Through "Quest for Excellence", the Campaign for Pitt Athletics, we aim to raise $45 million as part of a long term effort to support world-class collegiate athletic facilities and ensure more scholarship for Pitt's student-athletes. 'Quest for Excellence" funds will count towards the University's current capital campaign, "Discovering a World of Possibilities," which has a goal of $1 billion.

Gifts to "Quest for Excellence" are above and beyond a donor's annual Panther Club contribution to the Department of Athletics (see "Priority Points System", regarding bonus points for contributions made for endowed scholarships and capital improvement projects through "Quest for Excellence").

NEEDS
The costs of competing at the NCAA's highest level and sponsoring 19 varsity sports for more than 450 student athletes continue to rise at an accelerated rate. Funds raised through "Quest for Excellence" will provide the resources that give all Pitt student-athletes and coaches a chance to be nationally competitive.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Pitt has been able to fully fund scholarships for four of 19 varsity sports it sponsors for more than 450 student-athletes each year. Another $3.4 million is need to be raised just to reach the $8.5 million needed to fully fund the maximum number of scholarships allowed by the NCAA in 2005-06. For more detailed information on scholarship needs, please refer to the scholarship section.

FACILITIES
To provide the best student-athlete experience and give coaches a competitive edge when recruiting, every team needs a permanent home. Today, we have several great facilities-Heinz Field and the Duratz Complex for football, and the Petersen Events Center -including the Baierl Basketball Center-for men's and women's basketball. However, five of Pitt's 19 athletic teams participate in temporary arrangements in multiple locations scattered in and around the city of Pittsburgh - men's and women's soccer, men's and women's track and field, and women's tennis. In addition, the Pitt Band, also housed under the Athletic Department, desperately needs a new, permanent home.

Four other sports -- baseball, softball, and men's and women's swimming and diving - have permanent homes that need major renovations.

Contribution to "Quest for Excellence" will help build new venues that are needed, reducing travel times for those teams and enhancing Pitt's opportunity to recruit the best student-athletes. It also will enable necessary upgrades and renovations for sports programs requiring increase in seating, practice areas, playing surfaces, weight-training, cardio vascular equipment, and in fan amenities. This truly will provide these teams with a home field advantage for athletic competition and recruiting. In addition, it will enhance the overall experience of Panther fans who want to watch our teams compete.

For more information call the Panther Club office at 412-648-8889.