Celebrating Excellence Across Our Community

The energy continued at a post-ceremony reception, where colleagues connected over hors d’oeuvres, desserts and beverages.

This year, the Duquesne University Staff Advisory Council (DUSAC) received 189 nominations from 89 nominators this year.

Congratulations to this year’s award winners:

• Rookie of the Year Award: Lindsay Harris, triage therapist and case manager, Center for Student Wellbeing
• Teamwork Award: Connor Baca, AB D’Amico, Keith DeVaughn, Mia Graziani, Reagan Halstead, Raymond Marr, Jeffrey Openbrier, Cara Scagline, Suzanne Sinclair, Courtney Stinebiser, Katy Tersine, Katherine Walnoha, and Elizabeth Wright, Office of Residence Life
• Innovation Award: Ideas that Make a Difference: Natalie Mackey, director of advancement services, Division of University Advancement
• Quality Service Award: JoAnne Hrehocik, associate registrar for course management and scheduling, Office of the Registrar
• Champion for Campus Engagement and Community Building Award: Lynn Schwartzmiller, administrative assistant and Career Closet coordinator, Center for Career Development, Division of Student Life
• Presidential Special Recognition Award for Exemplary Service: Debbie Kostosky, Spiritan campus minister, Division of Mission & Identity
• President’s Spirit of Duquesne Award: Megan Peterson, Executive Director of Conference and Event Services, Division of University Advancement.

Check out all of the 2026 Staff Award nominees and milestone honorees!

Mission in Action

As part of the annual Staff Awards event, employees put together more than 60 items, including “goodie bags,” decorated door hangers and written notes for residents at the Wyngate Assisted Living Facility in Weirton, W.V. Thanks to a connection between an alumna at the facility and a University staff member, the mission animation office learned that Wyngate’s residents don’t get as much young adult presence as other centers located near city universities. Duquesne was happy to step in to deliver some joy.

Residents were thrilled with the gifts! The notes and door hangers were especially appreciated and the goodie bags were also warmly received, packed with things like travel-size hand sanitizer and lotion, electrolyte drink packs and stylus pens to help them keep in touch with their families.