Rockwell Hall: Building for the Future of Business Education

Over the past several years, the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business has invested in building and technology upgrades that support accessible, student-centered education. The improvements strengthen experiential learning in classrooms and labs while creating open, collaborative spaces where students can connect with peers, faculty, alumni, employers and community partners.

The School also has continued to update Rockwell Hall’s technology infrastructure. More than 20 digital information displays have been added or updated throughout the building, sharing timely updates on School news, events, employer engagement opportunities and other announcements. In 2026, Rockwell Hall’s Wi-Fi network was replaced with more powerful wireless access points, improving speed, security and connectivity throughout the building.

“Rockwell Hall is more than a building with learning spaces—it’s an experiential sandbox where students can experiment and tackle real business challenges as they develop the knowledge, relationships and skills that will make them difference makers. These ongoing investments reflect our commitment to creating an environment that supports innovation, collaboration and student success while preparing sought-after graduates.”

A More Welcoming Rockwell

One of the most visible updates begins before students and visitors enter the building from the Bluff. The sixth-floor entrance was replaced with a technologically sophisticated skywalk that uses a passive ventilation system to help regulate temperature, creating a more comfortable arrival experience.

The skywalk leads into Rockwell’s two-story Atrium, a bright, welcoming space with pendant lighting, wraparound windows and flexible seating. Nearby, the Alpha Phi Delta Sustainable Innovation Space gives students room to study, eat and collaborate. The Business Leader Bistro offers students, faculty and staff a convenient place to grab meals, snacks and coffee between classes.

Learning With Industry Tools

Behind the Atrium, the Investment Strategy Institute gives students access to the kind of financial technology used by leading investment firms. In summer 2026, the ISI classroom was upgraded with 36 new computers and updated software to reflect current industry standards.

Across the hall, 26 new computers were installed in the Dan Cancelmi and Noreen Cancelmi Poploski Enterprise Learning Lab, giving students additional hands-on access to current business technology. 

Spaces That Support Student Success

The seventh floor has been transformed into a student-centered hub that advances the mission of the Eugene P. Beard Center for Student Success. The renovated space includes areas for recruitment, student coaching, peer mentor offices, career development and events.

The Welcome Center serves as a venue for corporate networking and School events, as well as a place for students to study, collaborate and recharge. Glass-fronted offices and collaborative workspaces were designed to improve accessibility, transparency and connection.

Additional renovations have continued throughout Rockwell Hall. The eighth floor received updated restrooms, carpeting, heating and cooling systems, fire suppression improvements and a redesigned elevator lobby. Carfang Commons is being upgraded with new restrooms and improvements to heating, cooling, lighting and fire suppression. Rockwell’s stairways also were refreshed with scenic Duquesne imagery and the School’s Business of Difference Making® tagline.

More to Come

Future plans include renovating street-level entrances, beginning with Boyd Street, and developing a Center for Real Estate and Sustainable Development as part of a larger third-floor renovation. The timing of future projects will depend on fundraising.

Together, these investments are creating a more welcoming, connected and technologically sophisticated environment where students can learn, collaborate and prepare to lead in a rapidly changing business world.

Help Shape What’s Next for Rockwell Hall

With support from alumni and friends, the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business continues to create learning spaces that reflect the way business works today: collaborative, technology-rich and focused on real-world impact. Your generosity helps ensure future Duquesne business students have the spaces, tools and opportunities they need to become ethical, innovative leaders ready to make a difference. To learn more about supporting Rockwell Hall, contact Adam Viers, Assistant Dean of Advancement.