The Big DIG: News

The transformational Dietrich Inspirational Gifts: Promoting Research and Scholarships Initiative (the Big DIG) is constantly in motion and always making progress thanks to our generous donors.

Please make time to see how others are celebrating their appreciation and zeal for the Dietrich School.

Keith Schaefer (A&S ’71) sees the potential in The Big DIG

Keith is especially passionate about creating undergraduate research opportunities for every Dietrich School student, which he knows is only possible with broad donor support. READ MORE >>

Leo Wegemer (A&S ’73) is inspired by The Big DIG

Leo understands the importance of attracting and supporting the best graduate students and calls on Dietrich School graduates and friends to DIG deep to support fellowships. READ MORE >>

As an Ethics Expert, He Influenced the Nation

Mark Pastin (A&S ’70) wants to help PhD candidates be more secure in their endeavors. READ MORE>>

Blood, Guts, and Empowering Women Drive This Grad

Without scholarship support, Genna Edwards (A&S ’21) might have never found the confidence to pursue her passion. READ MORE >>

A Scholarship for Today and Generations to Come

Sarita Gopal (A&S ’83) sees diversity as a hallmark of a great institution. READ MORE >>

Biology and Chemistry, the What and the Why

John Majewski’s (A&S ’21) undergraduate research experience enriched his understanding; set him on a path to med school. READ MORE >>

Wegemer Chair Creating Tools for Not-Yet-Asked Questions

Without philanthropy, researchers lack support for foundational work. READ MORE >>

His Dollar Helps More Than He Imagined

Allan Scott (A&S ’63, MED ’67) thought it took much more to help students; his classmates set him straight. READ MORE >>

Ruth Kuschmierz in traditional German attire

Dr. Ruth Kuschmierz Brought German to Life at Pitt-Greensburg

In her retirement, Kuschmierz (A&S ’53, G ’55, PhD ’62) continues to support learning through three endowed funds. READ MORE>>

Dean Kathleen Blee welcomes you to The Big DIG

On August 15, 2017, Kathleen Blee began her Deanship of the Dietrich School and the College of General Studies. READ MORE >>

Scholarships Fuel Recent Grad’s Passion

Julia Eger (A&S ’19) took advantage of multiple unpaid internships, which allowed her to focus on helping society’s most vulnerable children achieve. READ MORE >>

Keith and Leo thank you for your support

There Is a Role For You

Because generous donors have stepped forward with gifts, The Big DIG is nearing its goal. With your help we will make it together.

Watch the Video »

In Their Own Words

Making a gift to the Dietrich Inspirational Gifts: Promoting Research and Scholarships Initiative (The Big DIG) creates a legacy for you and empowers students and faculty to succeed.

Donors, Students, and Leaders Share »

The Big DIG Co-Chair Keith Schaefer (A&S ’71)

“I don’t think there are any other four years of my life—whether it was military service, or graduate school, or startups in Silicon Valley—that were as enriching as my four years at Pitt. Pitt changed the world for me. I got a great education, which allowed me to be successful in business and then have the means to contribute back to the things I care about—such as Pitt, and I hope you will join me in supporting this initiative.”

- Keith

The Big DIG Co-Chair Leo Wegemer (A&S ’73)

“Think about what put you on your path to success. For me, graduate school and law school were stimulating but my undergraduate years at Pitt were the foundation. The Dietrich School has launched countless successful careers; mine and likely yours. Now, it’s the next generation of Pitt graduates that needs our financial support. Please add your name to mine and contribute to The Big DIG.”

- Leo

Give Now

Contact Us