Pitt Welcomes Back Alumni and Friends for Homecoming 2013

The University of Pittsburgh will celebrate Homecoming 2013 with a wide variety of activities for alumni, students, families, and friends, Sept. 23 to 28.

Among the Homecoming 2013 events are Pitt’s Day of Caring, a young alumni mixer, the annual Welcome Back Reception in the Cathedral of Learning, the Spectacular Fireworks and Laser Show, and the Homecoming football game on Sept. 28. Throughout the week, many of the University’s schools, student organizations, and alumni associations also will sponsor lectures, luncheons, continuing education events, and other gatherings.

With an emphasis on community engagement, Homecoming festivities will commence with a range of volunteer opportunities. In partnership with the Central Blood Bank, the Pitt Alumni Association will sponsor the “Bleed Blue and Gold” Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 23 in the William Pitt Union’s Lower Lounge. Pitt’s 22nd annual Day of Caring, cosponsored by the United Way, will encourage alumni to join faculty and staff in community service projects throughout Pittsburgh from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 24. Later in the week, the African American Alumni Council will host its Apple Seed Project, which gives Pitt alumni the opportunity to share their experiences with students in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 27. 

The Young Alumni Mixer, sponsored by the Pitt Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council, will launch the weekend’s activities. The event will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Sept. 26 at Mario’s East Side Saloon, 5442 Walnut St., Shadyside.

Alumni visiting campus on Sept. 27 are invited to have their photos snapped with the Pitt panther statue outside the William Pitt Union from 1 to 5 p.m. They can dabble in artwork during a screen printing event from 3 to 6 p.m. on the lawn of the Frick Fine Arts Building, and even walk down the aisle at Heinz Memorial Chapel and have photographs taken with their sweethearts between 7 and 9:30 p.m. 

In the evening, the Welcome Back Reception hosted by the Pitt Alumni Association will give alumni the chance to reconnect with former classmates, visit the Nationality Rooms, and browse an exhibition of archives from Hillman Library. Complete with light hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a festive atmosphere, the free reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 27 in the Cathedral of Learning’s Commons Room. A number of schools and departments also will host their own alumni receptions and mixers the same evening.

The Spectacular Fireworks and Laser Show, sponsored by the Pitt Program Council, is sure to inspire “ohhhs” and “ahhhs” from onlookers. The show will start at 9 p.m. Sept. 27 on Bigelow Boulevard between the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union.

On Sept. 28, the Panthers football team will face the University of Virginia Cavaliers at Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore. Pregame festivities will include the Pitt Alumni Association’s Pregame Party at Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., North Shore, as well as the “World’s Largest Family Tailgate” on Art Rooney Avenue, adjacent to Heinz Field.

About one hour before kickoff, Pitt’s Marching Band and Homecoming Court will lead the March to Victory Parade into Heinz Field. At halftime, the 2013 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced.

A complete listing of all Homecoming 2013 events can be found at www.alumni.pitt.edu/homecoming or by calling 412-624-8229. For ticket information for the Homecoming football game, visit www.pittsburghpanthers.com or call 1-800-643-7488.