Firsts

From the first women to graduate from Pitt (twins who shared top honors in their class) to the first alumni smorgasbord, here they are.

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1893

First African Americ…

First African American alumnus, William Hunter Dammond, graduates from the University.

First African American Alumnus, William Hunter Dammond, graduates [x] Click to close

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1898

First women graduate…

The first two women to earn undergraduate degrees from Pitt: Margaret Lydia and Stella Mathilda Stein in 1898. They shared the first spot in their class.

First women graduates: Margaret and Stella Stein [x] Click to close

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1910

First African Americ…

It is believed that the first African-American woman to earn a bachelor’s degree from Pitt was Jean Hamilton Walls. She graduated in 1910. She also earned a PhD. In 1938.

First African American alumna Jean Hamilton Walls [x] Click to close

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1911

Hail to Pitt first s…

"Hail to Pitt" was first sung at the Cap and Gown spring production. The words were written by George M. Kirk and the music was written by Lester Milton Taylor.

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1961

First Alumni Forum h…

First Annual Alumni Forum held.

First Alumni Forum held; planned as an annual event [x] Click to close

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1974

Black alumni hold fi…

Black Alums hold first Convocation with Mal Goode, nationally-known journalist and correspondent and a 1931 graduate leading over 3,000 black alumni to encourage them to return to campus.

Black alumni hold first Convocation with Mal Goode [x] Click to close

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First convocation fo…

First convocation for black alumni held.

First convocation for black alumni held [x] Click to close

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1983

First alumni art exh…

First Alumni art exhibition of the Studio Arts Department held in the UP Gallery.

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