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University of Pittsburgh
CathedralfromFrick.jpg
The tall building is the "Cathedral of Learning"
Former names
Pittsburgh Academy (1787–1819)
Western University of Pennsylvania (1819–1908)
Motto Veritas et Virtus (Latin)
Motto in English
Truth and Virtue
Type State-related research university
Established February 28, 1787 (1787-02-28)
Endowment $4.311 billion (2019)
Chancellor Patrick D. Gallagher
Provost Ann E. Cudd
Academic staff
5,240
Students 28,391
Undergraduates 19,200
Postgraduates 9,191
Location , ,
United States
Campus Urban, 132 acres (53 ha)
Colors Pitt Royal and Pitt Gold
         
Nickname Panthers
Affiliations AAU, APLU, EDUCAUSE, MSA, ORAU, URA
Mascot Roc the Panther
Pennsylvania Historical Marker
Designated: November 2, 1979

The University of Pittsburgh, often called Pitt, is a public university located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It was started a long time ago in 1787. Today, Pitt has many students, over 28,000 in total!

Pitt is well-known for several things. It's famous for its strong programs in philosophy and for studying other countries and cultures. It also has a very important hospital system called the "University of Pittsburgh Medical Center" (UPMC). Pitt does a lot of important research in many different areas.

One of the most famous things about Pitt is its very tall building called the "Cathedral of Learning". It's a landmark in Pittsburgh. Pitt is also famous for its sports teams, especially American football and basketball.

A Look at Pitt's History

The University of Pittsburgh started as the Pittsburgh Academy in 1787. It was a small school back then. Over the years, it grew and changed its name a few times. In 1819, it became the Western University of Pennsylvania. Finally, in 1908, it became the University of Pittsburgh.

What is a University?

A university is a place where students go to continue their education after high school. They can study many different subjects and earn degrees. Universities like Pitt are also places where new knowledge is created through research.

Famous Buildings at Pitt

Pitt has many interesting and beautiful buildings.

The Cathedral of Learning

The "Cathedral of Learning" is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. It's a huge, Gothic-style skyscraper. Inside, it has special "Nationality Rooms." These rooms are decorated to look like classrooms from different countries around the world. They show the cultures of the people who helped build Pittsburgh.

Cathedral of Learning Pittsburgh by Jennifer Yang
Inside the "Cathedral of Learning"

Heinz Chapel

Another beautiful building is "Heinz Chapel". It's a stunning church with tall stained-glass windows. It's often used for concerts and special events.

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Pitt's church named "Heinz Chapel"

Stephen Foster Memorial

The "Stephen Foster Memorial" is a theatre and museum. It honors Stephen Foster, a famous American songwriter. It's a place where students and visitors can enjoy music and performances.

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Pitt's theatre named "Stephen Foster Memorial"

Frick Fine Arts Building

The "Frick Fine Arts Building" is where students study art and art history. It's a beautiful building with a lovely courtyard.

FrickFineArts
Pitt's art building named "Frick Fine Arts Building"

Student Life and Sports

Pitt has a lively campus with many things for students to do.

Where Students Live

Many students live in apartments or dorms on campus. The "Litchfield Towers" are a well-known group of student residences.

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Pitt student apartments

Pitt Sports Teams

The University of Pittsburgh is famous for its sports teams, called the "Panthers." They play in NCAA Division I, which is the highest level of college sports. The football and basketball teams are especially popular. Fans love to cheer on the Panthers at games.

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Pitt basketball game

Research and Discoveries

Pitt is a major research university. Many important discoveries have happened here. For example, Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh. This vaccine helped save many lives around the world.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Universidad de Pittsburgh para niños

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