Our Crowdfunding Groups
The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) is comprised of five historically African-American fraternities and four historically African-American sororities. These nine organizations were founded during an era where black students were limited in their ability to join fraternities and sororities while in college. As a result, social justice, advocacy and community support are in the DNA of everything the “Divine Nine” does on campuses nationally. Here, at the University of Pittsburgh, the NPHC provides life-changing support systems for black students in a variety of ways, including mentorship, programming, academic initiatives, philanthropy and service, and social events.
To celebrate this rich history, and to embed this legacy at Pitt and in western Pennsylvania for many generations to come, the University of Pittsburgh has proudly constructed an NPHC Plot at the heart of Pitt’s campus, which is now on display in Schenley Quad for everyone to see, share, and celebrate. The Plot celebrates each of the “Divine Nine” fraternities and sororities with their seal, information about their founding, and the names of supporters who helped make the Plot possible.
The design of the nearly 40-foot network of steel louvers honors the Black Greek letter organizations while paying homage to the region’s Industrial history. Pitt is now one of only a handful of Predominantly White Institutions in the nation to host such a plot, providing a central location for NPHC members to honor their legacy.
Your support of this historic initiative will aid Pitt’s efforts to recruit more students of color, increase student participation in NPHC chapters and enhance alumni engagement.
The Plot was unveiled at Homecoming in 2021 with over 400 alumni, students, staff and supporters in attendance. The national president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., Vanetta Cheeks-Reeder (NURS ’83), traced the idea of a “plot” all the way back to the Civil War, when some freed slaves were said to have been promised 40 acres and a mule. “These plots on campuses across the country are our spaces, they are our 40 acres,” said Cheeks-Reeder at the Plot’s Unveiling.
“This is a special moment in Pitt history,” said Kenyon Bonner, Vice Provost for Student Affairs. “This is a blue, gold, and black moment. This is welcome home.”
Please support this historic initiative and donate to the Plot’s general fund today; your support will help make history and spread the universal values that the NPHC embodies.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I give towards the outstanding pledge balance my organization has towards our Founders’ Plaque?
If your organization has an outstanding pledge for its Founders’ Plaque(s), you may funnel your donation towards that pledge by selecting your affiliation on the gifts processing page. All donations with a noted affiliation will automatically be applied first to your organization’s outstanding pledge balance. Any additional donations will go towards the general upkeep and maintenance of the Plot.
What if you exceed your fundraising goal for the Plot?
We will apply all funds towards covering the Plot’s construction, followed by its upkeep and maintenance. Any donations that exceed this amount could be funneled towards supporting our NPHC student organization’s operating funds.
Can I still make a donation for an Oval engraving?
The extended deadline for this opportunity has already passed. However, if you are passionate about emboldening the legacy of the Divine Nine, we still encourage you to make a general donation to support this historic endeavor.
Is this endeavor exclusive to Pitt or the NPHC?
Whether or not you are a part of the Panther community or the Divine Nine, this opportunity is open to all.
To learn more about this project, or for instructions on how to make an offline or group/line gift, please contact Shahid Madni at s.madni@pitt.edu.
If you'd like to visit Alpha Phi Alpha's fundraising page, please click here.
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Contributions received for this project shall be used in accordance with the purpose described herein, the terms in the FAQs and applicable law. For questions that cannot be answered in the FAQs, please call 412-648-4658 or email engage@pitt.edu.
