Dear members of the University of Pittsburgh community,
Our beloved Geri A. Allen, Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies, passed away June 27, 2017 after a year-long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and life-long friends.
In her all-too-brief time with us, she set a vision and built a vibrant jazz studies program with outstanding faculty, staff, and students. She directed the 2013 Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert and officially joined our faculty beginning in January 2014. In addition to teaching and mentoring students and serving generously within the Music Department, she quickly took a role across the campus in many capacities including diversity initiatives, the Year of the Humanities, outreach programs, development of resources and archives, and collaboration with other institutions.
A memorial service was held at Heinz Memorial Chapel on September 14, and the 47th Annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert, October 30-November 4, has been planned to celebrate her life and her contributions to the University.
With deepest sadness,
Deane Root
Chair, Department of Music
Video of the Memorial Service for Geri Allen is now available for streaming. We are deeply grateful to all who attended and shared their words and music. You can also download the program to follow along.