Duquesne University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Duquesne University, a private Catholic research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1878 by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Originally named the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost, the institution became the first Catholic university-level institution in Pennsylvania in 1911. Over the years, Duquesne has grown into a comprehensive university with over 9,300 students and a wide range of academic programs.
Throughout its history, Duquesne University has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. From arts and sciences to business, law, politics, and sports, Duquesne graduates have left their mark on the world. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing the breadth and depth of their achievements. It is important to note that this is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness.
Arts and Entertainment
Duquesne University boasts a strong presence in the arts and entertainment industry, with alumni making waves as actors, musicians, and media personalities.
- Bobby Vinton: An American singer and actor known as "The Polish Prince," Vinton hosted his own TV show in the late 1970s. His hit song "Blue Velvet" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963.
- Tom Atkins: A prolific actor with a career spanning decades, Atkins has appeared in numerous films and television shows, becoming a recognizable face in the entertainment world.
- Sammy Nestico: A renowned composer and arranger, Nestico is best known for his arrangements for the Count Basie orchestra.
- Jenna Morasca: An actress, former swimsuit model, professional wrestler, and reality TV contestant, Morasca won the million-dollar grand prize on Survivor: The Amazon in 2003.
- Terry McGovern: A television actor, radio personality, voice-over specialist, and acting instructor, McGovern has had a diverse and successful career in the entertainment industry.
- Joseph Carl Breil: As a member of the class of 1888, Breil was the first person to compose a score specifically for a motion picture.
Athletics
Duquesne University has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, with many alumni going on to achieve success in professional sports.
- Chuck Cooper: A pioneer in basketball, Cooper was the first African-American player to be drafted into the NBA.
- Norm Nixon: A former professional basketball player, Nixon played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Diego/Los Angeles Clippers. He won two NBA championships with the Lakers in 1980 and 1982.
- Mike James: A former professional basketball player, James played for 11 different NBA teams, winning a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
- T.J. McConnell: Currently playing for the Indiana Pacers, McConnell played college basketball for the Duquesne Dukes.
- Chip Ganassi: A former racing driver and current team owner, Ganassi owns Chip Ganassi Racing, which operates teams in various racing series, including IndyCar and NASCAR.
- Donn Clendenon: A former professional baseball player, Clendenon won the World Series Most Valuable Player Award in 1969 while playing for the New York Mets.
- Cumberland Posey: Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Posey was a multi-sport athlete and executive in the Negro Leagues.
- Dick Ricketts: Played professional basketball and baseball simultaneously and retired from basketball to play baseball. He pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959 and had a 10-season pitching career. He is one of 13 athletes to play in both the NBA and MLB.
- Sihugo Green: He was selected as the first pick of the 1956 NBA draft by the Rochester Royals.
- Kieron Achara: Born in Stirling, United Kingdom, Achara is a professional basketball player.
- Derrick Alston: An American basketball coach and former player who serves as an assistant coach for the Wisconsin Herd of the NBA G League.
- Isiaha Mike: Is a Canadian professional basketball player for Partizan Belgrade of the Basketball League of Serbia (KLS), the Adriatic League and the EuroLeague.
Politics and Government
Duquesne University has a long history of producing leaders in politics and government, with alumni serving at the local, state, and national levels.
Read also: Duquesne Campus Guide
- Michael Hayden: A retired United States Air Force four-star general, Hayden served as the Director of the National Security Agency, Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
- Daniel DiNardo: A cardinal of the Catholic Church, DiNardo is the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in Texas.
- Adam Maida: A cardinal of the Catholic Church, Maida served as Archbishop of Detroit from 1990 to 2009.
- Dan Rooney: A diplomat and businessman, Rooney was the United States Ambassador to Ireland and the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
- Bud Shuster: A former member of the United States House of Representatives, Shuster represented Pennsylvania's 9th congressional district from 1973 to 2001.
- Catherine Baker Knoll: She was the 30th lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania, serving under Governor Ed Rendell from 2003 to 2008, when she died in office.
- Donald A. Bailey: Served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania.
- James R. Cox: A controversial Catholic priest who ran for public office several times.
- Henry Ellenbogen: Served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania.
- Gerald Feierstein: A career diplomat, Feierstein served as the United States Ambassador to Yemen.
- Joseph M. Gaydos: Served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania.
- Thomas Patrick Melady: Served as a U.S. Ambassador to several countries.
- Austin Murphy: Served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania.
- Elmer J. Holland: Served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania.
- Lionel Conacher: A Canadian athlete and politician.
- Terry Van Horne: Served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Business and Entrepreneurship
Duquesne University alumni have also made significant contributions to the world of business and entrepreneurship, founding successful companies and leading major organizations.
- Art Rooney II: The owner and president of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rooney has been instrumental in the team's success.
- Don Panoz: An entrepreneur and founder of two pharmaceutical companies, Panoz was also involved in motorsports and the development of racing technologies.
- David Morehouse: An American businessman and former president and chief executive officer of Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League.
Academia and Research
Duquesne University has a strong academic tradition, with many alumni becoming prominent scholars, researchers, and educators.
- Derrick Bell: A legal scholar and civil rights activist, Bell was a visiting professor at the New York University School of Law.
- Thomas Hopko: Was the Dean of Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary from September 1992 until July 1, 2002 and taught dogmatic theology there from 1968 until 2002.
Roman Catholic Church
Duquesne has graduated at least three bishops and two cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church.
- David Zubik: The current ordinary of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
- Vincent Leonard: Former bishop of Pittsburgh.
- David Bonnar: The bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.
- Daniel DiNardo: A cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Adam Maida: A cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Edward J. Burns: An American prelate of the Catholic Church who has served as bishop of the Diocese of Dallas in Texas since 2017.
Other Fields
Duquesne University alumni have also excelled in a variety of other fields, including law, medicine, and the military.
- William S. Stickman IV: A United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
- Walter Joseph Marm, Jr: A retired United States Army colonel and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War.
- Patricia Deegan: An American disability-rights advocate, psychologist and researcher.
Read also: Your Guide to Duquesne University
Read also: The History of Duquesne Basketball
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