Duquesne University, the world’s only Spiritan university, is one of America’s leading Catholic universities, with a worldwide reputation of excellence in liberal and professional education.

Duquesne was founded on Oct. 1, 1878, by the Rev. Joseph Strub and the Congregation of the Holy Ghost (the Spiritans). They opened as the Pittsburgh Catholic College with 40 students and six faculty members.

Students attended classes in rented space above a bakery on Wylie Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh.

In true Spiritan fashion, the school brought higher education to the children of struggling immigrant workers. Duquesne was one of the first universities to admit women and minorities.

Duquesne expanded to its current campus on our Bluff and built the original “Old Main” building in 1885. This five-story red brick landmark was, for years, the highest point on the Pittsburgh skyline. It is still actively used as the administrative building on campus.

On May 27, 1911 the name was changed to Duquesne University of the Holy Ghost.

Read a detailed photographic history of Duquesne.

Duquesne’s Leaders
Dr. Charles J. Dougherty, President, May 2001 to present.
Dr. John E. Murray Jr., President, 1988 – 2001
Rev. Donald Nesti, President, 1980 – 1988
Rev. Henry McAnulty, President, 1959  – 1980
Rev. Vernon Gallagher, President, 1950 –1959
Rev. Raymond V. Kirk, President, 1940 – 1946
Rev. Francis P. Smith, President, 1946 – 1950
Rev. Jeremiah Joseph Callahan, President, 1931 – 1940
Rev. Martin Hehir, President, 1899 –1931
Rev. John Toohill Murphy, President, 1886 –1899
Rev. John Willms, Rector, 1885 – 1886
Rev. William Patrick Power, Rector, 1878 – 1885

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