Duquesne Track and Field
Duquesne Track and Field Video The Duquesne Track and Field team members are slowly making a name for themselves throughout the University. Coming off a tremendous indoor season where they placed 3rd in the Atlantic 10, highest place ever recorded, they are now approaching the Championship meet for their outdoor season. Recently, the Duquesne track team participated in the Bucknell Invitational Meet in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. This took place on April 14th, 2012. The members did fantastic, recording personal best in multiple events and jumping, hurdling, and racing their way to the finish. One of their very own field members, Kevin Yacker, ...
This year’s end is next year’s beginning
The end of this year is a bit different than years past for me. Instead of my Duquesne family separating and going home to mom and dad in a few days, most of us are sticking around campus for the summer to work at internships and/or take summer classes. The change makes me realize how much closer I'm getting to graduation and the real world since I can't just go home and hang out at the pool all summer while I wait for an amazing vacation like the one I captured above in the Bahamas last year. I have one ...
A Hidden Gem
[caption id="attachment_1471" align="aligncenter" width="490" caption="Lourdes Grotto"][/caption] My girlfriend and I were coming back from dinner one night and we parked in the visitor's parking behind the Administration Building or "Old Main". We parked at the very bottom of the hill and found this hiding down there. This picture is called the Lourdes Grotto. I consider it a hidden gem on Duquesne's campus and I figured I would share it with you guys. Some of you may know about it already, but I guarantee many people have no idea it exists. There is a bench there for meditation, studying, relaxing, or just ...
5 Simple Food Swaps
It's that time of year again and summer is right around the corner. In addition to exercising and eating healthy, I am here to give you five easy food swaps that will cut calories and add nutrition so that you can look your best! For those who have a vice that happens to be chocolate, have no fear! You can still indulge. However, when reaching for that piece of chocolate, simply switch from milk to dark chocolate, making sure that the bar contains at least 60 percent cocoa. Not only does dark chocolate satisfy a sweet tooth, it also packs some ...
Summer Time Thoughts…
One week till finals, so the library is filling up. Students are beginning to crack down on their work a little harder. Along with finals come thoughts about summer right around the corner. It’s tough to completely focus on work when summer is so close. For most, freedom is right around the corner. For others, summer classes or internships await them. This still doesn’t take away from the appeal of summer. The weather gets better and the sun is out. This hasn’t necessarily been a problem considering the warm winter Pittsburgh experienced. No matter your plans for the summer, it ...
Go Greek at Duquesne!
It is amazing to think that another school year is coming to a close. It is safe to say, and very cliché, but time flies when you’re having fun! As the end of my junior year is quickly approaching, I am able to reflect on all of the great memories I have made. My fondest memories by far are those that are tied to Greek Life. I am a proud sister of Zeta Tau Alpha and I am sure that I can make this statement with confidence that it does not matter what letters are on your shirt, ...
A Brottier Sunrise
Thinking about living on campus next year? Apartment-style living is available at Duquesne University. If you do not feel like dealing with the hassle of driving or walking to class, I would highly recommend settling down in a place like Brottier Hall. Above is a fantastic view of campus from the 17th floor, taken at 7:00 in the morning. How would you like to wake up and look out the window and see this every morning? - Jake Kurtz
April showers won’t rain out this baseball season
While April may seem like simply a time to cram before finals, there are also fun new ways to enjoy yourself this month that are different from what was available last month. I've actually been enjoying looking for summer jobs and internships recently, but if that doesn't sound quite exciting enough for you, I suggest getting involved with Pittsburgh's own MLB team. The Pirates may not have the best reputation in the league, but their field is just a short walk away from Duquesne, and they started off their season right with two out of three wins against the Phillies this weekend. ...
Windows Down, Radio On
[caption id="attachment_1438" align="aligncenter" width="550" caption="Taken on my last Heinz Field run."][/caption] The snow is gone, and the windows are down. As the end of the school year is right around the corner and the sun is shining across the bluff, it seems as though people are beginning to change their styles, outfits, and even their attitudes to match the weather. With these changes taking place, one major worry in the subconscious of many students is getting the perfect summer body. I mean, honestly, the first day the sun came out and people were declaring it "spring", there were more people on ...
