From the Nominator

"The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), a student organization representing nine historically Black fraternities and sororities (the “Divine Nine”), requested that the university construct a “plot” on the University of Pittsburgh’s (Pitt) campus. The idea of a plot comes from an 1865 decree in which some freed slaves were promised 40 acres and a mule. 

These campus spaces symbolize those acres. Plots provide a space for students and alumni belonging to Black Greek-lettered organizations to call home. Many of these organizations lack the numbers and financial resources to have houses on numerous predominantly white campuses. Plots serve as a hub were these organizations can gather, mobilize, and spread their universal values. 

Understanding the importance to the NPHC and Pitt communities, Pitt built the plot in the Schenley Quad, the centrally located heart of student and academic life. The project was a direct partnership between multiple offices within student affairs and philanthropic and alumni engagement. 

Pitt unveiled the plot in September 2021 to over 400 attendees and exceeded the original fundraising goal for the project by December 2021. Nearly 400 donors contributed more than $173,000 in cash and pledges, exceeding both the original goal of $150,000 and revised break-even goal of $170,000. Beyond the dollars, donors made close to 500 gifts and pledges to the project. 

The campaign's biggest success was engaging African American alumni and community members through staff and volunteer efforts. Roughly 45% of donors to the project were new or re-acquired."

From the Judges

A great recognition and legacy event to honor African American alumni and activate African American donors in support of recognizing the past and setting a tone for the future. Highly symbolic and inclusive event to engage BIPOC and ensure they feel recognized and are activated as donors.