The Center, Duquesne University

Still inspired from last month’s Spirit of Community Building Awards ✨

We had the honor of welcoming keynote speaker Tiffany Willis, whose story of resilience, grit, and purpose left a lasting impact on our community. 💫

Her powerful book Own Your Narrative: A Journey Rooted in Resilience, Restored in Purpose is a must-read—reminding us all that our challenges don’t define us, they shape us. 📖

From overcoming adversity to leading at the highest levels, Tiffany’s journey is a testament to owning your story and walking boldly in your purpose.

If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, and a reminder of your own strength—this is your sign to grab a copy.❤️💙

https://www.tiffany-willis.com/book

✨ You’re Invited! ✨
Join us for the Spirit of Community Building Celebration hosted by The Center: Fostering Student Connection 💫
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026
📍 Power Center Ballroom, Duquesne University
🕔 Reception: 5:00 PM
🕕 Dinner & Program: 6:00 PM
Celebrate the incredible achievements of Duquesne students as we honor their leadership, dedication, and academic success 🎓
🌟 Featuring keynote speaker Tiffany Willis (B’99, CPA) — Fortune 100 executive, former SVP at Starbucks, and C-suite advisor. Her powerful journey is one you won’t want to miss!
🎟️ Tickets:
• $45 per person
• FREE for Duquesne students

📩 RSVP duq.edu/center

Spirit of Community Building Celebration Check out some upcoming events in the community on the Community Engagement Calendar!

Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast held at Mount Ararat Baptist Church.

In the spirit of Service, Equity & Unity, Duquesne University proudly presents its Fourth Annual MLK UNITY WEEK 🕊️
📅 January 19–23, 2026

Join us as we celebrate the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. King through reflection, action, dialogue, and community.

🟦 MONDAY | January 19
☕ MLK Day Breakfast | 7:30–10:00 a.m.
📍 Mount Ararat Baptist Church
Students from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law and across campus will attend the Homer S. Brown Drum Major for Justice Awards Breakfast, honoring local leaders for their social justice work.
👏 Congratulations to Judge Nicola Henry-Taylor, L’96, recipient of the Drum Major for Justice Award!

🏀 3v3 MLK Jr. Day Basketball Tournament | Noon–8:00 p.m.
📍 Power Center, 3rd Floor Gym
🔗 Sign up: duq.edu/CampusLink

🟦 TUESDAY | January 20
✍🏽 Unity Writing Campaign | All Day
📍 The Center, Student Union Room 302
Share what unity means to you as part of the 10th National Day of Racial Healing. Messages will be displayed throughout Black History Month.

🟦 WEDNESDAY | January 21
🤝 Building Connections, Creating Community
Career Development Open House | Noon–3:00 p.m.
📍 Student Union Room 614

📢 Know Your Rights Discussion | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 Student Union, Africa Room
Featuring DU Police Chief Eric Holmes (student-focused event)

🟦 THURSDAY | January 22
🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏾‍♂️ MLK Unity Walk | 11:00 a.m. (gather at 10:50 a.m.)
📍 Administration Building → Bayer Rotunda
All are welcome to walk in solidarity for unity and social justice.

🟦 FRIDAY | January 23
🍽️ MLK Luncheon | Noon–2:00 p.m.
📍 Student Union, Africa Room
🎤 Keynote: Dr. Michael Rice
🔗 RSVP: duq.edu/MLKLunch

Let us come together to reflect, serve, and continue the work toward justice and unity. ❤️✊🏽

Homecoming and Family Weekend❤️💙❤️💙

Three words for our 300+ student organizations? Welcoming, inspiring and dynamic. Audio Description: Interviews with members of six student organizations. Upbeat, instrumental music in the background. Video Description: Members of six student organizations talking at the camera and scenes of them at AutumnFest.

🎉🏈 Homecoming & Family Weekend is less than a month away!!! Hope to see you there!!! Let's GO Dukes!!!

🔥 Start the day at the DUBAN Tailgate →

DUBAN Tailgate
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Homecoming Village
👉 RSVP: duq.edu/alumni/hcfw (for all events)

Then keep the good vibes going at Kickback with THE CENTER →

✨ Kickback with THE CENTER
⏰ 2 PM – 4 PM
📍 Homecoming Village (under the tent)
🎶 Music, food, & good vibes
👉 RSVP: [email protected]

Let’s celebrate ALL DAY — from tailgate to kickback 🙌💙❤️

✨ Pre-O Energy = UNMATCHED! ✨

Kicked off the year with this incredible crew of new students and rockstar leaders! 💪🏽💙 From the Student Union steps to the start of something special — we're building community, making memories, and setting the tone for an amazing year ahead.

Swipe ➡️ for the future. Stay for the friendships. 💫

Rooted in the Spiritan tradition of welcoming all and excluding none, The Center cultivates authentic student connection across campus.

Today was day two of their Pre-Orientation program, better known as Pre-O.

It provides first-year students with a valuable opportunity to connect with a diverse group of students, administrators, faculty, staff and alumni.

We encourage all students to stop by their office at 302 Student Union to learn more and get involved!