Flood destroys 3,700 diplomas

Pitt officials are working to replace approximately 3,700 diplomas that were destroyed when… Pitt officials are working to replace approximately 3,700 diplomas that were destroyed when heavy rain caused flooding in Thackeray Hall last week.

Alumni who graduated this April will have to wait an additional 10 days to receive their diplomas, which will now be mailed out by July 2.

Robert Hill, vice chancellor of public affairs, said the University is still evaluating the cost of the diplomas. He said he didn’t know whether they would be covered by Pitt’s insurance, but regardless, the University would replace them at no cost to its most recent graduates.

Storms last Wednesday night caused damage to several University buildings.

Pitt guards and employees evacuated Hillman Library because it flooded. Heavy rains triggered a false fire alarm in Stephen Foster Memorial and caused the ceiling of Maggie & Stella’s, in Sennott Square, to collapse, according to Pitt police records.

As of press time, University officials are still collecting overall damage estimates from the storm.