Donations

[Pittman2011]

I've been thinking a lot about Pitt football and how to get more people involved in donating. Clemson used the I Pay Ten A Year in order to get alumni interested. Can't Pitt do something like this on a larger scale? Maybe $100 a year? Is that too much? I feel like on an individual level people feel like they're throwing their money away. Maybe a universal campaign could do it.

The Pitt football twitter has 62000 followers. That's over 6 million right there. We have over 300,000 alumni. Why isn't heather trying to tap into this with a large universal campaign? Am I missing something? I know we went 5-7 this year but we should try and capitalize on the Miami win

 

[ThePanthers]

They sent out something asking each current donor to donate an additional 50 and to try to get one new person to donate 100. If you do either of the 2 you get some Pitt swag.

 

[PantherO]

I do not want to start up the stadium discussion, but the Admin really needs to get the students engaged as they are the donors of the future. How to do that, well, they are getting paid the big bucks so they need to figure that out. Obviously the majority of the 300,000 alumni weren't big fans of the program. Maybe they do already, but they should at least survey those who don't give to the athletic program to find out why? and maybe ask "if ____ was different, would you donate?"

The "FAN" was asking if boosters had too much power over some programs (ie Tennessee) vs the AD. Interesting discussion for Pitt. Our Admin and AD do stupid things...then sometimes you hear a "Group of Influential Boosters" did ____ . But somehow seems that the majority of the fans get left out in the cold and no one seems to care. When that part stops, perhaps Pitt will get more fans/$$.

Who knows. I gave more when SP was let go. I will give more if Pitt shows me they want to win in Football or Basketball. And I tell them as much when I get the phone call.

 

[ThePanthers]

I do not want to start up the stadium discussion, but the Admin really needs to get the students engaged as they are the donors of the future. How to do that, well, they are getting paid the big bucks so they need to figure that out. Obviously the majority of the 300,000 alumni weren't big fans of the program. Maybe they do already, but they should at least survey those who don't give to the athletic program to find out why? and maybe ask "if ____ was different, would you donate?"

The "FAN" was asking if boosters had too much power over some programs (ie Tennessee) vs the AD. Interesting discussion for Pitt. Our Admin and AD do stupid things...then sometimes you hear a "Group of Influential Boosters" did ____ . But somehow seems that the majority of the fans get left out in the cold and no one seems to care. When that part stops, perhaps Pitt will get more fans/$$.

Who knows. I gave more when SP was let go. I will give more if Pitt shows me they want to win in Football or Basketball. And I tell them as much when I get the phone call.

The fans shouldn't be running the athletic department. And Pitt does want to win in FB and BB. It's difficult to do so.

Your attitude is pretty impossible to please if that is what it takes to donate.

 

[PantherO]

The fans shouldn't be running the athletic department. And Pitt does want to win in FB and BB. It's difficult to do so.

Your attitude is pretty impossible to please if that is what it takes to donate.

Not really....I donate and have been donating for years. I became an engaged student despite the admin. The problem is, I know students who do not care about Football and Basketball. My main point was the admin needs to get them engaged to create giving alumni of the future.

You can tell me Pitt wants to win, but I don't see it. They continually shoot the programs in the foot anytime success is around the corner. To appease you, how about I say the Pitt Admin does not know How to Win? Is that better?

You can choose to focus on my personal requirements to donate more...but I am the least of the universities problems.

 

[KanePA]

The fans shouldn't be running the athletic department. And Pitt does want to win in FB and BB. It's difficult to do so.

Your attitude is pretty impossible to please if that is what it takes to donate.

Ultimately, the fans should be the “boss” of the AD. If fans feel ripped off by a product that is sub-par on the field, they should express their opinion and hold the AD accountable.

 

[ThePanthers]

Not really....I donate and have been donating for years. I became an engaged student despite the admin. The problem is, I know students who do not care about Football and Basketball. My main point was the admin needs to get them engaged to create giving alumni of the future.

