Pitt football receives historic $20 million gift from 1997 graduate Chris Bickell

Chris Bickell graduated from Pitt in 1997, and he remembers all too well the 72-0 loss to Ohio State and many, many others during his time on campus.

But he was a fan then, and he is a fan now, and he proved it Thursday. The IT businessman made a donation of $20 million to the football program — the largest single gift in Pitt athletics history.

University officials announced Thursday that $10 million will be used immediately to enhance the program’s training, nutrition and learning environment infrastructure. Coach Pat Narduzzi hinted part of the money might be earmarked for an expansion of the weight room at the Duratz Athletic Complex on the South Side.

“There are some (other) projects we’ve got on the line,” the coach said.

The remainder of the gift will be placed in an endowment.

To recognize Bickell’s gift, the head football coaching position at Pitt will be named the “Chris Bickell ’97 Head Football Coach.” It’s the first named coaching position in Pitt history.

Every member of the team sent Bickell a personal, hand-written thank-you note, Narduzzi said. Bickell spoke to the team and coaching staff Thursday after practice.

“He’s a guy we’ve built a relationship with for a long time. He’s a football guy. It’s an amazing gift. We’re thankful,” Narduzzi said.

Speaking on 93.7 FM on Thursday, Bickell said speaking to the team was “a really unique experience.”

He said part of his thinking behind the donation is the respect he has for the program’s leadership.

“To be honest, Pat Narduzzi’s the man. The guy is special on and off the field. A lot of people don’t get that experience to see what he is like off the field. He’s a tremendous human being. He’s awesome.”

Bickell also is expecting big things from the team this season.

“What (Narduzzi) does on the field can really surprise some people this year,” he said. “I’m really happy and honored to have my name associated with (the head coach).”

Said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in a statement: “Chris is a generous and longtime supporter of the University of Pittsburgh’s football program. This gift, however, is perhaps his most powerful, and it will help to shape the future and success of Pitt football for years to come.”

Added athletic director Heather Lyke: “We are forever grateful for Chris’ generous donation that demonstrates his commitment to our football program and the extraordinary experience we want for our student-athletes, both in the present and into our future.

“Chris understands the transformational role athletics can have on a young person’s life and the joy and excitement it brings to students and alumni alike. Chris is an exceptional person, and we are proud to recognize his passion and support of the Panthers by naming the head football coaching position in his honor.”

Bickell has spent his career largely in the information technology industry. He was founder and partner of Liberty IT Solutions until the company was acquired this year by Booz Allen Hamilton for $725 million, according to businesswire.com.

Today, Bickell is CEO of WellHive, a firm that connects military veterans with healthcare services. He describes himself as “a proud Pitt man.”

“I believe the leadership is in place to take Pitt athletics and our football program to the next level,” he said in a statement released by Pitt. “I hope my gift inspires others to do their part in making that happen.”