Spotlight Duquesne: A Weekend of Celebration

Alumni Homecoming & Family Weekend - October 10-11, 2025

Join us for an extraordinary Homecoming and Family Weekend from October 10-11 as we turn the spotlight on Dukes past and present and celebrate the historic success of our IGNITE campaign! Join other alumni, students, their families, faculty, and staff for events that shine a bright light on the spirit of our community!

Enjoy new traditions like the thunderous Rally to Rooney and wine and craft beer flights in Homecoming Village. And don’t miss this year’s special attraction, a dinner and dance party in the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse featuring MAMMA MANIA! New York City's ultimate ABBA tribute band!

Whether you’re from the Class of 1975 celebrating your 50th reunion or a new grad who can’t resist a glittery groove—prepare to be transported back to the vibrant 1970s as Mamma Mania! brings the classic hits of one of pop music's most iconic groups to life. With their dazzling costumes, flawless harmonies, and captivating stage presence, this tribute captures the essence of ABBA’s unforgettable sound. From "Dancing Queen" to "Mamma Mia," alums, students and families will enjoy a night filled with nostalgia from a stellar cast of musicians, followed by the Friday night fireworks display!

From the celebratory fireworks to the bright skyline of Downtown to the vibe on A-Walk, the campus will shine a bold spotlight on all that’s best about Duquesne, past and future!

Homecoming & Family Weekend Schedule of Events

Check-In
9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Duquesne Union, Second Floor Lounge ("The Fishbowl") 
Visit the PNC Atrium on the second Floor of the Duquesne Union when you arrive to receive your name tag, campus map, and more at our modernized, sustainable check-in experience! Enjoy giveaways, a photo booth, and refreshments to sweeten your arrival back to the Bluff!
 
Campus Tours for the Class of 1975

Departing at 10:00 a.m., 10:45 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
In front of Duquesne Union 
Alumni from the Class of 1975 are invited to tour campus, led by expert student tour guides. Walking and golf cart tours are available.
 
Welcome Mass
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Chapel of the Holy Spirit
A welcome celebration for the Class of 1975 and Golden Dukes.
 
Golden Dukes Luncheon
1:00-4:00 p.m.
Power Center Ballroom
Alumni from the Class of 1975 and earlier are invited to attend this special celebration as members of the 50th Reunion Class are inducted as Golden Dukes. Suggested attire for the event is business casual. Admission is complimentary for members of the Class of 1975 and one guest. $20 per person for all other guests. Advance registration is required.

HCFW Block Party
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Unico Family Pavilion
Enjoy an afternoon filled with music, food, lawn games, raffle prizes, and fun activities for all ages. Reconnect with fellow alumni, meet current students and families, and celebrate the spirit of Duquesne in a vibrant outdoor setting. All are welcome—come ready to make memories!

Friday Night Spectacular and "Mamma Mania!" Concert
5:30-9:00 p.m.
UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
Get ready to dance and sing along to the classics at the Friday Night Spectacular—an unforgettable evening of music, mingling, and celebration! The event includes buffet stations, cash bar, a photo booth, high-end raffle prizes, and more. The night reaches a high note with a live concert by Mamma Mania!, New York City’s ultimate ABBA tribute band.

Fireworks on the Bluff
9:15 p.m. 
Launched from roof of Locust Garage
Cozy watch party from Unico Pavilion and along Academic Walk
Cap off the evening with a cozy and festive fireworks celebration! Enjoy the fireplace lit under the Unico Family Pavilion with complimentary blankets and warm apple cider

Check-In
8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Duquesne Union, Second Floor Lounge ("The Fishbowl") 
Visit the PNC Atrium on the second Floor of the Duquesne Union when you arrive to receive your name tag, campus map, and more at our modernized, sustainable check-in experience! Enjoy giveaways, a photo booth, and refreshments to sweeten your arrival back to the Bluff!

Duke 100 Media Tours and Panel Discussion
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Broadcast Studios, 104 College Hall
Celebrate 100 years of the The Duquesne Duke newspaper with tours of the newly renovated broadcast studios before some breakfast refreshments and panel discussion with current and former members of the Duke staff.

Double Decker Bus Tours 
9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
Departing from Forbes Avenue
Take a tour of Pittsburgh with one of our 11 time slots available with the famous red double decker buses!  Along the way, the friendly and funny bus guide shares insight into the history of the city, pointing out important landmarks and architecture. Due to bus capacity, seating is limited.

Walking Tours of Campus
9:00-11:00 a.m.
Departing from Union Perron, Academic Walk
Join an Admissions Representative in a tour of campus! Tours will depart from the fountain on the Union Perron.

Family Welcome Breakfast
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Duquesne Union Ballroom 
Enjoy a continental breakfast of pastries, breads, and snacks while hearing from Student Life’s leadership about Duquesne and family involvement.

Veterans' Memorial
10:00-10:30 a.m.
Chapel of the Holy Spirit
Join us at the Chapel as we honor our fallen veterans at this annual service.

