Duquesne’s light

Enhancing its Spiritan mission is good for all

The Spiritans, an order of missionary Catholic priests active throughout the world, founded Duquesne University in 1878 to serve poor immigrant students. Now, the university hopes to draw new inspiration from its roots and recommit to work reflecting the Spiritans’ zeal for service. This is a noble venture certain to raise the university’s standing, produce more-enlghtened graduates and make Pittsburgh a better place.

In a recently released strategic plan for 2018 through 2023, the university pledges to adopt a higher profile in city and regional affairs with a special focus on disadvantaged communities such as the Hill District, the Monongahela Valley and Uptown, site of Duquesne’s campus.

It’s no surprise that this emphasis comes early in the tenure of university president Ken Gormley, the community-minded former mayor of Forest Hills and former dean of Duquesne’s service-oriented law school. Noting the Spiritans’ reputation for rolling up their sleeves and getting to work, Mr. Gormley said one question framed development of the strategic plan: “What would the Spiritans do today?”

To be sure, Duquesne already is involved in many community initiatives. In addition to Downtown law clinics that assist residents with criminal, family court and other matters, the university operates a pharmacy in the Hill District, providing a key asset to a neighborhood that’s long struggled to attract investment of various kinds.

Yet Duquesne’s contributions sometimes are taken for granted and its strengths overlooked. For example, public officials failed to consult Mr. Gormley about preparation of Pittsburgh’s bid for Amazon’s second headquarters, something for which he could have provided valuable insight and committed university resources.

Duquesne gets less attention than it deserves because it shares an academic stage with the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, both major research institutions. But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

With its Spiritan legacy, Duquesne is well poised to become what the strategic plan calls “the region’s flagship institution for community engagement.” With its reputation for infusing the study of ethics into its programs, it has the opportunity to bring a unique perspective to the challenges of the day.

In addition to local work, such as playing a greater role in the Uptown/ Oakland EcoInnovation District, the university wants to expand its global footprint. That will include new initiatives in areas where the Spiritans labor and more international experiences for students so that they develop an appreciation for others’ needs.

Other pillars of the strategic plan also are worth noting. A new focus on interdisciplinary learning, for one, is intended to produce graduates with enhanced skills and an ability to appreciate the expertise and perspective that others bring to a task. Plans include a “DU Simulation Hospital” to increase collaboration among students in various health care programs. The university also wants to become more student-centered, a goal that will mean better internship opportunities, leveraging the help of alumni and an update for the career services office.

Often, a university’s strategic plan addresses the construction of buildings and expansion of the endowment. Duquesne’s plan focuses on better serving students, the community and the world. The university’s Spiritan founders would be pleased.