Homecoming 2015: An Invitation to Serve and to Enjoy

Reaching out to serve the community will be one of the highlights of Pitt’s 2015 Homecoming celebration, which will draw alumni, friends, and families to the Pittsburgh campus in Oakland Oct. 6 -11.

“Homecoming is a special time for students and alumni to come together and enjoy fun, fellowship, and Pitt pride,” said Jeff Gleim, Pitt’s associate vice chancellor for alumni relations. “I think it’s especially important that they share their pride with the community by participating in service events during this annual celebration of all things Pitt.”

Homecoming will kick off on Oct. 6 with an alumni volunteer day at the Community Human Services Oakland Food Pantry. The Pitt Alumni Association has organized two groups of volunteers to stock donated goods, repair shelving, and assist with cleaning the pantry. The University of Pittsburgh and its many student and alumni volunteers help maintain the South Oakland pantry throughout the year.

The Central Blood Bank and the Pitt Alumni Association, meanwhile, will partner to sponsor an Oct. 8 Bleed Blue and Gold Blood Drive in the William Pitt Union. Alumni who can’t make it to campus are encouraged to join the drive by visiting another blood bank.

On Oct. 9, the Apple Seed Community Service Project, organized by Pitt’s African American Alumni Council (AAAC), will connect Pittsburgh Public School students with AAAC members.

“Our goal is to give back to the community and inspire students to work hard, stay motivated, and succeed in life,” said Valerie Thomas-Njie, AAAC Apple Seed project coordinator and executive director and senior vice president of Bidwell Training Center. 

Now in its 10th year, the Apple Seed project will visit two to three city schools, offering several ways for Pitt graduates and students to support children in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. For high school seniors, the Apple Seed volunteers conduct mock interviews, discuss career and education options, and share advice on what it takes to be successful after high school. The volunteers read to primary school students and work on special projects with middle school students, based on teachers’ recommendations.

A complete listing of Homecoming 2015 events can be found at www.alumni.pitt.edu/homecoming. Contact the Pitt Alumni Association at 412-624-8229 or pitthomecoming@ia.pitt.edu for general homecoming questions.