The Panther Club Celebrates Unprecedented Fundraising Success
8/23/2022 12:00:00 PM | General
The Panther Club recorded its highest fundraising and donor total in Pitt history during the 2021-22 fiscal year that concluded on June 30. The past year saw 12,643 donors contribute more than $40.4 million. Both of those amounts are Pitt Athletics records and exceed the previous highs by 1,418 donors and more than $20 million in total fundraising. A combination of unprecedented major gifts commitments, increased annual giving participation, and the success of Pitt Athletics programs resulted in these fundraising totals that will be felt for years to come.
"This past year was momentous for Pitt Athletics in so many ways. Championship trophies were raised, diplomas were earned and dreams became a reality for so many of the young men and women who proudly wear our Blue and Gold," said Director of Athletics Heather Lyke. "The historic generosity of our donors gives us another remarkable achievement to celebrate. Their support was crucial to the successes of this past year and will be even more vital as we continue to aspire higher into our future. On behalf of our nearly 700 student-athletes, band and spirit squad members, I want to thank our Pitt supporters for their extraordinary generosity. Working together, the best is truly yet to come for our Panthers."
This past year saw philanthropic leaders of the Pitt community make significant contributions that helped drive Pitt Athletics' fundraising success. Pitt Athletics gained 33 new members of The Script Society through donors committing to pledges of $50,000 or more throughout the past year. Notable amongst these commitments, in September, the football program received a $20 million commitment from 1997 alum Chris Bickell, the largest single donation in Pitt Athletics history. In recognition of the historic gift, the head football coaching position at Pitt is named the "Chris Bickell '97 Head Football Coach." The gift will help fund significant capital improvements that will benefit the total Pitt football student-athlete experience, both now and into the future.
The Petersen Events Center lobby also received a name change in March following a $5 million gift from the family of Tom and Mary Beth Richards. The gift to the men's basketball program will help lead expansion and renovation efforts to practice, training and sports performance facilities at the Petersen Events Center. In honor of their commitment, the lobby at the Petersen Events Center is now named the Thomas E. Richards Family Lobby.
The annual donor base also increased significantly and contributed to the fundraising success of the Panther Club. The increased donations to the Student-Athlete Success Fund has allowed for Pitt to provide more resources for all of our student-athletes through mental health services, improved strength and conditioning equipment, the hiring of a full-time sports science director, academic services and resources, and scholarship support. Continued support of the Student-Athlete Success Fund will allow Pitt Athletics to continue to invest in these vital resources for our student-athletes and allow all 850 student-athletes to have a world class experience during their time at the University of Pittsburgh.
"The power of the Pitt family was truly inspirational last year," said Lee Roberts, Executive Associate Athletic Director of Philanthropy and Engagement. "The record-setting investment from our Panther Club members is transforming the experience for each of our student-athletes. We are so grateful for your support and can't wait to see our members raise the bar again this year."
Donations to the Panther Club help provide all of our 850 student-athletes with the resources they need to excel during their time at Pitt. Support of the Panther Club comes from donations to the Student-Athlete Success Fund, Scholarship Seating support, philanthropic gifts to our Championship Funds, and support of capital projects. To learn more about joining the Panther Club or to make a gift today, visit hailtopitt.com.