Duquesne University Liberal Arts

10/13/2026

She lived and became a legend.

In 1724, Margaret Dickson survived her own ex*****on and became Scotland’s “Half-Hangit Maggie,” a folk hero, a villain, and a ghost tour regular.

Join the Duquesne University Department of History for our annual History Forum on Tuesday, October 27, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom to explore what her story reveals about power, sin, and how history gets remembered.

It’s free and open to the public, with a reception to follow.

10/13/2026

Robert Alberino, A’92, vice president of content and production for The Kansas City Chiefs, visited campus for homecoming to meet with students in our Media and Communication & Rhetorical Studies departments. He spoke with our community about his career and worked with Duquesne Student Television on a podcast.

“Returning to the Bluff meant seeing the growth and innovation not only in the spaces I visited, but in the student body as well. I was beyond impressed by the drive and vision of the students,” Robert said. “Liberal Arts is led by world-class faculty and fueled by a passion for learning. I was thrilled by every conversation I had on campus.”

Brendan Flatow, A’29, a sports information and media major, was one of the students who interviewed Robert for student media.

“I work in sports content and production, so asking him directly about his content strategies was valuable because he provided me with information that I can use to improve my content and make it more appealing to viewers. He’s someone who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, and the fact he was willing to share that with students like me was awesome,” said Brendan.

10/09/2026

Dukes! Welcome back to the Bluff for Homecoming and Family Weekend. Do you recognize these Liberal Arts spots?

09/30/2026

And the Emmys go to ... Jenni Schlieper!

The Duquesne University Media Department alumna won two Mid-Atlantic Regional Emmys this week. She wrote, directed, and produced "The Ocean – Five Years," winner in the Documentary category, and "Turning Moments Into Memories," winner in Lifestyle – Long Form Content.

Jenni is co-owner and director of Flying Scooter Productions in Pittsburgh.

There’s no limit to your success when you pursue your bigger goals. ❤️💙

09/30/2026

"When you try something different you can find what you're passionate about in the most unexpected places," said Lexi Javorsky, an Applied Media, Advertising and Public Relations student in the Duquesne University Media Department.

"It helps that Duquesne is a really great place to experience a variety of opportunities and meet so many people from all over the country and even the world."

Lexi Javorsky, A’26, tends to say “yes” to unexpected opportunities. It’s led to fulfilling relationships, service to others and the chance to share stories that inspire. The applied media, advertising and public relations major and English minor came to the Bluff after graduating from Baldw...

09/28/2026

Benjamin Lochie, A’27, can trace his path toward medicine back to a single high school psychology class. That early spark, paired with personal experience that pushed him toward mental health care, led him to declare a psychology major and a Catholic studies minor, and eventually to the NIH Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Experience (NURE) at Duquesne.

“I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to join NURE and gain research experience before applying to medical school,” he said.

He landed in Dr. Rehana Leak’s lab, which uses mouse models to study a group of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s. His work focused on a drug called PLX5622 and its effect on immune cells in the brain.

Working alongside Dr. Leak, Benjamin didn’t expect to be pulled so deeply into data analysis. It was a welcome surprise.

“That’s something I never expected to learn going into NURE,” he said. “I’ve been focusing on that ever since, and I’m really enjoying it.”

The experience deepened his interest in brain research and opened a new one in analyzing biological data, both of which he hopes to apply in medical school and his career.

His advice to other Liberal Arts students curious about research? Just ask.

“Reach out to professors to see if they or their colleagues are looking for research assistants,” he said. “Most everything you’ll do in a research lab, you’ll have to learn on the job – somewhere. Don’t shy away from applying if it seems daunting at first. I was definitely nervous about being out of my element, but it really paid off.”

09/22/2026

Bigger goals don't retire.

Duquesne alum Judge Warren Watson earned his B.A. in economics and political science and his J.D. at Duquesne. He then spent 38 years on the bench and never stopped playing jazz.

At 103, he just performed at the Monroeville Jazz Festival, likely making him the oldest performing jazz musician in the country.

On a mostly sunny Saturday, an estimated 3,000 spectators turned out with their lawn chairs and blankets for what might have been a jazz performance for...

09/13/2026

We’re so proud of everything Grace Heidinger, A’22, has accomplished since graduating with a degree from the Duquesne University Media Department. ❤️💙

09/10/2026

Brady Crow, A'28, president of Duquesne's chapter of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, spent time this week at our Student Organization Expo behind a table for the organization, answering questions from students who had never heard of the organization before.

As an aspiring animal behavior scientist, he was happy to connect with fellow psychology majors about the organization's activities, including movie nights that analyze film through a psychological lens and mental health and wellness nights. He also spoke about the opportunities the Department of Psychology and the society provide, including research.

"As for my research and involvement in the department," he said, "I'm currently enrolled in a research laboratory class with Dr. Alexander Kranjec. We are creating a study to observe how the visual presentation of a spider affects the emotional experience of seeing one."

Brady also shared that his peers are working on projects ranging from mental health to artificial intelligence.

Along with professional development, Psi Chi has given Brady a sense of community within Liberal Arts.

"Psi Chi has been highly beneficial for me as a student. I think Psi Chi and Psychology Club, our sister organization, are excellent at uniting people who have a passion for the psychology of everyday life. Sharing the work we're doing at Duquesne with each other lets us explore cross-disciplinary approaches together," he said.

As a junior, Brady is already thinking about his post-graduation plans, which include applying to graduate programs and pursuing a career studying animal behavior.

"It has been my goal since childhood to become an animal behavior scientist. Our Psychology program places a huge emphasis on individual experience, and I intend to apply that way of thought to the countless creatures who inhabit our world. My next steps involve merging my interest in psychology with conservation and applying to graduate programs," he said.

09/04/2026

Our Communication & Rhetorical Studies program is made up of scholars who care deeply about their communities.

Recently, Ph.D. student in Rhetoric Rev. William Baker IV offered a blessing at the dedication of Pittsburgh’s new Zone 5 police precinct, joined by the mayor and other city leaders.