In 2020, from the isolation of COVID-19 to the state of race relations in America, a group of alumni saw the need to continue the rich history of celebrating, advocating, mentoring, and empowering alumni and students at Duquesne. Through a series of meetings beginning in late Summer 2020 until December 2021, a group of Black Alumni of Duquesne University worked tirelessly to establish an alumni network. This series of meetings resulted in the Duquesne University Black Alumni Network (DUBAN). This is not just a moment, but a movement. This is our moment to be a part of a movement. And we each have a role to play within it.

Mission:

Duquesne University serves God by serving students. The Duquesne University Black Alumni Network (DUBAN) affirms and incorporates the mission of the University and the Duquesne University Alumni Association by helping alumni maintain positive relationships with their alma mater, supporting the overall goals of the University, and building relationships between current students and alumni.

The DUBAN’s mission is to promote the presence, engagement, empowerment and success of Duquesne University’s Black Alumni Network by fostering key relationships with and engagement of students, alumni, faculty, staff and other community members through professional, educational, social, leadership and networking programs, as well as through philanthropic support and opportunities.

In addition, DUBAN seeks to develop a strong and enduring club structure in order to further the interest, welfare and educational purposes of Duquesne University and the Black Alumni community of Duquesne University. DUBAN intends to play a pivotal role in creating a protected environment for the Duquesne Black community, which includes alumni, students, faculty, and staff. DUBAN will positively impact the Duquesne Black community by:

  • Advocating for the concerns of Black alumni and community

  • Developing events and programs of interest to Black alumni and community

  • Increasing participation from Black alumni by utilizing their time, talents, and treasures

  • Supporting the retention of current Black students and assisting with the recruitment of new students

  • Supporting and mentoring the current Black student body by encouraging their academic and social progress and promotes diversity among the student body.

Vision:

Our vision is to enhance our members' relationships with each other by being a supportive community of alumni that celebrates the diversity of the Black experience at Duquesne University.

Founders:

  • David Brown, A’84

  • Cassandra (Tyree) Brently, A’08

  • Lisa (Williams) Harris, E’89

  • Todd Hollis, B'89, L'93

  • Joyce Howard, A’95, L’05

  • Joe’L Kane, A’20

  • Charquinta McCray, A’13, GA’15

  • Courtney (Conwell) Ottrix, A’08

  • Keith J. Richardson, B’88

  • Imani Stutely, B’10

  • Ron Swain, A’70, GE’72

  • Crystal McCormick Ware, A'85, GE'94

  • Jeffrey Worthy, B'89, GA'91, GB'95

Officers ('23-'24):

  • President – Joyce Howard, A'95, L'05

  • Vice President – Derrick Maultsby, L'20

  • Secretary – Charquinta McCray, A'13, GA'15

Board:

  • S Renee Dennis, B'95

  • Jordan DuBose, HS'15

  • Kelli Frazier, GA'15

  • Karen Isaacs, B'88

  • Frederick Jasper, A'14, GB'18

  • Joseph Kane, E'81

  • Diane Marbury, A'89

  • Elise Rankins, B'08

  • Keith Richardson, B'88

  • Kamryn Thorpe, B'14, GB'15

Interest Form:

Want to be kept informed of the activities of the Black Alumni Network? Want to offer to be a mentor or guest speaker at Black Alumni Network Events?

Sign up for the Black Alumni Network.

DukesConnect:

DukesConnect, a site similar to LinkedIn for only Duquesne alumni and students, has a dedicated group for the Black Alumni Network. Join the platform and create a profile in order to mentor students or be mentored, learn about events of the Black Alumni Network, and connect among the Black Alumni community.

Join DukesConnect