Dear members of the University of Pittsburgh community,
 
Our beloved Geri A. Allen, Associate Professor and Director of Jazz Studies, passed away yesterday 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.  
 
As expressions of grief and comfort have begun arriving, we want to be sure that you are aware.  A more detailed account of her accomplishments will be forthcoming, and we will share information as it becomes available concerning her funeral, this year’s Jazz Seminar, and other events that celebrate her life and her contributions to the University.
 
With deepest sadness,
 
Deane Root
Chair, Department of Music