Naomi Girson | staff writer |

Almost 50 years after their college graduation, a rowdy group of men crowded around in the alumni tent during Duquesne’s 2024 Homecoming weekend. Together, they reminisced about their time in the Playboys, a social club from the 1970s.

“We appreciate what Duquesne has done to make homecoming what it is,” said Bill Gerke, one of the members.

Many alumni, family and students who spent the weekend of Oct. 4 at Duquesne, shared this experience.

Under the hot sun on Saturday morning, students walked the campus with their parents. Others strolled with friends, reconnecting after the busy school week.

Student organizations lined either side of A-Walk, while a large white tent decorated with the signature blue and red hues of Duquesne stood tall in front of Mellon Hall. Some clubs chalked up the cobblestone, others set up games.

Thousands watched Duquesne win their homecoming football game, 47-21, over Long Island University. During halftime, the homecoming king and queen were announced.

Out of eight people who were nominated, Braden Niles and Skyler Wrubleski took the crown.

Wrubleski beamed while repping her tiara and a bouquet of fresh flowers.

The Orientation Program, of which she was the 2024 director, nominated her for the court.

“I don’t believe it, I’m just so grateful,” Wrubleski said. “I always say, Duquesne is its people, and it’s a joy to represent them.”

Niles had fans in the bleachers holding posters of his face with a crown on his head reading ‘My King.’ The Residence Hall Association executive was to blame for the signage, Niles said.

“For four years I’ve been involved in so many clubs and organizations, so it’s nice to see the back end of that,” Niles said. “It’s the perfect ending to my four years here.”

Niles was nominated by the Student Government Association, where he is the vice president of academic affairs. He is also an active member of the honors college and the school of liberal arts, holding multiple ambassador positions in recent years.

Before Niles was declared king, he was pleased to share the experience with his friends.

“It’s a win-win,” Niles said. “No matter what happens, we all win.”

Before the game commenced, the homecoming parade marched along A-walk. The procession featured the eight court members riding golf carts, the Dukettes, the South Allegheny Marching Band and numerous clubs and organizations taking up the rear.

Santonio Holmes Jr., former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, was another member of the parade.

He showed up to the Bluff to represent his non-profit organization, III and Long Foundation, which was created in 2011 to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disease.

Duquesne recently donated $2,500 to III and Long, which was the reason Holmes made an appearance on campus.

“This year we have partnered with UPMC to start a fund to support families that are associated with the Pittsburgh area and supporting them with their expenses that they encounter, for themselves and for their kids,” Holmes said. “Our goal is to raise $125,000 in the next five years.”

Norm Nixon, the very player who led the Duquesne basketball team to the NCAA tournament in 1977, also made an appearance, leading the parade with University President Ken Gormley.

The former Playboys members were in undergrad the last time the men’s basketball team made it to the NCAA tournament, 47 years ago.

Alums who cheered on Nixon half a century ago were back on the Bluff to do it again.

Sandy Pfeuffer, a 1974 alumna from the school of education, enjoyed the festivities the day had to offer.

She remembered when she was a student at Duquesne attending homecoming, there was a carnival in addition to all of the other festivities featured in 2024.

To Pfeuffer, her time at Duquesne were the best years of her life, giving her lifelong connections, a career and lasting memories.

“I think the best thing about Duquesne is the closeness,” Pfeuffer said. “The family-type atmosphere. Everybody looked out for each other.”