Events and Activities for August, September 2026

Wednesday, August 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Academic Walk, Mellon Hall Patio: President’s Welcome Back BBQ on the Bluff
Faculty and staff are invited to gather for good food, great company and a celebration of summer before we kick off an exciting academic year!

Friday, Aug. 14, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, Gilliand Pavilion: The New Health Sciences Building Groundbreaking Ceremony
Duquesne will celebrate the groundbreaking of the future Health Sciences facility, a transformational investment in health sciences education, innovation and community care. The new facility will serve as the future home of the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences, bringing students, faculty, research, clinical learning and community partnerships together to prepare future health professionals to impact the lives of others.

Friday, Aug. 14, through Friday, Oct. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gumberg Library, Fourth Floor, Popular Reading Room: Art for August Exhibit
Celebrate the legacy of acclaimed playwright August Wilson through a collection of original artwork. The exhibit which runs until October 2, features the work of 10 local artists, ranging from emerging student talent to established regional artists, each offering a unique interpretation of Wilson's life, works and lasting impact. 

Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse: Matriculation 2026: New Beginnings Create Endless Possibilities
New students officially begin their journey as members of the Duquesne University community during this annual academic tradition.

Saturday, Aug. 22,  from 11 a.m. to noon, The Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh, 15217: Sensory Nature Walk and Education Seminar Series
Duquesne University's Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy (IDEA) and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy invite individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers to participate in an inclusive sensory nature walk and educational seminar focused on creating opportunities for community inclusion.

Sunday, Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to noon, UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse: Mass of the Holy Spirit
A cherished Duquesne tradition, this Mass will be led by the Most Rev. Mark A. Eckman, D.D., bishop of Pittsburgh, and the Very Rev. John Fogarty, C.S.Sp, provincial superior of the Province of the United States Congregation of the Holy. It is the traditional opening of the new academic and brings together students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

Sunday, Aug. 23, 2 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse: School of Nursing White Coat Ceremony
The School of Nursing celebrates students as they don their white coats, symbolizing their commitment to compassionate, professional patient care, and recite the modern Nightingale pledge together.

Monday, Aug. 24: First Day of Fall Classes
The Fall 2026 semester officially begins for the Duquesne community.

Monday, Aug. 24, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Towers Hall, Second Floor: Hogan Dining Center Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Celebrate the newly renovated Hogan Dining Center and the enhanced dining experience it brings to the Duquesne community.

Friday, Aug. 28, 2:30 p.m., Gormley Student Union Ballroom: School of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony
This event marks a meaningful milestone as students are welcomed into the profession of pharmacy and commit to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gormley Student Union, Third Floor, Spiritan Room: Employee Health & Wellness Resource Fair
Eligible Duquesne employees and spouses enrolled in a University medical plan are invited to attend the Resource Fair to complete a free biometric screening, learn their health numbers, connect with wellness resources and discover how to earn up to $300 in Wellness in Motion rewards. Walk-ins welcome. Registration preferred. 

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 3 p.m., Gormley Student Union Ballroom: Convocation and State of the University Address 
President David Dausey will deliver remarks celebrating the University's recent achiehvements and highlighting the promising opportunities ahead. He will also honor and recognize Faculty Presidential Award winners, newly installed and reappointed Endowed Chairs, and 2026 Staff Awardees. A reception will follow on the Mellon Hall Patio. RSVP by Aug. 26.

Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Friday, Nov. 20: The Center’s Annual Turkey Drive
Help provide Thanksgiving meals for 200 families in need. Sponsor a family for $30 or make a monetary donation of any amount. Donations may be made at The Center, Room 302, Gormley Student Union. For more information, call 412-396-1117.

Tuesday, Sept. 8, through Thursday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Academic Walk: Student Expo
Students are invited to explore campus organizations, connect with fellow students and discover opportunities for involvement across the University.

Sunday, Sept. 13, through Tuesday, Sept. 22, various campus locations: The Inauguration of President David J. Dausey Activities
Join the Duquesne community for a week of events celebrating the inauguration of Dr. David J. Dausey as Duquesne University’s 14th president. Festivities include the Inaugural Mass, Investiture Ceremony, an all-campus reception and additional opportunities for the University community to celebrate this historic milestone. Learn more at duq.edu/Inauguration.

Tuesday, Sept. 15, noon, Gormley Student Union, Third Floor, Spiritan Room: Libermann Luncheon
This first luncheon will include a blessing for the newly renovated and renamed space. Email%20Debbie%20Kostosky to R.S.V.P.

Human Resources Events 
Explore upcoming professional development opportunities, benefits classes and resources available to Duquesne faculty and staff.

Duquesne Athletics Events
Cheer on the Dukes at one of the upcoming Athletics events this season. Check out the schedule and support our student-athletes!

Mary Pappert School of Music Events
The Mary Pappert School of Music presents a number of performances and learning opportunities throughout the year. Most events are either free or $10 suggested donation. Check out their upcoming events!

Center for Teaching Excellence Events
Promote your excellence in teaching by connecting through a variety of events that will expand your horizons with high-impact educational practices.

Duquesne Admissions Recruitment Events 
Duquesne Admissions hosts a variety of recruitment events throughout the year, from campus visit days to virtual information sessions. Encourage prospective students and families to explore all that Duquesne has to offer and experience our vibrant campus community firsthand.