Fostering Student Connection
Rooted in the Spiritan tradition of welcoming all and excluding none, The Center cultivates authentic student connection across campus.
We create spaces where each and every student—inclusive of background, identity, or lived experience—can feel seen, supported, and inspired. Through community programming, support for multicultural student organizations, and educational initiatives, we foster genuine relationships that reflect compassion for the human experience.
Our goal is to build a campus community where everyone belongs and every student can thrive—academically, socially, and personally—on their path to achieving their greatest potential.
The Center works side by side with the University community to address systemic challenges.
When you participate in our events and programs, you'll become more open to the lives
and journeys of others—and more determined to create a future everyone can share in. Scholarships: In keeping with Duquesne's Spiritan heritage, we seek to increase endowed funds for
need-based financial aid and scholarships. Our founders and sponsors were determined
that the benefits of a Duquesne education should be available to all, regardless of
ability to pay. Endowed scholarships ensure that Duquesne can attract and retain talented
and motivated students for generations to come Unrestricted Funds: Unrestricted gifts allow the director the flexibility to direct resources to The Center's
most critical needs and respond to unexpected opportunities. Many gifts to The Center
are designated for a specific purpose, making these discretionary funds even more
valuable. Cross-Cultural Program Endowment: As society becomes increasingly pluralistic, all students need to develop the knowledge
and skills to successfully work with people of different backgrounds. The Center offers
a wide range of co-curricular educational programs that not only improve the diversity
climate on campus, but also prepare students to become leaders in personal and professional
settings. These initiatives may include targeted efforts (such as financial literacy
programs for at-risk students or anti-racist interventions dealing with specific situations)
as well broad-based workshops and speakers open to all students that provide insights
into cultural issues. Endowment funds are needed to ensure the continuation and expansion
of these cross-cultural programs. Solidarity Team: The Solidarity Team, led by student leaders, fosters collaboration and community to
celebrate, support one another and uplift campus culture through shared events and
open dialogue. Our mission is to cultivate safe spaces where all students feel respected,
empowered and valued in their unique identities. Peer Educators: This program would create a corps of ambassadors. Similar to resident assistants,
these student leaders would receive intensive certification training in promoting
diversity and addressing multicultural issues across campus. Funding is needed to
support both training and stipends for selected students during academic terms. Travel Funds: Students' educational experiences and leadership skills are enhanced by attendance
at regional and national professional conferences. Funds are needed to defray students'
costs of travel to and participation in these valuable networking opportunities. Book Scholarships: The increasing expense of required textbooks is a real barrier to many students seeking
to begin or continue their studies. The Center's book scholarships would assist needy
students in addressing this vital academic need. Multicultural Resource Library: The Center seeks to build, maintain and house a collection of books, audio and video
resources addressing diversity issues both on campus and in the larger society. These
materials would provide opportunities for students to enhance their understanding
and implement principles demonstrated in other activities. Naming of the Department: A substantial endowment gift commitment to name The Center would provide continuing
funds for many of the initiatives described herein, while serving as a perpetual living
testament to the donor's generosity, compassion and vision. Endowed Graduate Fellowship: Would provide funding for a graduate assistant to help the director implement new
and existing programs and work directly with students. Facilities Improvements: Operational funds are sought to renovate, maintain and decorate The Center's offices
and upgrade the technology available for student and staff use. Our cultural and ethnic student organizations are critical and valued entities. Your
backgrounds, voices and actions serve as the core for our University's ability to
remain open to community building in all its forms. Hosted by The Center, the Spirit of Community Building Celebration honors University
students and partners who are committed to academic excellence and community building.
The event gathers over 300 people in attendance annually and provides an opportunity
for faculty, staff, students and members of the Pittsburgh community to hear from
some of the nation's leading thinkers on multicultural issues. Previous speakers have included Charlie Batch, Hill Harper, Swin Cash, Saleem Ghubril,
Cynthia L. James, Dr. Jen Fry and Mayor Ed Gainey.
The Center really builds that community for students on this campus. It has been
pivotal for being able to foster that community and the friendships that I have now.
I've met my closest friends through The Center.
I think The Center has helped me become a student leader. Since I've been involved
with The Center, they put me in positions to lead and to be an example for others.
The Center has really helped me evolve as a student leader. It's given me the
opportunity to learn from different perspectives and to look up to so many different
people as mentors.
The Center is a home for a lot of people and it has given me so many pathways
into being the leader that I am today.
Within the past two years, I've become even more engaged with The Center and
the students who are heavily involved in its work. It's been really impactful, and
I'm happy for the friendships and other connections that I've made.
The Center for me is kind of like my home on campus. It's a place where I can
find resources and tools to be the best student leader that I can be for my organizations.
“The Center creates a safe space for students who come from diverse backgrounds.
They have been a great support system for me on campus, as well as a place to go for
fun events and to connect with other students.”
“I've evolved as a student leader thanks to The Center showing me different examples
of what leadership looks like. It's a place I can call my second home.”
“I'm beyond grateful to The Center. They opened many doors for me and gave me
a lot of support.”
“The staff at The Center were incredibly supportive in everything that I did.”
"The Center really helped me evolve in becoming a student leader. They uplifted
my passions and motivation to engage with the Duquesne community around racial challenges
for Asian American and Pacific Islander students and faculty."
“I'm so thankful for The Center. The staff there were such incredible role models
for me.”
“The Center really helped me to grow. I popped in there all the time. They were
always so supportive.”
"I met my best friends literally my first day through The Center. It was very
integral to my overall experience at Duquesne."
"I've always had a passion to help others. It was a pleasure to be a mentor through
The Center to some of the younger students."
To celebrate our diversity, The Center joins student organizations, University partners
and community partners to observe and honor different cultures with a wide range of
heritage month celebrations. As you embark upon your collegiate journey and pursue your educational goals, you
will be provided with a reliable network of support to aid you in your success. We
are excited about your arrival and strongly encourage you to join us for our Pre-Orientation
Program that is held every August, just prior to the start of First-Year Orientation. Our Pre-Orientation program is coordinated each year by The Center. It is designed
to assist students in making a successful transition to Duquesne University. Pre-O
provides first-year students with a valuable opportunity to connect with a diverse
group of students, administrators, faculty, staff and alumni. Each session and activity
is led by returning student leaders who are dedicated to making this a meaningful
experience for participants. Pre-O is open to any student interested in attending
and is free of charge. The CenterPrograms and Services
Students and Alumni Talk About the Center's Impact
Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations
Pre-Orientation Program
About Pre-O
Contact Us
(412) 396-1117 | duqpreo@gmail.com
Visit The Center on CampusLink
Pre-Orientation Photos
Alumni
Duquesne Diversity Alumni Group
Originally launched by The Center in 2015, our Duquesne University Diversity Alumni Group intentionally seeks to connect previous alumni with our current students. Learn about upcoming events, connect and meet alumni and more!
Duquesne University Black Alumni Network (DUBAN)
DUBAN’s mission is to promote the presence, engagement, empowerment and success of Duquesne University’s Black Alumni Network by fostering key relationships with and engagement of students, alumni, faculty, staff and other community members through professional, educational, social, leadership and networking programs, as well as through philanthropic support and opportunities.
