A refreshed and contemporary Duquesne University Alma Mater was performed publicly for the first time Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, at the Winter Commencement ceremony. The refreshed Alma Mater was a vision of President Ken Gormley, as he committed its composition to mark the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Spiritan priests in Pittsburgh.
As David Allen Wehr, the Dean of the Mary Pappert School of Music, noted in his introduction of the debut performance, “President Gormley had the vision to refresh the University's original Alma Mater for a new era, with beautiful words and music infused with echoes of the original, which was in part written by the Spiritan Rev. John F. Malloy in 1920.”
President Gormley asked that the music be created by one of Duquesne’s many talented composers at the Mary Pappert School of Music. Composition Area Coordinator Robert Traugh took up the challenge, President Gormley wrote the lyrics and the two collaborated over several months with help and input from recent Duquesne alumni and friends.
[Verse 1]
Alma Mater, proud Duquesne guide
And friend of our youthful days
We, who tend your bright-lit flame
Our loyal voices raise
[Verse 2]
As we face new tests in times ahead
Marching always by your light
We draw up on your wisdom's strength
Leading to great heights
[Verse 3]
March forward ever, Alma Mater
Famed Duquesne with your Red Ring's might
May your spirit forever guide us
Hail to thee, hail to thee, all hail to thee, Duquesne
