Dukes from the Last Decade

The Duquesne University Young Alumni Network and presenting sponsor Herff Jones proudly present the sixth annual Dukes from the Last Decade Awards!

Register now for the awards reception on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Energy Innovation Center. The evening of celebration includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, live music, a brief awards presentation and stunning views of the city.

The selection is made from nominees who are DU graduates from the last ten years and have demonstrated one or more of the following: outstanding professional excellence, commitment and service to their community, and dedication to Duquesne University. Most importantly, the selected award recipients are young alumni who exemplify the Mission of the University in their daily lives.

Meet our 2026 Awardees

Meet the 2026 Dukes from the Last Decade Winners

Jennifer Canton, GN'17

“I see myself as part of a lifelong network that is called to use knowledge not just for personal success, but to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

McCall Chafin, A'17, L'20

“There is a high expectation of Duquesne University graduates, one that has been cultivated over generations of alumni, that carries a sense of pride…”

Abigail Eagan, HS'16, GHS'17

“To be a graduate of Duquesne University is to be excellent in both skill and character.”

Christopher Essey, B'18

“Being a Duquesne graduate means…understanding that success is not measured solely by professional advancement, but by the positive impact you have on your community and the people you serve.”

Erin Gilboy, B'18, GB'25

“Being a graduate of Duquesne University represents both legacy and a lifelong commitment to service. Duquesne has been part of my family long before my own journey.”

Learn more about Erin

Julie Gillis, S'16

“Being a Duquesne graduate means leading a life, both personally and professionally, defined by leadership, service, faith, and integrity. Throughout my…career, I have…found these traits to be the intangibles that set Duquesne graduates apart.”

Jasmine Lassiter, N'18, GN'25

“For me, being a Duquesne graduate is not just a credential, but a responsibility to serve with purpose and uphold the values instilled throughout my education.”

Marguerite Madden, A'18

“Duquesne instilled in me the belief that leadership, compassion, and faith can work together in meaningful ways, and that mindset continues to shape both my professional path and personal life.”

Morgan Martinson, GP'22

“Being a graduate of Duquesne University means leading with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Duquesne graduates are prepared to make a difference, not just in their careers, but in the lives of those around them.”

Marie Vater, A'19

“Being a Duke means keeping the community sentiment from Duquesne and applying it to my professional life. Ultimately, we are all neighbors and need to love each other, even though we might not always agree.”

Dominic Vissotski, B'18

“Being a graduate of Duquesne University means using your education not only to succeed professionally, but also to contribute meaningfully to your community and to serve others with compassion and responsibility.”

Rachel Willis, A'17

“Being a Duquesne graduate means leading with a sense of purpose and a commitment to service-oriented excellence. It’s about carrying a well-rounded, liberal arts perspective into fast-paced industries like fintech.”

About the Beneficiary

Proceeds from the Dukes from the Last Decade Awards benefit programs of Duquesne University’s Young Alumni Network. The Young Alumni Network (YAN) is a leadership organization advocating for Duquesne’s diverse young alumni population with social, educational, professional, and service-based programming. The word “alumni” comes from the Latin root “alere” meaning “to nourish.” The YAN aims to nourish the lives of graduating students and alumni of the last decade in a way that promotes diversity and inclusion, professional excellence, service to their communities, and a commitment to ethical and spiritual values.

Sponsorship Packages

Presenting Sponsorship (one available): Herff Jones $5,000

Sponsor the Event

Gold Sponsorship $2,500

Six (6) tickets to the awards reception*
Recognition on Office of Alumni Engagement’s social media accounts
Verbal recognition during program remarks
Company logo displayed on printed signage and on electronic screens at the event**
Company logo with link featured on Awards webpage**
A one-time company spotlight in the Senior Scoop, a bi-weekly newsletter sent to all graduating students (mutually agreed upon content and release date)
Access to one of our senior programs during the 2026-2027 academic year, including but not limited to marketing opportunities, in-person attendance and tabling, and logo display (select from 100 Days til Graduation Celebration, Kickoff to Graduation Fair, or Spring Becoming the Tradition; more details about each event can be provided, if needed)

*If you are unable to use all of your tickets, we will gladly find deserving Duquesne University senior students to attend.

**Your company logo must satisfy the required specifications:

JPEG or PDF format, 300-dpi resolution

For more information, please email Madalynn Bunyak, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, or call (412) 396-1640.

Become a Gold Sponsor

Red Sponsorship $1,000

Four (4) tickets to the awards reception*
A one-time company spotlight in the Senior Scoop, a bi-weekly newsletter sent to all graduating students (mutually agreed upon content and release date)
Verbal recognition during program remarks
Company logo displayed on printed signage and on electronic screens at the event**
Company logo with link featured on Awards webpage**

*If you are unable to use all of your tickets, we will gladly find deserving Duquesne University senior students to attend.

**Your company logo must satisfy the required specifications:

JPEG or PDF format, 300-dpi resolution

For more information, please email Madalynn Bunyak, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, or call (412) 396-1640.

Become a Red Sponsor

Blue Sponsorship $500

Two (2) tickets to the awards reception*
Company name on reception signage
Company logo featured on Awards webpage**
Company logo featured on electronic displays at the event**
Verbal recognition during program remarks

*If you are unable to use all of your tickets, we will gladly find deserving Duquesne University senior students to attend.

**Your company logo must satisfy the required specifications:

JPEG or PDF format, 300-dpi resolution

For more information, please email Madalynn Bunyak, Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement, or call (412) 396-1640.

Become a Blue Sponsor

Previous Dukes from the Last Decade Winners

2025

Allison Williams, S'16
Brendan Gebler, A'17
Dominic Bigi, HS'18
Talia Kirkland, A'14, GA'18
Christopher Profeta, B'15
Piper O'Neal, GN'21
Luke Gormley, GP'15
Kylie McCracken, A'16
Katie Sulkowski, GP'15

2024

Rachel Beckstrom, A'18
Jenna Bender, A'16
Dr. Shanea Clancy, GN'18, GN'21
Catherine Hull, B'17
Luke Macios, A'17, GA'19
Eric Rousell, HS'20, GHS'21
Abigail Ruppel, HS'16, GHS'18
Ashley Tannous, A'15
Michael Tompkins, GB'18

2023

Allison Broaddrick, M'16
Brianna Dzuricsko, B'19
Daniel Ferrere, Jr, B'14
Britnee (Nwokeji) Harvey, E'16
Kenya (Coleman) Johns, E'21
Emily Kinley, N'16
Carly Koza, S'17, M'17, GM'18
Sara Makin, E'15
Derrick Maultsby, Jr, L'20
Joanne (Kinney) Niemkiewicz, HS'16, HS'17
Sara (Katrancha) Sarnoski, S'13
Chelsea Zahn, B'14

2022

Armani Davis, A'14
Jamie Drennen, B'15, L'18
Jamilah (Seabrook) Ducar, A'13
Gina Govojdean, B'12
Michelle Mikus, P'13
Robin Rectenwald, A'12
Michael Robertson, B'13
Alydia Thomas, E'14
Jordan VerPlank, S'11
Devin Walker, E'14
Amy (DiPietro) Woods, P'12, A'19

2021

Cameron Barnett, A'11
Jason Bertocchi, A'11
Alex Brennsteiner, HS'12
John Foster, A'16
Kayla Frattini, B'10
Carter Henderson, B'18
Ann Johnson, P'12
Alyssa Pietropaolo, A'13, L'16
Eric Sinagra, S'11
Joseph Vitti, A'11
Marybeth Wargo, N'10
Michael Warren, E'17, M'18