University of Pittsburgh facts for kids
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Former names
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Pittsburgh Academy (1787–1819) Western University of Pennsylvania (1819–1908) |
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Motto | Veritas et Virtus (Latin) |
Motto in English
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Truth and Virtue |
Type | State-related research university |
Established | February 28, 1787 |
Endowment | $4.311 billion (2019) |
Chancellor | Patrick D. Gallagher |
Provost | Ann E. Cudd |
Academic staff
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5,240 |
Students | 28,391 |
Undergraduates | 19,200 |
Postgraduates | 9,191 |
Location |
,
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United States
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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
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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.
Contents
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.
Images for kids
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The Cathedral of Learning, the centerpiece of Pitt's campus and the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere
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Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine at the University of Pittsburgh.
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The lower campus, the traditional heart of the university, is typified by Gothic Revival architecture including Heinz Chapel (right) and the Stephen Foster Memorial (center foreground), but the 42-story Cathedral of Learning dominates most views across the Oakland neighborhood.
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The restored Louis XV mirrored ballroom of the Beaux-Arts styled William Pitt Union
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Frick Fine Arts Building with the Mary Schenley Memorial Fountain
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Thomas Starzl Biomedical Science Tower is connected to the med school and UPMC's flagship hospitals
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Aerial view of the university and Oakland neighborhood; Carnegie Mellon University is at top-right
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Then-Vice President of the United States Joe Biden speaks at the Peterson Events Center on April 5, 2016.
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The Indian Classroom, one of 31 Nationality Rooms in the Cathedral of Learning
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Salk Hall, where Jonas Salk's team performed the research that led to the first polio vaccine, is also the home of the School of Dental Medicine and School of Pharmacy.
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Pitt Football playing Notre Dame at Heinz Field in 2015
See also
In Spanish: Universidad de Pittsburgh para niños