Class of 2025 Takes Center Stage at Duquesne’s Spring Commencement

These graduates leave with a greater sense of purpose and the confidence to pursue even bigger goals—equipped with the focus to move forward without narrowing their ambitions. 

The Duquesne University Spring Commencement schedule is as follows: 

Friday, May 9 

• The McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, 10:30 a.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. A special presentation will feature brief remarks from Edward Wesolowski, an English teacher from Commonwealth Charter Academy who was revived by Duquesne first-responders after a life-threatening cardiac event at a Duquesne women’s basketball game on January 5, 2025. In addition to Wesolowski’s remarks, two of the responders—Travis Moyer, Duquesne University Assistant Athletic Trainer, and Dr. Ryan Nussbaum, UPMC Team Physician—will be recognized. 
• The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, 2 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Commencement speaker: Sharon Kelley, CPA, MBA, chair of the Mayo Clinic Revenue Cycle; Gina Govojdean, B’12, vice president of procurement at Howmet Aerospace, will receive the Young Alumni Achievement Award. 
• The Mary Pappert School of Music, 4 p.m., Student Union Ballroom. Commencement speaker: Ryan Joseph, a well-known fiddle player and multi-instrumentalist who is currently touring with country music legend Alan Jackson, who also will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. 
• The John G. Rangos, Sr., School of Health Sciences, 5 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. A special presentation will feature brief remarks from Edward Wesolowski, an English teacher from Commonwealth Charter Academy who was revived by Duquesne first-responders after a life-threatening cardiac event at a Duquesne women’s basketball game on January 5, 2025. In addition to Wesolowski’s remarks, two of the responders—Travis Moyer, Duquesne University Assistant Athletic Trainer, and Dr. Ryan Nussbaum, UPMC Team Physician—will also address the graduates. 

These ceremonies will be preceded by the annual Baccalaureate Mass at 9 a.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. 

Saturday, May 10 

• The School of Nursing, 9 a.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Commencement speaker: Diane S. Hupp, President of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Chair, Duquesne University Board of Directors. 
• The School of Education, 12 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Commencement speaker: Dr. Rick McCown, Duquesne professor of education and past Pierre Schouver, C.S.Sp., Endowed Chair in Mission at the University. 
• The School of Science and Engineering, 3 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Commencement speaker: Francis S. Marchilena, S’67, retired executive vice president of the Raytheon Company.  

Saturday, May 17 

• The School of Pharmacy, 10:30 a.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. Commencement speaker: Col. (Ret.) John D. Grabenstein, president of Vaccine Dynamics and internationally recognized vaccinologist, pharmacist and epidemiologist. 
• The Thomas R. Kline School of Law, 2:30 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse: Commencement speaker: The Honorable Debra Todd, chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. President Gormley will also award an Honorary Law Degree to Todd during the ceremony. 

Each graduation will be livestreamed—visit the University’s Commencement website for details. 

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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