Alumni, Students, and Friends Observe Pitt's 225th Anniversary During Homecoming, Oct. 9-14

The University of Pittsburgh’s 2012 Homecoming—which will celebrate the 225th anniversary of the University’s founding in 1787—will feature a national community service event, a program detailing the 2012 elections, a networking social for young alumni, a fireworks and laser show, and an outdoor Midnight Madness basketball event, in addition to celebrations at the traditional Homecoming football game.

The festivities held Oct. 9-14 will kick off Tuesday, Oct. 9, with Pitt Acts of Caring—National Alumni Service Day, a daylong event in conjunction with the University’s 225 acts of caring program, a 225th anniversary initiative. Pitt Alumni clubs throughout the country are coordinating alumni volunteers, who will perform service projects in their respective areas coast to coast.

“This year’s 225th Anniversary Homecoming celebration is bound to be the biggest and best in the University’s history,” said Pitt Alumni Association Executive Director Jeff Gleim. “A week loaded with events will culminate in our traditional All-Alumni Reception in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room and Midnight Madness on Friday night. Our event on Saturday outside of Stage AE before the Homecoming football game is also not to be missed.

”On Wednesday, Oct. 10, alumni can hear analyses of the 2012 elections in “Decision 2012: Who Will Win and What Will it Mean?” a lecture by David Barker, a Pitt professor of political science, in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium, Alumni Hall. Admission is free, but reservations are required. 

A young alumni mixer will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Mario’s East Side Saloon, 5442 Walnut St., Shadyside. Alumni who have graduated within the past 10 years are invited. Reservations are required. 

On Friday, Oct. 12, Homecoming events will kick into full gear with campus tours, photo opportunities with the Panther, and many individual school and organizational events. The Pitt Alumni Association will hold its annual Welcome Back Reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Commons Room of the Cathedral of Learning, featuring food, refreshments, and music. It will be followed by a fireworks and laser show hosted by the Pitt Program Council at 9:15 p.m. on Bigelow Boulevard between the Cathedral of Learning and the William Pitt Union. This is the 20th year that the fireworks and laser show has helped Pitt welcome back alumni during Homecoming.

Immediately following the fireworks and laser show, Pitt Athletics will present Midnight Madness 2012 on Bigelow Boulevard. Fans will get their first glimpse of the 2012-13 men’s and women’s basketball teams at one of the nation’s first outdoor Midnight Madness events. 

At 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, the Panthers football team will take on the Louisville Cardinals at Heinz Field, 100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore. Pregame festivities for the game will include the “World’s Largest Family Tailgate” on Art Rooney Avenue beginning at 8 a.m., followed by the Panther Prowl at Heinz Field Gate A, and the March to Victory parade on General Robinson Street. 

Homecoming festivities will wrap up on Sunday, Oct. 14, with the Maggie Dixon Heart Health Fair and Pitt Men’s Basketball Blue-Gold Scrimmage, beginning at noon in the Petersen Events Center. Reservation forms and a complete listing of all Homecoming events can be found at www.alumni.pitt.edu or by calling 412-624-8229.