Duquesne University: a living Spiritan tradition. From its early days as a school for orphans in Pittsburgh to its prestigious place today among America's top-rated universities, Duquesne has always had the student at the center of its mission. "Mission should energize the whole institution," says Chris Promis, CSSp, Executive Director of the Office of Mission and Identity. "Everybody should see their place in the Spiritan mission...as they feel it and can commit to it and make it active." Based on the values of Spiritan founders Claude des Places and Francis Libermann, Duquesne recognizes that the Holy Spirit is active in all of us. The Spiritans work to answer the call for truth by ensuring education for all people. Serving Students Today The Spiritan legacy of education, service and openness of mind, heart, and spirit is alive at Duquesne. "It is our flagship ministry," says Jim McCloskey, CSSp, recently named Vice President of University Relations. Academic excellence and the accessibility of education to all people is a top priority. Duquesne was recently named one of the top ten Catholic universities in America and gives away $30 million dollars in financial aid each year. Students of all backgrounds are given the opportunity to learn at Duquesne. Sixty percent of students are heavily involved in community service. Campus ministry, the Duquesne University Volunteers, and other organizations bring students into the local and global community. From working in downtown Pittsburgh to trips to Florida, Central America, and Africa, Duquesne students are learning what it means to give their time, minds, and spirit to those in need. Diversity and openness to all beliefs is central to the university's philosophy. The Catholic community is very active, yet half of the student population is made up of people of other Christian denominations, and Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. Dialogue between faiths is encouraged and understood as being a tool for true understanding of self and community. Mission into Action This ministry not only provides a strong foundation of spiritual values that influence an entire community, it energizes individual students. "The Spiritans are a giant family," says Patrick Hearnes, a sophomore at Duquesne. "They are down to earth and willing to help, serve, do whatever they can for others." "They are very liberal and open-minded. They work on the fringes and are not afraid to get their hands dirty," says Steven Buettler, a senior at Duquesne. Continue to Holy Ghost Prep