The Pitt Alumni Association is the keeper of Pitt traditions. We strive to enrich the student experience on campus by providing opportunities to participate in traditions such as Lantern Night, Homecoming, and many more. As students become alumni, these memories are shared through generations.
Graduate student George M. P. Baird, class of 1909, penned Pitt’s alma mater as part of a contest to commemorate the University’s 125th anniversary in 1912, setting the lyrics to the tune of the Austrian National Anthem. More than 1,500 alumni gathered at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial that February to celebrate and hear a live performance of their newly adopted song.
You can listen to a current rendition of the alma mater by the Pitt Men’s Glee Club here.
Alleghenee, Genac, Genac, Genac!
“Hail to Pitt,” featuring that official University yell, was written by Pitt students Lester Milton Taylor and George Morrill Kirk in 1910 and debuted in a production of the student theater organization that spring. The tune was an immediate hit among students and, with a little help from cheerleader Kirk, soon became an official Pitt fight song. Today, “Hail to Pitt” is a constant presence at University events and H2P a familiar rallying cry for the Pitt family.
Legend has it that if a couple kisses on the steps of Heinz Memorial Chapel, they’re destined to wed there. Whether a Pittsburgh urban legend, myth, or rumor, the thousands of Pitt grads who’ve been married at Heinz Chapel are a testament to the Pitt landmark’s allure.
Each year, alumni, students, friends, and fans of Pitt get together for the University of Pittsburgh's Homecoming celebration. The Pitt Alumni Association proudly sponsors many of the events that take place during the weekend, including numerous opportunities for alumni to re-connect. The Blue & Gold Society members take great pride in organizing the annual tradition of electing a Homecoming King and Queen. For more information, visit our Homecoming page.
Lantern Night is the oldest, and one of the most treasured, University of Pittsburgh traditions. During this special fall ceremony, Pitt alumni illuminate the commemorative lanterns of first-year students, symbolizing the “Light of Learning” that is passed from one generation to the next.
The first Lantern Night took place on the eve of classes in 1921 and was intended to welcome female students to what was then a male-dominated campus. The event was inspired in part by sisters Margaret and Stella Stein, the first women to enroll at Pitt back in 1895 when the school was known as the Western University of Pennsylvania.
During the 100th anniversary celebration, Pitt extended Lantern Night to include all first-year students, ensuring the spirit of inclusivity and learning that ignited this tradition continues to live at its heart.
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After each Panthers win, the golden Victory Lights at the top of the Cathedral of Learning illuminate throughout the Oakland skyline and beyond. The golden glow can be seen after football victories and other athletic accomplishments, including Panther pride-inspiring conference and national championships.
Pitt’s beloved mascot is generally referred to as the Pitt Panther, while the costumed panther mascot is named "Roc." Up to 20 physical representations of panthers can be found in and around the university's campus and athletic facilities.
The Panther was adopted as the Pitt mascot at a meeting of students and alumni in the fall of 1909. According to George M. P. Baird, who made the suggestion, it was chosen for the following reasons:
The annual Pitt Networking Day event is a great way for recent Pitt graduates and alumni to meet at locations across the globe and to make new personal and professional connections within the Pitt community. Alumni celebrate being part of a distinctive network of fellow graduates who are fiercely proud to stay connected with their alma mater. View our Pitt Networking Day photo galleries here.
Pitt students have long known that rubbing the nose of the panther statue outside the William Pitt Union brings good luck on exams. Now, they’re rubbing the nose a little harder on Fridays to extend that good luck to the Pitt Panthers Football Team before every game.
We need to know how to reach you to let you know about fabulous social outings, career enhancing networking events, and rewarding volunteer opportunities near you.
Your education doesn't have to stop after graduation. Pitt has a wealth of continuing education programs available to alumni.
The Pitt Alumni Association is hosting both virtual and in-person events for alumni.
Donations – of all sizes – ensure that Pitt is able to help deserving students.
The Pitt Alumni Association can be reached via email at webmaster@ia.pitt.edu or by phone at 1-800-ALU-PITT.