Highlights from an Extraordinary Year

Highlights

Over the last three semesters, our students excelled in national and regional competitions, setting records and earning top placements. We again hosted our annual events and competitions, showcasing the School’s leadership in experiential learning and our commitment to professional growth. 

The Duquesne New Venture Challenge broke records with more than 150 entries competing for over $100,000 in prizes. For the first time in 6 years, the winning team, Clean Plate Innovations, was comprised of all Duquesne alumni. 

The Steel City Sales Challenge, hosted by the Center for Leadership in Professional Selling and presenting corporate partner Ally Financial, drew 160 competitors from 15 universities, with Duquesne students among the finalists. 

Graduate students from across the University showcased their skills at the Data for Difference Making Challenge, hosted by the School of Business in partnership with Dollar Bank and Excelitas. Students who excelled went on to compete in the Super Analytics Challenge, where a School of Business student was part of the winning team. 

Students from nine universities participated in the Annual Supply Chain Case Competition, hosted by the School’s Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management in partnership with the Association for Supply Chain Management Pittsburgh Forum.

Students benefited from a variety of targeted networking events—including Accounting Connect, IS Direct, Supply Chain Connection, Marketing Mixer, and Meet the Firms Night—that directly support their career preparation and professional development. 

These events, along with the active engagement of some 23 corporate partners, created invaluable opportunities for students to make connections, secure internships, and launch meaningful careers.

From academic initiatives to strengthened corporate partnerships and alumni engagement, the School continues to distinguish itself as a hub for difference-making. “The Business of Difference Making®, Fall 2025” shares our accomplishments over the past three semesters and looks ahead to an exciting future, marked by expanded industry collaborations, enriched student experiences, and lasting alumni connections.