The Center, Duquesne University

“My proudest accomplishment at Duquesne was chartering the first and only multicultural sorority Alpha Phi Gamma with my six line sisters and it's just really exciting to see how our community has grown.”

Duquesne University Liberal Arts Political Science and Psychology graduate Malka Gendlin can definitely say that she took full advantage of her opportunities while on the Bluff.

The McDowell High School (Erie, Pa.) graduate also earned minors in Philosophy, Communications and African Studies and was a winner of The Center, Duquesne University's Spirit of Community Building award. The Center’s Executive Director Dr. Quincy Stephenson noted that, “the award winners truly embody what it means to be a part of the moral compass here.”

Malka’s passion to serve others started early. After taking part in the Pre-O program, she decided to pay it forward by volunteering as a leader her second year to help new students adjust to college life.

That spirit continued as president of the Art Club and a member of the Speech and Debate team. Malka also volunteered as a mentor for Duquesne’s Compass program, a four-year inclusive post-secondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What’s next for Malka?

She’s headed to the Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University for law school. Her bigger goal is to create a more accessible understanding of the law, with a focus on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Dr. Kristen Coopie is one of the many faculty and staff members who has a special place in my heart for the work she’s done. She was one of the first faculty members I met during FAST before I had even officially become a student and helped solidify my confidence with coming to Duquesne,” she said.

“I was unsure if I even wanted to pursue law school at that time, but through my Learning Community I had a class with Dr. Coopie and it helped foster the love for political science that I have today!”

Being the Pre-Law director and advisor, “Dr. Coopie was also there for me both academically and emotionally while I was preparing to apply for law school. She checked in on me after my LSAT score was released and gave me prep resources, helping me feel less alone during such a stressful period.”

🎓

Still inspired from last month’s Spirit of Community Building Awards ✨

We had the honor of welcoming keynote speaker Tiffany Willis, whose story of resilience, grit, and purpose left a lasting impact on our community. 💫

Her powerful book Own Your Narrative: A Journey Rooted in Resilience, Restored in Purpose is a must-read—reminding us all that our challenges don’t define us, they shape us. 📖

From overcoming adversity to leading at the highest levels, Tiffany’s journey is a testament to owning your story and walking boldly in your purpose.

If you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, and a reminder of your own strength—this is your sign to grab a copy.❤️💙

https://www.tiffany-willis.com/book

✨ You’re Invited! ✨
Join us for the Spirit of Community Building Celebration hosted by The Center: Fostering Student Connection 💫
📅 Friday, April 17, 2026
📍 Power Center Ballroom, Duquesne University
🕔 Reception: 5:00 PM
🕕 Dinner & Program: 6:00 PM
Celebrate the incredible achievements of Duquesne students as we honor their leadership, dedication, and academic success 🎓
🌟 Featuring keynote speaker Tiffany Willis (B’99, CPA) — Fortune 100 executive, former SVP at Starbucks, and C-suite advisor. Her powerful journey is one you won’t want to miss!
🎟️ Tickets:
• $45 per person
• FREE for Duquesne students

📩 RSVP duq.edu/center

Spirit of Community Building Celebration Check out some upcoming events in the community on the Community Engagement Calendar!

Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast held at Mount Ararat Baptist Church.

In the spirit of Service, Equity & Unity, Duquesne University proudly presents its Fourth Annual MLK UNITY WEEK 🕊️
📅 January 19–23, 2026

Join us as we celebrate the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. King through reflection, action, dialogue, and community.

🟦 MONDAY | January 19
☕ MLK Day Breakfast | 7:30–10:00 a.m.
📍 Mount Ararat Baptist Church
Students from the Thomas R. Kline School of Law and across campus will attend the Homer S. Brown Drum Major for Justice Awards Breakfast, honoring local leaders for their social justice work.
👏 Congratulations to Judge Nicola Henry-Taylor, L’96, recipient of the Drum Major for Justice Award!

🏀 3v3 MLK Jr. Day Basketball Tournament | Noon–8:00 p.m.
📍 Power Center, 3rd Floor Gym
🔗 Sign up: duq.edu/CampusLink

🟦 TUESDAY | January 20
✍🏽 Unity Writing Campaign | All Day
📍 The Center, Student Union Room 302
Share what unity means to you as part of the 10th National Day of Racial Healing. Messages will be displayed throughout Black History Month.

🟦 WEDNESDAY | January 21
🤝 Building Connections, Creating Community
Career Development Open House | Noon–3:00 p.m.
📍 Student Union Room 614

📢 Know Your Rights Discussion | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 Student Union, Africa Room
Featuring DU Police Chief Eric Holmes (student-focused event)

🟦 THURSDAY | January 22
🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏾‍♂️ MLK Unity Walk | 11:00 a.m. (gather at 10:50 a.m.)
📍 Administration Building → Bayer Rotunda
All are welcome to walk in solidarity for unity and social justice.

🟦 FRIDAY | January 23
🍽️ MLK Luncheon | Noon–2:00 p.m.
📍 Student Union, Africa Room
🎤 Keynote: Dr. Michael Rice
🔗 RSVP: duq.edu/MLKLunch

Let us come together to reflect, serve, and continue the work toward justice and unity. ❤️✊🏽

Homecoming and Family Weekend❤️💙❤️💙

Three words for our 300+ student organizations? Welcoming, inspiring and dynamic. Audio Description: Interviews with members of six student organizations. Upbeat, instrumental music in the background. Video Description: Members of six student organizations talking at the camera and scenes of them at AutumnFest.

🎉🏈 Homecoming & Family Weekend is less than a month away!!! Hope to see you there!!! Let's GO Dukes!!!

🔥 Start the day at the DUBAN Tailgate →

DUBAN Tailgate
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 Homecoming Village
👉 RSVP: duq.edu/alumni/hcfw (for all events)

Then keep the good vibes going at Kickback with THE CENTER →

✨ Kickback with THE CENTER
⏰ 2 PM – 4 PM
📍 Homecoming Village (under the tent)
🎶 Music, food, & good vibes
👉 RSVP: [email protected]

Let’s celebrate ALL DAY — from tailgate to kickback 🙌💙❤️

✨ Pre-O Energy = UNMATCHED! ✨

Kicked off the year with this incredible crew of new students and rockstar leaders! 💪🏽💙 From the Student Union steps to the start of something special — we're building community, making memories, and setting the tone for an amazing year ahead.

Swipe ➡️ for the future. Stay for the friendships. 💫