If I have already included Pitt Athletics in my estate plan, am I a member of Pitt Always? Almost, you just need to inform us of your generous decision. Simply contact Megan Wilson at 412.648.8233 or mwilson@athletics.pitt.edu to assist you in documenting your planned gift.
Do any of these gifts count for priority points toward seating? Some planned gifts may allow for priority points to be assessed. Please contact us and a staff member will assist you.
What areas of Pitt Athletics can my planned gift support?
- Capital projects and facilities
- Endowed athletic and band scholarships
- Program enhancement
- Panther Club Athletic Scholarship Fund
What are the benefits to becoming a member of Pitt Always? Most importantly, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are ensuring the future success of Pitt Athletics. Also, many planned gifts can allow for the donor to take advantage of certain tax benefits.
As a member of Pitt Always, you will receive invitations to special events and a commemorative pin, and your name will be listed in an honor roll in the football game program.
Is there an advantage to becoming an inaugural member of Pitt Always? Yes. If you join before December 31, 2010, you will be eligible for a special keepsake gift from Pitt Athletics.
TESTIMONIALS:
Bernie Artman (BUS '54)
“I made the decision to create a scholarship through a charitable lead trust. As a varsity letterwinner, I am thankful for the education I received and was fortunate to attend Pitt on a scholarship. I wanted to give another person the same great opportunity I had.”
Adam Gunn (A&S '07, GSPIA '09G)
"Over the past few years, I learned how to balance the rigors of football and academics along with my other priorities. Because of the generosity of scholarship donors I had the chance to maximize this great opportunity on the field and in the classroom. Now, as a Pitt graduate I'm excited to apply the skills I acquired from my days as a student-athlete."
Herb Douglas (EDUC '48, '50G)
"I have had the honor and privilege to experience firsthand the rich tradition of Olympic sports at the University of Pittsburgh. My Pitt experience continues to impact my life to this very day, so I want to ensure that current and future generations of student-athletes have that same lifelong benefit."
Joanne (A&S '62) and Ellsworth (A&S '58, DEN '60) Bowser
"Establishing a bequest that supports an athletic scholarship made sense to us - it's a win-win situation. You're helping other people and contributing something to the future."
Cory Berliner (Neuroscience and Psychology, Class of 2011)
"Soon, my softball teammates and I will have the chance to practice and compete in a 
brand new stadium on Pitt's upper campus at the Petersen Sports Complex. This amazing facility would not be possible without the generous support of Pitt's alumni and friends, especially Mr. and Mrs. [John and Gertrude] Petersen. We're thrilled that we're going to have one of the best facilities in the NCAA and grateful to the donors who are making it happen."