Scholarships: In keeping with Duquesne's Spiritan heritage, we seek to increase endowed funds for
need-based financial aid and scholarships. Our founders and sponsors were determined
that the benefits of a Duquesne education should be available to all, regardless of
ability to pay. Endowed scholarships ensure that Duquesne can attract and retain talented
and motivated students for generations to come
Unrestricted Funds: Unrestricted gifts allow the director the flexibility to direct resources to the Center's
most critical needs and respond to unexpected opportunities. Many gifts to the Center
are designated for a specific purpose, making these discretionary funds even more
valuable.
Cross-Cultural Program Endowment: As society becomes increasingly pluralistic, all students need to develop the knowledge
and skills to successfully work with people of different backgrounds. The Center offers
a wide range of co-curricular educational programs that not only improve the diversity
climate on campus, but also prepare students to become leaders in personal and professional
settings. These initiatives may include targeted efforts (such as financial literacy
programs for at-risk students or anti-racist interventions dealing with specific situations)
as well broad-based workshops and speakers open to all students that provide insights
into cultural issues. Endowment funds are needed to ensure the continuation and expansion
of these cross-cultural programs.
Multicultural Student Advisory Council: While the Center bears primary responsibility for cross-cultural initiatives, it also
seeks to respond to student needs and promote campus-wide awareness and dialogue.
The Center has assembled a panel of student leaders to help guide its efforts. Currently,
this body operates only in an advisory capacity, but in the future, the Center seeks
dedicated funding that the Council, in turn, could allocate to other student organizations
that wish to offer multicultural programs furthering the Center's goals.
Peer Educators: This program would create a corps of diversity ambassadors. Similar to resident assistants,
these student leaders would receive intensive certification training in promoting
diversity and addressing multicultural issues across campus. Funding is needed to
support both training and stipends for selected students during academic terms.
Travel Funds: Students' educational experiences and leadership skills are enhanced by attendance
at regional and national professional conferences. Funds are needed to defray students'
costs of travel to and participation in these valuable networking opportunities.
Book Scholarships: The increasing expense of required textbooks is a real barrier to many students seeking
to begin or continue their studies. The Center's book scholarships would assist needy
students in addressing this vital academic need.
Multicultural Resource Library: The Center seeks to build, maintain and house a collection of books, audio and video
resources addressing diversity issues both on campus and in the larger society. These
materials would provide opportunities for students to enhance their understanding
and implement principles demonstrated in other activities.
Naming of the Department: A substantial endowment gift commitment to name the Center would provide continuing
funds for many of the initiatives described herein, while serving as a perpetual living
testament to the donor's generosity, compassion and vision.
Endowed Graduate Fellowship: Would provide funding for a graduate assistant to help the director implement new
and existing programs and work directly with students.
Facilities Improvements: Operational funds are sought to renovate, maintain and decorate the Center's offices
and upgrade the technology available for student and staff use.
