Your gift can help engage the entire community.
In a city filled with bridges, Pitt understands the value of these structures in connecting communities physically and socially. The Recreation and Wellness Center (CRWC) will serve as a “bridge” or connection point, for the entire Pitt community.
This state-of-the-art building will house fitness, recreation, and mental health facilities, as well as create a hub for students to meet and engage. The design intentionally exposes and connects all students to the concepts of holistic well-being.
A Catalyst for Deeper Engagement
With thousands of students each day using the Center to “commute” to and from housing, classrooms, and labs, it will become a new hub of activity for students and the entire campus community. No matter a student’s initial reason for visiting the Center, they will be exposed to a variety of other services and programmatic opportunities. Attending a club meeting could spark a student to sign up for an intramural sports team, having physical fitness amenities side-by-side with mental health offerings could lower barriers and encourage students to seek counseling help.
“The Recreation and Wellness Center physically connects upper and lower campus while giving on and off-campus students a place to gather with friends for a workout, huddle in a group meeting, or just hang out with other students who are passing through the building. It offers connectivity and functionality unlike any other place on campus.”
–Maya Roman (SHRS ’25)
Connecting the Upper and Lower Campuses
Climbing Cardiac Hill is often a cumbersome way to move from the lower campus to the upper campus and can create an access barrier. The Center is designed to connect our geographically separated campus through thoughtful architectural design. By increasing the ease of traveling from Towers to Sutherland Hall, Pitt’s student body will be more connected. It will also allow for a more convenient commute to classrooms and research facilities.
Engaging the Entire Community
A visit to the RWC will be part of the daily routine for most Pitt students. From something as simple as passing through on the way to class, to taking advantage of the world-class physical fitness facilities, the building will be a hub of activity. Chance meetings among students, faculty, and staff will lead to new relationships, innovations, and an ever-growing sense of community.
“Having a space where students can gather with friends to participate in their favorite activity is important for everything from intramural basketball to my favorite, E-Sports. Putting all those pursuits into one building along with mental health services allows students to connect with new ideas and people to improve their wellness”
–Steven Yang (SCI '25)
Designed to Connect All
The intentionality of its inclusive and holistic design—both physically and conceptually—will create more for the campus than if the parts were scattered across Oakland. Students will engage differently with the long list of amenities, services, and functionality of the RWC—unique features such as leading edge E-sports facilities and healthy dining options will bring people together, creating an integrated campus hub.
“The Recreation and Wellness Center offers services and facilities that connect Pitt students with one another, support their mental health needs, and provide for their physical well-being. Your gift will activate this new heart of our campus.”
–Carla Panzella, Vice Provost for Student Affairs