You can tell me Pitt wants to win, but I don't see it. They continually shoot the programs in the foot anytime success is around the corner. To appease you, how about I say the Pitt Admin does not know How to Win? Is that better?

You can choose to focus on my personal requirements to donate more...but I am the least of the universities problems.

I know students as well that don't care about sports and they never will. Doesn't mean the university isn't trying to get them engaged. Hell, just last night the first 500 students are guaranteed lower bowl seating for when Pitt BB plays Duke. They have the "one panther" initiative where each sports team goes and supports the others. They have constant give aways, pep rallies, etc, etc. I've seen more interaction with the students/fans than I have ever before.

Most programs, unless you are a blue blood, have ups and downs. Read that article that was posted here yesterday. It's not just Pitt. Fans are unrealistic. They think their admins are all idiots. And some magical decision out there that will make you win championships ever year. The difference is other schools continue to have support and the fanbase doesn't just drop off at the first sign of struggle.

Pitt MBB had well over a decade of winning, and now all of a sudden "Pitt doesn't care"? That whole mantra is so f'ing dumb. I will agree they have made bad decisions, but guess what? Every admin does. My god, look at what is happening at Tennessee. Florida fans aren't happy with Mullen. FSU can't build a $60M indoor facility so Jimbo is going to leave. And that is one of the richest programs in the country.

What happened with men's BB is what happened at Tennessee. The fans believe they can get some home run hire (Sean Miller vs Gruden), the expectations become unrealistic, the Admin hires someone that they believe can win (Stallings vs Schiano), and then the fans revolt, not understanding that their expectations are unattainable. UT though gave in, and now are being ridiculed and it's even more toxic right now. I guess we'll see who their hire is, but right now it's not looking good. Stallings may be a bad coach, but no one even gave him a chance. Good luck getting recruits to come to a building that only has 2K people. But when the buyout becomes affordable, they'll move on.

If you want in every decision, or know all the inside workings before you feel a part of things, that is not going to happen unless you are a mega booster.

 

[ThePanthers]

Ultimately, the fans should be the “boss” of the AD. If fans feel ripped off by a product that is sub-par on the field, they should express their opinion and hold the AD accountable.

No they shouldn't. You have thousands of fans with different opinions on everything. My god, look at the tarping. You got some on here saying if they don't tarp, they are done. You got others saying if they do tarp they are done.

The AD should run athletics. It's their job to decide what is right for the university going forward. If they make the wrong decisions and don't succeed, then they should be fired. But the fans should not be making those decisions.

 

[PantherO]

If you want in every decision, or know all the inside workings before you feel a part of things, that is not going to happen unless you are a mega booster.

I do not. I believe you and I are just not communicating well between the two of us.

I just said that it would be interesting to know if Pitt's AD (and admin) are running the show or some big $$ boosters. Again, I have heard the Dixon was a "Barnes" thing and also "some Boosters" wanted Dixon out.

Maybe I need to go into specifics more when I talk, but just try to get my thoughts down. I know a couple of students/recent alums that mentioned it was a pain to go to football games, so they didn't go. They would watch on TV and now just follow. These are the people Pitt needs to get to the games and get involved. I don't have the answers as to how... but my point is the "on the fence" people are the ones that need targeted.

Then, you can agree or disagree with my personal tolerances for donations. But I do donate and would donate more if I feel I should.

 

[ThePanthers]

I do not. I believe you and I are just not communicating well between the two of us.

I just said that it would be interesting to know if Pitt's AD (and admin) are running the show or some big $$ boosters. Again, I have heard the Dixon was a "Barnes" thing and also "some Boosters" wanted Dixon out.

Maybe I need to go into specifics more when I talk, but just try to get my thoughts down. I know a couple of students/recent alums that mentioned it was a pain to go to football games, so they didn't go. They would watch on TV and now just follow. These are the people Pitt needs to get to the games and get involved. I don't have the answers as to how... but my point is the "on the fence" people are the ones that need targeted.

