Just four blocks from the Petersen Events Center, where more than 3,000 Pitt students will conclude their undergraduate careers today, is Alumni Hall. This historic building was named in honor of the devotion, support, and esteem of University of Pittsburgh alumni. In recognition of these traits, the Pitt Alumni Association seeks to preserve student involvement in the University community through far-reaching communication and educational programs.

The alumni association, which acts as the voice of more than 235,000 alumni worldwide, provides an opportunity for graduating students to benefit from and further the goal of generating and maintaining support for Pitt. The resulting relationship between alumni and the association is a synergistic one that benefits alumni and the University.

Alumni association members are able to stay informed and in contact with each other through a variety of means, including publications, online services, and coordinated alumni events.

Alumni Connections and an annual electronic Alumni Impact Report are filled with news and information about the achievements and successes of Pitt people, departments, schools, and programs. Pitt Alumni Online Services, launched in April 2000, allows nearly 23,000 alumni to contact other alumni all over the world. In addition, more than 60,000 alumni receive the Pitt Connection, an e-newsletter, each month. Last year, the association launched the Pitt Career Network, allowing students and alumni to network with alumni volunteers. By fostering beneficial partnerships within the alumni community, the association is able to further support the University as an institution of higher learning. Cultivating and inspiring financial generosity are an integral part of the responsibilities the association assumes, while the rewards of these efforts are evident throughout campus for both students and the University.

The Alumni Legislative Network promotes higher education in Harrisburg. In addition, the association cosponsors or plays key roles in such Pitt functions as Lantern Night, Panther Sendoff, job fairs, and networking receptions.

The Blue and Gold Society, which hosted more than 100 events campuswide, is a student-alumni association acting as representatives for students at University, community, and alumni functions.

Proceeds from the association’s total efforts have funded such programs as the Alumni Scholarship Endowment Fund, which awards more than $100,000 in scholarships annually.

The Pitt Alumni Association congratulates the Class of 2006 and encourages its members to stay connected with Pitt by joining the alumni association. New graduates can join for the discounted fee of $20. The association has more than 100 alumni constituent organizations and area representatives worldwide to keep Pitt alumni connected to Pitt and to one another.

New members can take advantage of valuable benefits and services, including complimentary subscriptions to Alumni Connections; savings on graduate test courses; access to online services; discounts on insurance, continuing education, car rentals, and hotels across the country; and discounts at the Pitt Shop and The Book Center. Perhaps most importantly, membership keeps graduates informed about and connected to their alma mater.

For more information, stop by the Pitt Alumni Association at Alumni Hall, call 800-ALU-PITT, or visit www.alumni.pitt.edu.