NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) March 2, 2001--Standard&Poor's today assigned its 'SP-1'-plus rating to the University of Pittsburgh, (UP) Pa.'s $42 million Pitt Asset Notes (Panthers), series 2001A. The bonds are expected to sell March 5, 2001. The rating reflects a broad GO pledge, supported by the university's long-term, double-'A'-minus rating. Proceeds are expected to fund various equipment expenditures and library acquisitions, as well as refund the series 2000 Pitt Asset Notes--$33 million of which is currently outstanding. The series 2001A note issue will reach maturity in 364 days. Founded in 1787, UP is a nonsectarian, coeducational research university that offers baccalaureate and graduate programs throughout western Pennsylvania. Headcount has been relatively stable over the past several
