Innovation Fund

Contributions to the Innovation Fund foster partnerships with industry leaders, enabling students to tackle pressing business challenges alongside professionals. Through hands-on learning initiatives supported by the fund, students develop innovative solutions that drive meaningful change. Recent examples of Innovation Fund dollars at work include:

• Cornerstone and Capstone Courses: Through the Cornerstone to Capstone model, students complete real-world consulting projects for corporate partners, proving they can provide value to future employers. During their first semester, all students participate in team-based problem-solving in the First-Year Innovation Experience. Before graduating, students complete a capstone course in their major and a core business class, applying their knowledge in strategic ways. 
• Global Business Experience: Each spring, the One-Year MBA cohort embarks on an international study trip, collaborating with leading global companies to solve complex business challenges.

We are committed to ensuring every student has the resources, opportunities, and connections they need to succeed. From their first day on campus to their transition into the workforce, we provide a holistic, hands-on approach to learning that blends academic excellence with real-world experiences. Your support will directly impact the programs and initiatives that define our students' experiences, including:

• Eugene P. Beard Center for Student Success: At the heart of this mission is the Beard Center for Student Success, a hub for career preparation, leadership development, and professional networking. With your support, we can continue to expand programs that directly impact student success, including career coaching, networking events, industry competitions, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Connecting Students with Industry Leaders: We bring students face-to-face with business professionals and hiring managers through high-impact networking events such as Accounting Connect, Information Systems Direct, the Marketing Mixer, and the Supply Chain Connection. Connections made at these events lead to internships, job placements, and mentorships that launch careers. 
• Real-World Learning Through Competitions and Conferences: Duquesne University students don’t just compete—they excel on national stages. From premier on-campus events like the Duquesne New Venture Challenge and Steel City Sales Challenge, to national competitions such as the FMA International Student Leader’s Conference in NYC and the International Collegiate Sales Competition in Orlando, our students consistently showcase their talents and bring home victories. These high-stakes experiences provide them with invaluable real-world skills, industry recognition, and career-defining opportunities.  
• Student Leadership and Community Engagement: Students play an active role in shaping their educational journey through the Palumbo-Donahue Student Advisory Council (PDSAC) and our 19 business student organizations. The PDSAC allows students to engage with alumni, provide feedback on academic programs, and build a strong business community that extends beyond graduation. Additionally, PDSAC organizes an annual job negotiation event, funded by the Innovation Fund, where students gain valuable insights from local experts on effective job and internship negotiation strategies, enabling them to confidently transition from college to career.

We invest in the latest educational technology and software across all disciplines, ensuring our curriculum stays ahead of the curve. For example, the Investment Strategy Institute (ISI) is an industry-leading lab for investment research and decision-making, featuring a state-of-the-art classroom, 24 Bloomberg® terminals, and financial software such as Morningstar, WRDS, and MSCI. The ISI is utilized for finance courses and the Student Managed Investment Fund program, which manages over $1.5 million in assets.

We strive to develop dynamic learning spaces that inspire collaboration, creativity, and growth. The Innovation Fund supports state-of-the-art environments like: 

• The Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, which is home to our makerspace, Bob’s Launch Pad, and the Louis D. Mallet Entrepreneurship Zone, where students turn ideas into reality using advanced prototyping tools.
• The Center for Leadership in Professional Selling, which features with cutting-edge sales simulation labs, ensuring students gain real-world experience to excel in their careers.

These are just two examples of our Centers of Excellence, each designed to provide students with hands-on learning, industry connections, and the skills to lead in a rapidly evolving business world.

Faculty are critical to the School’s success and future vitality. Supporting faculty research pedagogy enhances our educational offerings, fosters innovation, and sends a strong signal to the market. 

By supporting the Innovation Fund, you are crucial in cultivating the next generation of business leaders who will drive innovation, inspire change, and contribute positively to society. Your generosity enriches our students' educational experience, empowers our faculty to expand their knowledge, and fosters a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone. Together, we can be difference-makers!

Give to the Innovation Fund