Hail To Pitt - History

History

The musical pageantry of the University of Pittsburgh began mostly under the initiative of various students and musical groups in the early twentieth century. It was during this period, around 1908, that the University began the process of moving from what is now Pittsburgh's North Side to its current location in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh. At the time of this relocation, the university, then known as the Western University of Pennsylvania, also obtained an alteration to its charter in order to change its name to the University of Pittsburgh. These changes also corresponded with the celebration of the City of Pittsburgh's sesquicentennial and a rise in prominence of the university's athletic programs, exemplified by the undefeated and unscored upon football team of 1910, and led to crescendo and pride and optimism throughout the university. In this atmosphere, an abundance of music and chants extolling the newly renamed university appeared throughout student productions and publications. While some have faded into obscurity, among the most popular and pervasive of music and slogans, including "Hail to Pitt" and the "Alma Mater", were derived from the efforts of these students who were among the first to have "University of Pittsburgh" printed on their diplomas.