‘Maddy was my first real friend’ : Scholarship fund memorializes student

Kaitlyn Hughes | editor-in-chief Madeline Spatafore wasn’t just a good student at Duquesne University, she was a good friend, according to Jayden Sechrengost. “If you think of a good person, that was Maddy,” said Sechrengost, who was friends with Spatafore since their sophomore year at Duquesne. Spatafore graduated summa cum laude from the university with a bachelor’s degree in 2023 and a master’s in physician … Continue reading ‘Maddy was my first real friend’ : Scholarship fund memorializes student

Tom Rockmore: 1942-2026

Nataley Davis | features editor When James Swindal began working as chair of the philosophy department at Duquesne in 2005, Tom Rockmore had already been a professor in the program for 18 years. He first met Rockmore at a Society for Phenomenology and Existential Philosophy conference and was immediately struck by his sincerity. “He was just very warm and welcoming,” Swindal said. “He invited me … Continue reading Tom Rockmore: 1942-2026

Longtime Duquesne employee dies: Rita Warfield 1957-2026

Josh Imhof | features editor Renee Klawon, Duquesne alumna and former Delta Zeta sorority member, said that her friend and sorority adviser, Rita Warfield, could be best described by two lines in the organization’s creed: “To those whom my life may touch in slight measure, may I give graciously of what is mine … to my friends, understanding and appreciation; to those closer ones, love … Continue reading Longtime Duquesne employee dies: Rita Warfield 1957-2026

‘Beloved professor and beloved mentor’: Maggie Jones Patterson, 1945-2025

Kaitlyn Hughes & Eliyahu Gasson & Josh Imhof | news editor & editor-in-chief & features editor Known for her promotion of student journalism, her witty comments, defense of free speech and willingness to listen to others, Maggie Jones Patterson paved the way for student journalists and shaped the profession within the Pittsburgh community. Patterson spent 42 years at Duquesne before retiring in May. She taught … Continue reading ‘Beloved professor and beloved mentor’: Maggie Jones Patterson, 1945-2025

Dr. Philip Auron 1952-2024

‘Passionate’ biological sciences professor dies at 72-years-old Spencer Thomas & Megan Trotter & Ember Duke | editor-in-chief & news editor & layout editor | Philip Auron, a longtime professor in Duquesne’s Department of Biological Sciences died on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the age of 72, after a battle with cancer. Auron started at Duquesne in 2006, after spending four years across town at the University … Continue reading Dr. Philip Auron 1952-2024

SpongeBob SquarePants creator dead at 57

11/28/18 Josiah Martin | A&E Editor Stephen Hillenburg, best known as the creator of SpongeBob SquarePants, died on Nov. 26 at age 57. He had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2017. Hillenburg’s square, yellow opus hit television screens in 1999. Inspired and informed by Hillenburg’s love for marine biology and his experiences as a director on Rocko’s Modern Life, SpongeBob’s indescribable style … Continue reading SpongeBob SquarePants creator dead at 57

Former DU law professor Peláez passes away

Hallie Lauer | Staff Writer A longtime Duquesne law professor recently passed away. On Nov. 27 Alfred S. Peláez died at age 81. He was a professor in Duquesne’s Law School for over 50 years. At Duquesne, Peláez taught classes in contract law, the federal court system and admiralty, a branch of law concerning legal issues involving, in part, ocean trade and transportation. He also … Continue reading Former DU law professor Peláez passes away

Slain former student honored by family, friends

Brandon Addeo | News Editor  Twenty one year-old former Duquesne student Ryan Ramirez, who was found dead of a gunshot wound Thursday in Washington County, was a caring, generous and playful person who loved sports and working with children, according to his family and friends. Police discovered the body of Ramirez, of McKees Rocks, in a wooded area in Hanover Township. Police have arrested and … Continue reading Slain former student honored by family, friends