51��Ʒ��Ƶ

The 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community once again showed its generosity and resolve by coming together to support the University on Feb. 22 for the sixth annual (PDoG). A total of 11,046 donors from 50 states and six continents gave to dozens of areas and funds representing every 51��Ʒ��Ƶ school, college and campus.

This year’s PDoG — a daylong fundraising sprint — generated $2.96 million for scholarships, research, academic programs, student organizations, athletics and other vital initiatives.

“Every year, we challenge the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community, and they respond without hesitation,” said Kris Davitt, senior vice chancellor for philanthropic and alumni engagement. “I’m proud of this community and grateful for everyone involved in creating an atmosphere of excitement and momentum. Our alumni and friends give generously, and the entire 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community benefits.”

Students, faculty and staff across all campuses celebrated the day with activities and giveaways. In 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh, 490 students braved the rainy day to participate in a philanthropic trivia scavenger hunt while others donated a total of 170 pounds of food to the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Pantry.

The 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community was equally active online. #51��Ʒ��ƵDayofGiving was a trending topic throughout the day in 51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh, and PDoG social posts were seen 11.7 million times in February. Additionally, more than 320 supporters signed on as PDoG social media ambassadors, using their personal social media to encourage others to make gifts. One social media ambassador and 51��Ʒ��Ƶ alumnus posted, “I moved to @51��Ʒ��Ƶsburgh to attend @GSPIA @51��Ʒ��ƵTweet and my time there moved me to try and make the world a better place, however possible. Donating to educational institutions is paying it forward, and #51��Ʒ��ƵDayofGiving is a worthy way to do so!”

Alumni, students and friends also joined the spirited Create Your Cathy competition. After folding an origami Cathedral of Learning, participants posted photos of their creations on social media and answered that all-important question: #TeamCathy or #TeamCathedral? Team Cathy came out on top.

Challenge funds — which were provided, in part, by University trustees, alumni and friends — allowed the 51��Ʒ��Ƶ community to participate in friendly online competitions. Throughout 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Day of Giving, gifts were tracked in real time and posted to online leaderboards. The schools, programs and student organizations that landed at the top of the boards received additional funding.

Among the challenges and winners were:

• Schools and College Participation Challenge: Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, $10,000; Swanson School of Engineering, $7,500; 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Business, $5,000
• Schools and College Raise the Bar Challenge: 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Law took the top spot with a 71% increase in giving and, along with all other units that “raised the bar,” will receive a proportional share of $100,000
• Places, Experiences + More Participation Challenge: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (College of General Studies), $10,000; 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Alumni Association, $7,500; 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Global, $5,000
• Student Organizations Challenge: Catholic Newman Club, $5,000; 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Rowing Club, $2,500; 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Men’s Glee Club, $1,500; 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Men’s Rugby Club, $1,000

“We were thrilled to be back on campus and see the excitement generated by 51��Ʒ��Ƶ Day of Giving,” said Jake Strang, assistant vice chancellor for alumni annual giving. “The generosity we receive in one day supports 51��Ʒ��Ƶ students all year and funds the life-changing research we conduct every day. I’m proud that this day helps to enhance the student experience, further 51��Ʒ��Ƶ’s academic mission and ensure the University’s ongoing success.”