Alexis Zito, a senior mechanical engineering major, and Jonathan Perlman, a fifth-year mechanical engineering major, are this year’s Spirit of Pitt winners.v

One of the major events of homecoming is honoring Pitt alumni and recognizing their dedication to the University and the Pitt community. This is done through five different honors — the Roc Spirit Award, the Ivan and Mary Novick Award for Young Alumni Leadership, the Bill Baierl Distinguished Alumni Service Award, the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award and being named a Distinguished Alumni Fellow.

Homecoming looks different this year, since students and alumni cannot celebrate in person due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite this, programming has not diminished, but only changed forms. With the lack of in-person events, both students and alumni must celebrate in other ways, such as showing their Pitt spirit by decorating their residence hall or home, participating in virtual events and utilizing social media.

Homecoming normally presents an opportunity to travel back to one’s home to relive distant memories. But Pitt athletes Curtis Aiken Jr. and Dixon Veltri have chosen to stay in the city that raised them for their college careers.

This homecoming week, the Alumni Association is recognizing Metz for his combination of experience and education. Since graduating from Pitt, Metz has built a career that incorporates his business education with his passion for food.

It’s not often that you see South Oakland’s very own Frenchi’s Deli posting about Pitt’s homecoming candidates on their Instagram.

Senior Staff Columnist Alex Dolinger ponders the meaning of homecoming and why we celebrate it.

By dropping the dated titles of homecoming king and queen and instead crowning two Spirit of Pitt Award winners, Pitt’s SAA has made a tangible step towards a truly inclusive future at the University.

Throughout its decorated athletic history, Pitt has produced numerous phenomenal athletes. The greater Pittsburgh area has also been home to some of the greatest high school athletes of all time. While it is always fulfilling to see former Panther athletes succeed at the professional level, it is perhaps even more special to see homegrown talent shine at Pitt.

Pitt’s Alumni Association removed the gendered titles of homecoming king and queen for this October’s homecoming festivities and are instead opting for two gender-inclusive “Spirit of Pitt” winners.