Then, you can agree or disagree with my personal tolerances for donations. But I do donate and would donate more if I feel I should.

Yeah, maybe we were missing each others points. I do the same.

The whole "it's a pain to get to games I'd rather watch at home" is an issue everywhere in every sport now that you can watch any game any time on a giant TV.

That is a major issue for a lot of people.

 

[pitt_87]

I felt like I needed to donate a few extra bucks this year. Every little bit helps.

 

[chirurgo]

I have been a football season ticket holder for 23 years and a panther club member since it’s inception. I consider it a slap in the face to be solicited for any additional funds for this athletic program. In that span they didn’t win so much as single conference title outright. Only 1 major bowl appearance. I continue to purchase season tickets and hold a panther club membership despite this. Frankly, that’s more than enough.

 

[FireballZ]

I do not want to start up the stadium discussion, but the Admin really needs to get the students engaged as they are the donors of the future. How to do that, well, they are getting paid the big bucks so they need to figure that out. Obviously the majority of the 300,000 alumni weren't big fans of the program. Maybe they do already, but they should at least survey those who don't give to the athletic program to find out why? and maybe ask "if ____ was different, would you donate?"

The "FAN" was asking if boosters had too much power over some programs (ie Tennessee) vs the AD. Interesting discussion for Pitt. Our Admin and AD do stupid things...then sometimes you hear a "Group of Influential Boosters" did ____ . But somehow seems that the majority of the fans get left out in the cold and no one seems to care. When that part stops, perhaps Pitt will get more fans/$$.

Who knows. I gave more when SP was let go. I will give more if Pitt shows me they want to win in Football or Basketball. And I tell them as much when I get the phone call.

I posted something similar; although not as articulately, a few weeks ago in frustration after the UNC loss. I admittedly do not donate. And the reason I don't is because I want to see some effort and a plan put in front of me by the AD. Tell me why I'm not pissing away $500 or whatever it is I'd donate. How will it help?

I graduated 10 years ago and have received one phone call for donations, which was less than 6 months after I graduated and when I was broke. I probably spend over $500 a year online at the university store. I don't buy home tickets, because I live 600 miles away and only go to road games close to me. They have my email, they have my cell. I get zero communication. If they solicited me, I'd listen and likely respond. Not trying, to me, equals not caring.

As petty, and a part of the problem that I may be, that's how I feel. I doubt that I am alone.

 

[Saboteur]

I posted something similar; although not as articulately, a few weeks ago in frustration after the UNC loss. I admittedly do not donate. And the reason I don't is because I want to see some effort and a plan put in front of me by the AD. Tell me why I'm not pissing away $500 or whatever it is I'd donate. How will it help?

I graduated 10 years ago and have received one phone call for donations, which was less than 6 months after I graduated and when I was broke. I probably spend over $500 a year online at the university store. I don't buy home tickets, because I live 600 miles away and only go to road games close to me. They have my email, they have my cell. I get zero communication. If they solicited me, I'd listen and likely respond. Not trying, to me, equals not caring.

As petty, and a part of the problem that I may be, that's how I feel. I doubt that I am alone.

I am a big fan of providing people with a plan. Fail to plan, plan to fail.

 

[ThePanthers]

I posted something similar; although not as articulately, a few weeks ago in frustration after the UNC loss. I admittedly do not donate. And the reason I don't is because I want to see some effort and a plan put in front of me by the AD. Tell me why I'm not pissing away $500 or whatever it is I'd donate. How will it help?

I graduated 10 years ago and have received one phone call for donations, which was less than 6 months after I graduated and when I was broke. I probably spend over $500 a year online at the university store. I don't buy home tickets, because I live 600 miles away and only go to road games close to me. They have my email, they have my cell. I get zero communication. If they solicited me, I'd listen and likely respond. Not trying, to me, equals not caring.

