Duquesne University President Ken Gormley recently presented the Most Rev. David A. Zubik, D.D., bishop of Pittsburgh, with a rare Presidential Medal in recognition of his extraordinary service to Duquesne and to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Gormley bestowed the special medal on Bishop Zubik at the University’s Mass of the Holy Spirit on Aug. 25. The Mass, which annually opens the academic year at Duquesne, was celebrated by Bishop Zubik and the Very Rev. William H. Christy, C.S.Sp., provincial of the U.S. province of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, the founders of Duquesne University. More than 1,000 students, families, faculty, staff, alumni and friends were in attendance.

Mrs. Laura Gormley, Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik and Duquesne President Ken Gormley
Mrs. Laura Gormley, Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik and Duquesne President Ken Gormley

“It’s my distinct privilege to confer this special presidential medal upon a wonderful human being and pastoral leader whose life’s work has demonstrated a deep commitment to his faith; his compassion for all fellow human beings; his love of the Catholic Church, particularly here in the Diocese of Pittsburgh; and his unwavering love and commitment to his alma mater, Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit,” Gormley said. “We’re grateful for all Bishop Zubik does to help guide and enrich our University family.”

Gormley said it was particularly fitting to recognize Bishop Zubik on this occasion because he celebrates his 75th birthday in Pittsburgh and his Golden Jubilee as a priest in May 2025.

Several members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit from Duquesne University and the Most Rev. Henry Aruna, C.S.Sp., Bishop of the Diocese of Kenema in the ecclesiastical province of Freetown in Sierra Leone, also participated as Mass celebrants.

Zubik earned two degrees from Duquesne University—his bachelor’s in education in 1971 and a Master of Educational Administration in 1982.

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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August 29, 2024