2026 Spirit of Pitt
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The Pitt Alumni Association (PAA) presents two upper-class undergraduate students and one graduate student with Spirit of Pitt awards during Homecoming Week, recognizing a commitment to academic excellence, community service, and the PAA’s values. The students with the most votes from their peers will each receive a Spirit of Pitt award and $2,000 in student resource funds. 

Spirit of Pitt Contact 

Olivia Ernstoff 
Associate Director of Young Alumni and Student Programs 
ofl4@pitt.edu 

 

Applicant Requirements 

  • Fill out the Spirit of Pitt application 
  • Be in good standing with Student Conduct and fill out the Student Conduct form, and include the following information: 
    • What Program: Spirit of Pitt 
    • Who is your supervisor? Olivia Ernstoff 
    • What is their email? ofl4@pitt.edu  
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 
  • Full-time student for Spring & Fall 2026
  • Fulfilled five hours of community service during the 2025–2026 academic year 
  • Current junior, senior or graduate student 

Important Dates

  • March 2 at noon: Applications Open
  • Week of March 2: Information Sessions
  • April 2 at noon: Applications Close
  • April 17: Interview Invitations Sent
  • Week of April 20th: Virtual Interviews
  • April 24: Homecoming Court Announced on Social

 

Program Clauses

Eligibility Clause

The Pitt Alumni Association partners with the Office of Financial Aid to award resource funds to Spirit of Pitt recipients, with eligibility verified during the application process.

If a student is ineligible to receive the funds, PAA staff will notify them and the student must designate a SORC-recognized student organization to receive the award.

Funds may be used for:

  • Alumni engagement events
  • School spirit initiatives
  • Annual traditions
  • Professional development
  • Necessary organizational supplies

Ties During Ranking and Interview Rounds

In the event of a tie during essay reviews or interviews, selected students may be asked to participate in an additional evaluation round to determine final rankings.