Nick Zotos | ads manager

The Duquesne Student Union was busier than usual on Wednesday with none other than a carnival celebrating Founders Week.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., events took place on the second and third floors seeking to highlight Duquesne’s Spiritan roots and promote aspects of Duquesne’s Mission and Identity. Students from across campus participated in various games and giveaways, ranging from free popcorn to gift cards to unique Duquesne apparel.

“Many people assume Founders week celebrates the founding of the university, but that is actually in October,” Luci-Joe DiMaggio, Director of Mission Animation at Duquesne University, said.

According to Duquesne’s website, Founders Week focuses on the Spiritan community worldwide. The Spiritan history and the ways Spiritans serve others are all celebrated and remembered this week. Events throughout the week at Duquesne include educational, liturgical and celebratory activities. The week starts every Feb. 2 with the feast day of Francis Libermann C.S.SP. Libermann is a key figure here at Duquesne and is often referred to as the Second Founder of the Spiritans.

The goal of the week is for Duquesne students and staff to reflect on Duquense’s Spiritan roots and celebrate the university’s unique Catholic Spiritan identity.

“I like when the university gives away free things to its students. It shows that Duquesne cares about us,” said Lizzie Whelan, a fourth-year Physician Assistant student, said. “These events motivate me to learn more about the history of the Spiritans and our Catholic history.”

Founders Week celebrations and events will continue throughout the week, including the Brother Keating Food Pantry Sorting and Luncheon on Feb. 6, at noon in the Africa Room. However, Founders Week was not the only cause for celebration yesterday. The Duquesne Day of Giving was also present at the carnival, promoting its donation initiative by offering free apparel.

“The Day of Giving is a 24-hour online fundraising event that brings the Duquesne community together to give back to their favorite areas of campus,” said Maria Macios, Assistant Director of Annual Giving.

The event provides family and past graduates the opportunity to support their alma maters and loved ones in pursuing an education. The day has become a staple fundraising initiative for the university.

“Last year, the Day of Giving raised just under $800,000 from over 1,500 gifts. All areas of campus and every school benefit. Donors contribute to scholarships, student organizations, athletic teams, student emergency funding, and on-campus food pantries,” Macios explained.

“To me, these funds ultimately benefit the student experience, and they also benefit the university as a whole. I think that the Duquesne Day of Giving is a great way for alumni to give back and help the university grow,” said Amelia Stezoski, a junior supply chain major said. “It would be great to see these funds go toward events on campus to get students more involved and promote campus life.”

One way to donate to initiatives that directly benefit Duquesne’s mission and its students is by supporting the Department of Mission and Identity. The division fosters relationships across campus to directly help students, faculty, and staff connect their learning, teaching and research to a broader commitment. Through numerous programs, the Department of Mission and Identity enhances the academic experience and expands students’ horizons. However, all areas of Duquesne’s programs are up to receive donations including academic programs, athletics, and select administration divisions like campus ministry.

“The Duquesne Day of Giving allows for our supporters to step up and help our university. We are very excited because each year we have supporters who match donations for certain areas. Ultimately these funds create opportunities for future students” said Angelica Petrisko, another assistant director of annual giving. “We are excited to announce that this year is our tenth anniversary celebrating our day of giving, and we look forward to having many more in the future.”