The Division of Mission and Identity seeks ways to develop relationships throughout campus that help our students, faculty and staff to see their learning, teaching and research at Duquesne as part of a larger effort to serve the common good. Our numerous programs add to the academic experience on campus in order to help you expand your horizons or to take a break, step back and breathe for a moment amidst all that is going on in our world today.

Mission, Vision and Values

The Spiritan Congregation began in France in 1703. Theirs is a story that spans more than three centuries, criss-crosses continents in war-time and in peace, and features the selflessness of thousands of priests, brothers and lay persons who have forgone society's aspirations to power, prestige, and wealth. Rather, they made and continue to make profound sacrifices to minister to the poor and disadvantaged. The Spiritan commitment to serving the disadvantaged led to the founding of Duquesne University -- then a secondary school -- as a school for the immigrant poor in Pittsburgh. Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a Catholic university founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, the Spiritans, and sustained through a partnership of laity and religious. Through campus-wide collaboration we work to integrate the Spiritan mission of the University into all aspects of campus life as seamlessly as possible.
Under the direction of the Division of Mission of Identity, the Center for Catholic Faith and Culture, the Center for Spiritan Studies and Spiritan Campus Ministry encourage students, faculty and staff to visualize their work as part of a larger effort to serve the common good.
  • Commitment to excellence in liberal and professional education
  • Profound concern for moral and spiritual values
  • Maintaining an ecumenical atmosphere open to diversity
  • Service to the Church, the community, the nation, and the world

Our Spiritan Identity

Fr. Ray French

Duquesne University is a community of scholars who live the Spiritan-led commitment of service to all and who share God's wisdom and academia's knowledge with those who seek it.

The Rev. Raymond French, C.S.Sp. Vice President for Mission and Identity
2025 Run for Tengeru Duquesne heritage Week 5K

Run for Tengeru 5K

Heritage Week will be kicking off with a 5K to raise money for the Spiritan led Tengeru Boys School in northern Tanzania! Student registration is only $5 and employee registration is only $20! All proceeds benefit the Tengeru School. First 50 registrations get a free race day t-shirt!

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  • Academic Walk
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Attendees watching presentation in Africa Room.

Heritage Week Luncheon

Please join us for our annual Heritage Week luncheon where we will be welcoming representatives from the Tengeru Boys School! Over the past few years, our relationship with this Spiritan school has grown to include students visiting each summer and funds being raised on our campus for projects there

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  • Union Africa Room
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Tanzanian Flag

Tanzanian Cultural Dinner for Students

Students are invited to attend an evening of good food and fellowship as we learn about Tanzania, the role the Spiritans have played in the country over the years, and what our students have been up to on their study abroad experiences there recently!

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Paint brushes of various colors

Banner Making and Birthday

Students groups can register to attend this annual event where we will be making banners reflective of each student organization. The banners will be hung on the Student Union Perron during Spirit Week and Homecoming & Family Weekend!

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  • Towers MPR
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Happy Birthday Duquesne - 47 Years

University Birthday Party

Come on out as we celebrate Duquesne’s 147th birthday! We will have games, fun food, giveaways, and a chance to sing Happy Birthday as we cut the birthday cake!

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Mission and Identity

Rev. Raymond French, C.S.Sp.