As petty, and a part of the problem that I may be, that's how I feel. I doubt that I am alone.

You obviously don't care. Again donate 10 bucks one time or by 1 home ticket and you'll get a ton of communication.

 

[BuffetParrothead]

I posted something similar; although not as articulately, a few weeks ago in frustration after the UNC loss. I admittedly do not donate. And the reason I don't is because I want to see some effort and a plan put in front of me by the AD. Tell me why I'm not pissing away $500 or whatever it is I'd donate. How will it help?

I graduated 10 years ago and have received one phone call for donations, which was less than 6 months after I graduated and when I was broke. I probably spend over $500 a year online at the university store. I don't buy home tickets, because I live 600 miles away and only go to road games close to me. They have my email, they have my cell. I get zero communication. If they solicited me, I'd listen and likely respond. Not trying, to me, equals not caring.

As petty, and a part of the problem that I may be, that's how I feel. I doubt that I am alone.

I'm with you on this one!
I don't see much of a plan or atleast a good plan when it comes to Pitt sports. Let's start with the intentional Stalling hire, and lack of quality assts for HCPN. There's more !

Lyke is practically "invisable " except when she trots out on the field at half to present awards!

Mrs Buffett and I have multiple seats for home games, we use two and give four North End Zone tickets to people who show up at our tailgate with no tickets.

We live 600 rt miles away so the home game schedule costs us between $ 3k-$4k per year including Northshore hotels mostly two nights, travel, food, drinks etc so our donation level is low.

Despite calling the athletic office and having multiple seats we get very few emails other than away game info.

As bad as they were we recieved lots more communication from SP and Barnes. In fact someone called a Client Acct Exec would call to make sure you renewed tickets and would follow-up after the order. Didnt get that call this year or the f/u.

It would nice to get some communication about the new and exciting things about to happen to Pitt sports even non revenue sports!

How about future plans for football and basketball or maybe there are none which is what worries us!

 

[MartyInLawrenceville]

[/QUOTE]
Lyke is practically "invisable " except when she trots out on the field at half to present awards!
[/QUOTE]

But, isn’t that her job? Hobnobbing with sponsors and donors?

 

[Panther Parrothead]

I have been a football season ticket holder for 23 years and a panther club member since it’s inception. I consider it a slap in the face to be solicited for any additional funds for this athletic program. In that span they didn’t win so much as single conference title outright. Only 1 major bowl appearance. I continue to purchase season tickets and hold a panther club membership despite this. Frankly, that’s more than enough.

I see your point. It's kinda like donating to any other charity: one you donate once - or in your case, many times - you're added to their mailing list. Their fundraisers (using an analogy) take the easier shortcut and keep trying to draw water from that same well over and over again, rather than trying to dig additional wells.

People have to understand that some fans, no matter how loyal, do have limits on what they can afford to give. Speaking from personal experience, I, too, have been giving to Pitt for a long, long time. But Pitt isn't our only charity: the missus and I also give to other local, worthwhile charities, too.

But we, and others like us, can only give so much; we can't be expected to make-up the difference for those people who claim to be "fans", but give nothing.....nadda.....zilch.

Pitt needs to tap into the alumni who don't give anything. I'd bet that there are plenty of people who are in a strong financial position to donate back to the university but simply choose not to.

 

[FireballZ]

You obviously don't care. Again donate 10 bucks one time or by 1 home ticket and you'll get a ton of communication.

And you clearly work for the AD and don't get it...

 

[ThePanthers]

And you clearly work for the AD and don't get it...

No, I'm a fan that recognizes that it takes extremely minimal effort to find where to donate. Pitt has a ton of stuff out there. They are not going to be able to contact every single alumn, and every single fan, especially if those people have done absolutely nothing for athletics.