Veterans' Breakfast
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Admissions Welcome Center, Old Main
Join fellow alumni and student veterans to mix and mingle over this continental breakfast, as well as meet our Director of Veteran Programs at Duquesne. Learn how you can get involved with veteran students.
 
Young Alumni Pre-Game Tailgate
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Unico Family Pavilion
Join fellow graduates of the last decade for the second annual pre-game brunch, hosted by the Young Alumni Network! Enjoy a brunch buffet, mimosas, beer, hard seltzers, games, and raffle prizes, including two tickets to a home Pittsburgh Steelers game!

20th Reunion Tailgate
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Unico Pavilion Lawn
Members of the Class of 2005 and their families/guests are invited to a special pre-game tailgate to celebrate 20 years since graduation!

Athletics Alumni Tailgate
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Unico Pavilion Lawn
All athletics alumni are invited to a pre-game tailgate. Enjoy food, drinks, and giveaways as you get ready to cheer on the Dukes!

Alumni and Families Tailgate Lunch 
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Homecoming Village
Join alumni, parents, students, and friends at this annual pre-game lunch, featuring a tailgate-themed menu, dessert station, beer, wine and assorted non-alcoholic beverages.  Kid-friendly options available.  Meet up before the game with your Duquesne friends and play a game of Jenga, Connect Four or just reminisce. This event has sold out early in the past, we encourage those who are interested in attending to register as early as possible.

DUBAN Tailgate Lunch 
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Homecoming Village
The Black Alumni Network welcomes alumni, parents and friends to this annual pre-game get together, featuring a tailgate-themed menu, dessert station, beer, wine and assorted non-alcoholic beverages.  Kid-friendly options available.  Join your Duquesne friends, the Divine Nine, BSU, Ebony Women, Collegiate 100 and others while making new connections during an Uno Tournament or relaxed corn hole game.

10th Anniversary of Red Ring Statue Celebration
11:00 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Red Ring Statue
Swing by the Red Ring Statue with your family and friends and receive complementary photos by a professional photographer! Red ring provider Herff Jones will be in attendance with additional surprises and giveaways for attendees.

Family Fun Zone
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
College Hall Lawn
Bring the whole crew to the Family Fun Zone—an exciting space packed with activities for kids and kids-at-heart! Enjoy inflatables, face painting, games, crafts, and interactive entertainment that will keep the smiles going all day long.

AutumnFest
11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Academic Walk 
Head out to Academic Walk for our sidewalk festival. Carnival games, prizes, food, and entertainment attractions sponsored by various student organizations. It’s the best way to celebrate the season and Duquesne school spirit, so you won’t want to miss out.
 
Rally to Rooney
12:00-12:40 p.m.
Academic Walk, Beginning at Vickroy Hall
Get pumped up with a parade that’s bigger and better than ever! South Allegheny Marching Band, the Duquesne Pep Band, mascots, student athletes, cheerleaders, dance team, and more will lead us in the rally down Academic Walk before the Homecoming and Family Weekend Football game!
 
Football Game: Duquesne vs. St. Francis University
1:00 p.m.
Rooney Field
Cheer on the Dukes as they face off against St. Francis University! The main registrant will receive digital tickets from the Duquesne Athletics ticket office 48 hours prior the game. For those purchasing multiple tickets, you may do so using this registration. Once you receive the tickets, you will have the ability to forward individual tickets to friends or family attending with you. All current students get into the game for free using their student ID. For further assistance or questions regarding digital ticketing, you can contact the ticket office at (412) 232-DUKE (3853) or by email at ticketservices@duq.edu.

Homecoming Court Reunion
2:30-4:00 p.m.
Homecoming Village
Homecoming Court is one of Duquesne’s oldest traditions! Previous members of Homecoming Court and guests are invited to a special reunion to toast their shared experience as Duquesne royalty. Light hors d’oeuvres and a champagne toast will be provided.

Resident Assistant Reunion
4:00-6:00 p.m.
McGinley Hall Lobby
All former resident assistants are invited to mingle and tour McGinley Hall, Duquesne's newest residence building. Food, drinks, and giveaways included.

Craft Beer, Bourbon and Wine Flights
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Homecoming Village
Keep the celebration going after the football game at this exclusive tasting experience.  Enjoy light bites, mingle with fellow alumni and families, and toast to a great day during this refined addition to Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Outdoor Mass
5:30 p.m.
Crucifix Garden
Join Spiritan Campus Ministry for this special offering of an Outdoor Mass to take place at the Crucifix Garden.

Duke 100 Celebration Reception and Dinner
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Africa Room, Duquesne Union
All former members of The Duquesne Duke newspaper staff and their guests are invited to a reception and dinner to celebrate 100 years of student journalism on the Bluff. Cocktails and light bites will be served from 5:30-6:00 p.m. with sit-down dinner to follow.
 
Bingo
6:00- 9:00 p.m.
Duquesne Union Ballroom
Join us for a fun night of bingo! Enjoy light bites while playing a family favorite game and mingling with your fellow Homecoming and Family Weekend guests. This year will feature even more luxury prizes!