Student Spotlights

IIA Annual Case Competition 

Duquesne Students on a Winning Streak!
In December 2024, Duquesne Accounting students swept The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Pittsburgh Chapter’s Annual Case Competition, winning first through fourth place. The case highlighted issues with controls and safety considerations at an eyeglass manufacturer in Africa. Presenting their findings to IIA judges, teams determined the roles of Internal Audit, External Audit, and Management. Our students showed an in-depth understanding of expected management controls, how controls might be circumvented, and safety considerations within the business environment.

FMA Finance Leaders’ Conference

FINANCE Students Place 4th Overall
At the 2025 Financial Management Association International Finance Leaders’ Conference Investment Analysis Competition in NYC, our students placed 4th overall and were invited to present their work at a poster session sponsored by the CFA Society New York, where they won first place.

While in NYC, they toured the trading floor of CME Group and visited FINRA. They also connected with several alumni, including Daniel Izzillo (B’21) from Morgan Stanley.

Lean Sigma Six Green Belt 

Congrats to Monique R. Gomes
MS in Supply Chain Management student, Monique Gomes earned her MoreSteam Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification as part of Dr. Mike Sherwin’s Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement course. Monique completed a project with Heidelberg Materials, focusing on building a decision support tool to standardize fleet management decisions.

2024–2025 One-Year MBA

Global Business International Trip
After working virtually throughout their Global Business course, the One-Year MBA cohort began their international experience, where they presented their findings to our international corporate partners.

In Singapore, they explored how the country leverages innovation and sustainability to improve urban life. While there, the cohort presented their project findings to GreenBix, a sustainable manufacturer of HVAC and refrigeration equipment.

Afterward, the cohort traveled to Vietnam. Despite economic growth in the manufacturing industry, as a developing country, Vietnam still faces challenges such as environmental pollution and inadequate infrastructure. There, the students presented their project findings to Aplas Vietnam, a plastics manufacturing company, and Green Transition, a sustainability consulting company.

From Data for Difference Making to Super Analytics Challenge 

Jeromy Lamya (MS’ 25, MBA’ 24) Places First

In October 2024, Jeromy Lamya participated in the 2nd Annual Data for Difference Making Challenge (DDMC), a School of Business-sponsored competition that gives all Duquesne graduate students the opportunity to develop data-driven solutions that address societal challenges. After receiving an individual honor award at DDMC, Jeromy went on to compete at the 2025 Super Analytics Challenge, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh. There, Jeromy, along with a team of graduate students from three local universities, won first place by developing a sustainable, data-driven solution that provides preventative oral care to at-risk populations via a mobile dental unit. The team took home $5,000 in prize money for their achievement.

Thanks to the 2024 DDMC Corporate Sponsors: Dollar Bank and Excelitas

6th Annual Negotiating Job Offers Panel

Alumni shaping the future 
On March 26, 2025, the Palumbo-Donahue Student Advisory Council (PDSAC) hosted its 6th Annual Negotiating Job Offers Panel. Moderated by 2024–2025 PDSAC President Tyler Schultz, the panel featured Chelsey Graham (B’11), Manager, Solution Consulting at Ivalua; Jared Hoff (B’00), Senior Portfolio Manager at Federated Hermes; and Madison Stewart (B’19), ERP Risk & Automation Services Manager at RSM US LLP.

The 6th Annual Job Negotiation Panel drew a packed house of graduate and undergraduate students eager to sharpen their career skills. The panel of accomplished alumni shared real-world strategies for navigating job offers, communicating with confidence, and laying the groundwork for long-term success in new roles. The event concluded with a networking reception, where students had the chance to connect directly with panelists, faculty, and staff.

This annual, highly successful event underscores the School’s commitment to the importance of professional development and presenting its students with opportunities to meet and learn from industry leaders.

Beta Gamma Sigma 

International Honor Society
Congratulations to our international graduate students, Likith Pamuru, Md Fazlur Rahman Shakil, Samir Nadra, and Surabhi Loya, who were inducted into the international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. This is the highest distinction a business student can receive in an AACSB accredited program.

WESCO

Investing in our Students
Over the past five years, WESCO has welcomed more than 90 interns and new graduates from Duquesne University. In recognition of our difference-making partnership, we are excited to announce that the 6th-floor lounge in Rockwell Hall is now named the WESCO Student Lounge. A big congratulations to Summer 2025 interns Adam Johnson and Jackson Pierce, who have accepted roles in WESCO’s IT Development and Finance Development programs, respectively.

Small Business Development Center

Graduate Assistant Achievements
The Duquesne University SBDC graduate assistant team was presented the Student Project of the Year Award at the PA Small Business Development Center Annual Conference. They were recognized for hosting a two-day workshop on business management principles for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

During the Conference, the SBDC was also presented the Happy Client Award, recognizing excellence in client satisfaction and service delivery.