I've seen far more stuff on social media, (twitter, facebook, etc), and if you even if you make one donation, no matter how little, or buy one ticket through Pitt, you'll receive constant communication. This has been the most engaged Pitt has ever been IMO since I started buying tickets and donating in 2000 after I graduated.

It's lazy pieces of shit like you that are the problem.

 

[FireballZ]

No, I'm a fan that recognizes that it takes extremely minimal effort to find where to donate. Pitt has a ton of stuff out there. They are not going to be able to contact every single alumn, and every single fan, especially if those people have done absolutely nothing for athletics.

I've seen far more stuff on social media, (twitter, facebook, etc), and if you even if you make one donation, no matter how little, or buy one ticket through Pitt, you'll receive constant communication. This has been the most engaged Pitt has ever been IMO since I started buying tickets and donating in 2000 after I graduated.

It's lazy pieces of shit like you that are the problem.

I run business development for a living. I get it. If Pitt isn't at bare minimum emailing people that buy through their team stores, then shame on them. If they aren't paying a student worker $7 an hour to call alum or scour LinkedIn for alum, then shame on them. Lead generation gets no easier than that.

I'd rather give $20 to a bum on the street than actively search for a way to give Pitt money to piss away if they are too lazy or incompetent to do the little things. Of course it's simple to find ways to donate if I wanted to. I find ways to donate to causes that truly matter to me all of the time. I'm not one of those people that complains about Pitt sucking at athletics because I have no right to, I don't donate. And I don't donate because I've seen no signs in the past 20 years of my money going to good use.

You're just not seeing my point and that's fine. It's something you're way more passionate about than me. Might want to try the honey over vinegar approach, though.

BTW - you seem like a real internet tough guy. Let me guess, you drive a huge truck too? Loud exhaust system on your Civic?

 

[ThePanthers]

I run business development for a living. I get it. If Pitt isn't at bare minimum emailing people that buy through their team stores, then shame on them. If they aren't paying a student worker $7 an hour to call alum or scour LinkedIn for alum, then shame on them. Lead generation gets no easier than that.

I'd rather give $20 to a bum on the street than actively search for a way to give Pitt money to piss away if they are too lazy or incompetent to do the little things. Of course it's simple to find ways to donate if I wanted to. I find ways to donate to causes that truly matter to me all of the time. I'm not one of those people that complains about Pitt sucking at athletics because I have no right to, I don't donate. And I don't donate because I've seen no signs in the past 20 years of my money going to good use.

You're just not seeing my point and that's fine. It's something you're way more passionate about than me. Might want to try the honey over vinegar approach, though.

BTW - you seem like a real internet tough guy. Let me guess, you drive a huge truck too? Loud exhaust system on your Civic?

As long as you are aware you are a poor fan, that is good I guess.

 

[PittMiamiRivalry]

I've been thinking a lot about Pitt football and how to get more people involved in donating. Clemson used the I Pay Ten A Year in order to get alumni interested. Can't Pitt do something like this on a larger scale? Maybe $100 a year? Is that too much? I feel like on an individual level people feel like they're throwing their money away. Maybe a universal campaign could do it.

The Pitt football twitter has 62000 followers. That's over 6 million right there. We have over 300,000 alumni. Why isn't heather trying to tap into this with a large universal campaign? Am I missing something? I know we went 5-7 this year but we should try and capitalize on the Miami win

 

[MarshallGoldberg]

No they shouldn't. You have thousands of fans with different opinions on everything. My god, look at the tarping. You got some on here saying if they don't tarp, they are done. You got others saying if they do tarp they are done.

The AD should run athletics. It's their job to decide what is right for the university going forward. If they make the wrong decisions and don't succeed, then they should be fired. But the fans should not be making those decisions.

Agreed.

There are pro sports teams in Europe where the fans essentially run the team and have actual voting seats. I have no problem with that, it's very cool and appropriate for professional sports.

But it doesn't make sense at a University that receives tax money and tuition money etc that has a broader goal than just winning games.