Future Teacher Continues Great-Grandfather’s Duquesne Legacy

As the first-year School of Education student pursues a middle-level education degree with a dual certification in special education, it’s not lost on her that she’s reaching for bigger goals at the very University that her great-grandfather influenced and grew. 
 

Vernon Gallagher served as the eighth president of Duquesne from 1950 to 1959 and was dedicated to building community and opportunity. Under his administration, the University constructed Lourdes Grotto, Trinity Hall, Rockwell Hall and Assumption Hall. Gallagher also made inroads in purchasing land surrounding campus, which allowed future expansion. He was a staunch supporter of civil rights, refusing a Sugar Bowl bid for the football team because of Louisiana’s segregation policy.  

Inspired by others

Family connection certainly drew Riley to the Bluff—her grandmother was a librarian at Gumberg Library for 17 years and her father, two aunts, grandfather, great uncle and cousin are alumni—and she never takes these deep roots for granted. 
 

“There's something about being here and so family-rooted and my great-grandfather being such a big part of what Duquesne is today,” she said. “It's unbelievable to me how much he was able to accomplish.”
 
Riley also appreciates Duquesne’s park-like campus, urban location and the people who bring the University’s mission to life.
 
“When I came to campus for DUQ Day or Admitted Student Day, I saw all these people talking about the School of Education and all the clubs you can join, and I just remember how exciting the environment felt,” she said. “It was so clear to me that everybody that goes here is here for a reason. They chose Duquesne and feel like they belong, and I really have that sense too.” 

A love for education

Following in the footsteps of her aunt and cousin who became teachers and her grandfather who worked as a principal, Riley’s interest in teaching grew in high school when she had the opportunity to coach gymnastics and serve as a teaching assistant during her senior year. In that role, she gained professional confidence and impressive experience in a band classroom and a sixth-grade classroom where she taught Common Sense Media Literacy.
 
“I had multiple teachers who were Duquesne alumni who had such good teaching styles, and I knew that coming to Duquesne I would get the best education and experience,” said Riley. “I chose middle-level education because it’s a difficult time in life. If I can be a mentor for someone who’s going through something, that would be amazing.”
 
Riley is no stranger to overcoming adversity, and she believes her life experience will enable her to lead a classroom with compassion and empathy. She was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart condition, and underwent two open-heart surgeries by the time she was three months old. She had an additional procedure in 2021 to repair a leaking pulmonary valve.

“It’s a big part of my development as a person that’s given me perseverance, and I can take that and apply it to all aspects of teaching or life,” she said. 

Riley detailed her deep connection to Duquesne and her health challenges as she completed an application for the School of Education’s Educators of Impact Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship has been a strong financial support, allowing Riley to become the teacher she’s meant to be.

“It also gave me the opportunity to explain to the School of Education what I want to pursue and why I’d be a good fit for admission,” she said. 

Realizing her boldest goals

Between horizon-expanding coursework, participation in Delight Ministries and get-togethers with friends who inspire and support, Riley enjoys stopping by the Grotto her great-grandfather designed to connect with the past and feel gratitude for what’s to come. She also values study time in Gumberg Library’s quiet study space on the first floor. 

Riley recently learned that her study space of choice is just steps from Duquesne University’s archives, which house photographs, documents and other artifacts from University history—including those of her great-grandfather. She’s since visited to view Gallagher’s photographs, written remarks and even a telegram from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 
 
“My great-grandfather was so passionate, driven and focused,” she said. “He was such a good person, and it means so much more to me than if I was at any other school.”