Recent Graduate
Winter '25 and Spring '26 grads enjoy a complimentary one-year membership.
Free
University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Varsity Letter Club
About Us
Founded in 1931 under the devoted leadership of Executive Secretary George I. Carson, the VLC has existed to promote excellence in both academics and athletics at the University of Pittsburgh. Contributions to the Panther Club can provide future Panthers the opportunities and lasting memories you experienced as a Pitt student-athlete. As a Forever Panther, you have helped lay a strong foundation here at Pitt and together we can continue to build champions – in athletics, in the classroom and in life!
The Varsity Letter Club (VLC) is a network of all University of Pittsburgh varsity letterwinners (Forever Panthers) and provides a great way to stay engaged with the university and the athletic department. As a Forever Panther, we invite you to stay connected with Pitt Athletics through the VLC!
Our Mission
To engage Forever Panthers in building lasting connections, honoring their legacy, and elevating the student-athlete experience.
Four Pillars: Mentorship, Investment, Legacy & Engagement
Earning a letter is only the first MILE. The Varsity Letter Club exists to carry student-athletes beyond competition and into lifelong connections built through:
- Mentorship: Direct connection between former and current student-athletes
- Investment: Turning connection into tangible support for current student-athletes through investing in the student-athlete experience
- Legacy: Honor the past in a way that keep Forever Panthers emotionally invested in the present
- Engagement: Keep Forever Panthers actively involved with their program, current student-athletes and each other
Join the Varsity Letter Club
Stay connected, Forever Panthers. Every membership includes the same full slate of benefits — choose the level that's right for you.
Young Alumni
A starter level of support for 2024-25 graduates.
$150/year
or $12.50 / month
Base
For Forever Panthers who graduated between 1977-2023.
$250/year
or $20.83 / month
Heritage
A special rate for letterwinners graduating 1976 or earlier.
$150/year
or $12.50 / month
Every Membership Includes
Reunions
Communication
VLC Webinars
Digital Membership Card
15% Discount at Pitt Affiliated Stores
Membership Gift
All Sport & Sport Specific Tailgates +1 guest
Panthers & Pints +1 guest
VLC on the Road +1 guest
Discounted Single-Game Football Tickets
Discounted Olympic Sport Tickets
AWARDEES OF DISTINCTION
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The 2026 Awardees of Distinction class includes:
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DJ Cavanaugh, Football
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Jonna Burke, Women's Basketball
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Julie Gaul, Volleyball
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Mike Bacasa, Men's Soccer
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Teryl Austin, Football
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Ken Silay, Track & Field/Cross Country
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Susan Stewart, Women's Basketball
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Ellie Pikula, Gymnastics - Rising Star
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Lindsay Offutt, Gymnastics - Rising Star
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VARSITY WALK
Pitt’s Varsity Walk is located in-between the Cathedral of Learning and Heinz Chapel. Along the Varsity Walk are the names of former Panther athletes who will forever be recognized for what they brought to Pitt Athletics. The Varsity Walk tradition dates back to the 1950s, when the first Blue-Gold and Panther Award recipients were named.
The Blue-Gold award is presented to the male and female senior student-athlete who best represents the student-athlete “ideal” based on academic scholarship, athletic achievement, leadership qualities and citizenship.
The Panther Award is presented to the male and female senior student-athlete who has promoted Pittsburgh Athletics through his or her outstanding athletic achievement.
View the previous winners of the Blue-Gold Award and Panther Award.
