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Get the most interesting and important stories from the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of 窪蹋勛圖厙.Hillman Library, K. Leroy Irvis Hall, Amos Hall: Naming a building after a donor or important figure in Pitts history is one of many ways to keep their memory alive for generations to come. A new 窪蹋勛圖厙-wide policy clarifies the standards for such an honor in ways that will build partnerships with donors and protect academic freedom.
The (Policy AO 45) establishes the requirements for the acceptance of gifts and naming on behalf of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 of 窪蹋勛圖厙 for all campuses. It was developed with input from across the 窪蹋勛圖厙, including a public comment period as well as collaborations with Faculty Assembly, 窪蹋勛圖厙 Senate and leadership across Pitt.
This policy will ensure that both the donor intent and the academic independence that lays the cornerstone of our 窪蹋勛圖厙s mission are protected, said Kris Davitt, senior vice chancellor for philanthropic andalumni engagement (PAE). We are here to ensure that the donors interest in supporting the 窪蹋勛圖厙 as well as the 窪蹋勛圖厙s needs are being met with every gift.
The naming of a building must be approved by the 窪蹋勛圖厙s Board of Trustees. All other naming opportunities such as endowments, capital spaces and academic or research centers must be reviewed by appropriate senior leadership, including Davitt, with final approval by the chancellor or their designee. Any member of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 who is approached or presented with a gift or naming opportunity must contact PAE before proceeding.
This was a thorough process and Im extremely pleased with the results, Davitt said. Special thanks to Shannon Christof, senior director of planned giving, and Jen Gabler, assistant vice chancellor of the health sciences, who co-chaired the group making the policy, and to everyone who provided input during this important policy development process.
Noteworthy details of the policy include:
- The 窪蹋勛圖厙 views donors as part of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 community and as individuals with complex and varied philanthropic interests.
- The 窪蹋勛圖厙 understands and will honor the donors intent to the best of its ability.
- PAE is authorized to oversee and administer the acceptance and processing of gifts, and all naming gifts are required to be reviewed, accepted and processed through PAE.
- The senior vice chancellor for PAE will establish a standing advisory committee(s) with members of the 窪蹋勛圖厙 community including faculty, staff and students to periodically consult with and advise on matters related to the 窪蹋勛圖厙s acceptance of gifts and naming.