Eberly Hall

When the United States entered World War I in 1917, by law of Congress, all male college students were subject to military training.

The campaign was deemed a smashing success in that it raised $670,000 ($10.2 million in 2023 dollars[1]), at the time $70,000 more than was needed due at least in part to both the excitement of alumni with the championship caliber play of the Pitt football team (national champions or undefeated in 1910, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918 and 1920), a $100,000 ($1.52 million in 2023 dollars[1]) contribution directly from the Athletic Committee's football receipts, and profits from the productions of the student theatre's Cap and Gown Club.

[2] During construction which started in January 1920, it was discovered that the hillside was undercut with coal mines, some of which were on fire and emitting smoke upon digging.

Ironically, Eberly Hall's architect, Benno Janssen, was the runner-up to Hornbostel in a national architectural competition for the design of the original campus plan.

Their most recent gift will be used in conjunction with state funds to renovate Eberly Hall to support teaching and research activities of the chemistry department.