Liz Mantush | staff writer

Freshman nursing major Izzy Pilato spent her Sunday in the Duquesne Union NiteSpot cutting out a photo of a plane and putting it on her vision board. The plane represents her upcoming travel abroad plans this summer.

“I’m really hoping to learn a lot about myself and also experience something new,” she said.

Pilato was one of about 30 students who gathered as a part of Duqathon’s vision board event. Duqathon, a club on campus, raises money for UPMC Children’s Hospital.

As part of the event students fueled up Skittles, Nerds Gummy Clusters, M&Ms and other treats.

A vision board is a collage of words and pictures to represent someone’s aspirations.

Pilato’s vision board also included a picture of a study space, a nod to her dedication to academics. She said this semester will be a step up from the last, and she hopes that she will do well.

One especially motivating image stated in bright vibrant colors “I’m creating the life I’ve always wanted.” Is something she thinks every college student is trying to accomplish.

“I feel like all of us are just trying to make the decision we have to create the life we’re going to have in the future, and to create the life that you want,” she said.

Many of the boards displayed similar themes, getting good grades, going to the gym and eating better.

Some people wanted to encourage themselves to branch out, have more fun and live in the moment.

Some students like Allie Corbetc, sophomore biochemistry major, created their boards to bring beauty into 2026. She added images that invoke her goals to become a doctor and build confidence in herself.

“I like getting to use creativity and kind of get to choose what I wanted out of what was provided,” she said.

Attendees were given motivational stickers, sheets of paper and printed Pinterest photos to spark inspiration. Some students even brought their own supplies.

Freshman secondary education major Ben Reagan, drew his visions. He used an image of Jesus as an example of a beard he is hoping to grow. He also wants to learn how to play the bagpipes.

Reagan also incorporated eyes in his board to symbolize his ‘vision’ of the new year, while including newly learned skills — like balloon animal making with things he’s hopeful to have — like a motorcycle. He included a sticker saying “go for it” to help him reach his goals of becoming a biker.

“This sticker on my vision board says go for it, so I’m going to go ahead and get a motorcycle,” Reagan said.

The organizers — Brooke Stamdish and Maura Riscavage, created the event to bring people closer and set their goals for 2026. They also used it as an opportunity to reenergize the campus and spread the word about their main fundraising event in the spring — a dance marathon to fundraise for the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Vision boards are a creative outlet, so we’re excited that people can use that to work for the new year,” Standish said.

Liz Mantush can be reached at mantushe@duq.edu