Giving Profiles

Robert and Patricia GussinAcademic Support: Dr. Robert Gussin, P’59, GP’61
Benefactor of the Spiritan Division of Academic Programs

Pictured: Dr. Robert Gussin and Dr. Patricia Gussin

Dr. Robert Gussin, P’59, GP’61, understands the difficulties many students face in the transition from high school to higher education. A native of the Pittsburgh suburb of Scott Township, he faced obstacles when he first came to our Bluff. His personal experience moved him and his wife, Dr. Patricia Gussin, to establish a $1.5 million endowment for Duquesne’s Spiritan Division of Academic Programs.

“As with many young folks coming out of high school, I think I was not really well prepared for college,” Gussin said. In the mid-1950s, though, there was no Spiritan Division. “I struggled through the first two years without any extra help,” Robert Gussin remembered. He persevered through undergraduate and graduate pharmacy school, going on to a successful career and retiring as corporate vice president of Johnson & Johnson.

The Spiritan Division helps students with special financial, educational or physical needs with individualized advising, counseling, tutoring, and other educational programs and services throughout their freshman year. Once students successfully complete the Spiritan Division curriculum, they transfer their credits into one of Duquesne’s schools.

Recognition: Individuals contributing $1,000 or more are eligible for membership in the Duquesne Society. Duquesne Society members are publicly acknowledged in our online Honor Roll and receive additional benefits.

Graduates of the last decade may enjoy full Duquesne Society benefits with smaller gifts as members of the des Places Circle.

The Father McAnulty Society recognizes alumni and friends who have made provisions for the University in their estate plans.

Stewardship: Comprehensive information for donors is provided on a regular basis.

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