Apr 12
24
Duquesne Track and Field
Duquesne Track and Field Video
The Duquesne Track and Field team members are slowly making a name for themselves throughout the University. Coming off a tremendous indoor season where they placed 3rd in the Atlantic 10, highest place ever recorded, they are now approaching the Championship meet for their outdoor season. Recently, the Duquesne track team participated in the Bucknell Invitational Meet in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. This took place on April 14th, 2012. The members did fantastic, recording personal best in multiple events and jumping, hurdling, and racing their way to the finish. One of their very own field members, Kevin Yacker, also does photography on the side. He has captured some fantastic images to give viewers a glance at how much hardwork and dedication these athletes put in.The following weekend, the team headed back up to Lewisburg to participate in the team challenge. The sprinting crew performed really well. Tacquaya Tobias and Shannon Abraham both had first place finishes on the girls sprinting side. Nicole Cherok took a close second in the hurdles, while Brittany Sinclair finished third in two events. The rain on that weekend tried to hault their achievements, but that did not stop the 4×400 relay team (Sinclair, Tobias, Abraham, Cherok) from breaking the school record with a time of 3:47. Coaches were very impressed with their efforts. We wish good luck to all the members as they compete for the Atlantic 10 title in their upcoming championship meet.
Posted in Uncategorized by .
The end of this year is a bit different than years past for me. Instead of my Duquesne family separating and going home to mom and dad in a few days, most of us are sticking around campus for the summer to work at internships and/or take summer classes. The change makes me realize how much closer I’m getting to graduation and the real world since I can’t just go home and hang out at the pool all summer while I wait for an amazing vacation like the one I captured above in the Bahamas last year. I have one week off after finals then I’m starting a summer internship with the National Kidney Foundation and hopefully a part time job if some upcoming interviews go well. Strangely, though, I’m actually excited to spend the summer learning and making money because it makes me feel more independent and prepared for the situation I’ll be in next year at this time.
When that time comes, I’ll be putting on my cap and gown and applying for as many positions as possible to begin my career. It’s crazy! I’ve learned so much at Duquesne, and I know that when I make my way into the job market I’ll be ready to compete for what I want. To make sure I’m as prepared as possible, I’m planning to make this last year count. I’ve scheduled all Tuesday and Thursday classes for the fall so I can work to fatten up my bank account during the rest of the week, and I’ve taken on the position as PR Director on the executive board of Duquesne’s PRSSA chapter. I’m excited to recruit underclassmen and help the organization grow before I graduate, while gaining experience in PR as well. (Contact me if you’d like to get involved!)
Everyone who attended the TOMs Style Your Sole event with PRSSA last week made amazing shoes and had so much fun!
As you can see, I’m trying to be advantageous during every moment of the coming year, and that’s really how I’ve tried to live my entire college experience. To update a goal I mentioned in a previous post, I completed the Pirates 5k yesterday (in the cold rain at 7 am!) and I’m so happy I did it. I accomplished something outside of my academics, and it helped me stay physically active, which relieves a lot of finals stress too. Since I got my friends involved, we all got to go to the Pirates game last night for free, and it was an all around awesome day. The moral of the story–get involved with something, anything! Duquesne has so many different opportunities to better your mind, heart and spirit, and liberal arts gives you the freedom to choose whatever random interests you want to pursue. If you want an all around life experience, this is definitely a place to be.
My friends and I looking unusually excited for 6am. Starstruck by the Pirate Parrot, of course!
Good luck with finals, and keep planning for what’s to come next. There’s so much out there!
-Erica
Apr 12
20
A Hidden Gem
Lourdes Grotto
My girlfriend and I were coming back from dinner one night and we parked in the visitor’s parking behind the Administration Building or “Old Main”. We parked at the very bottom of the hill and found this hiding down there. This picture is called the Lourdes Grotto. I consider it a hidden gem on Duquesne’s campus and I figured I would share it with you guys. Some of you may know about it already, but I guarantee many people have no idea it exists. There is a bench there for meditation, studying, relaxing, or just to stop and think. It is a very peaceful environment with dim lights so it is still slightly lit at night time. Definitely check it out if you’re interested. Keep enjoying the nice weather and stay tuned for more posts!
- Jake Kurtz
Posted in JakeK by .
Apr 12
20
5 Simple Food Swaps
It’s that time of year again and summer is right around the corner. In addition to exercising and eating healthy, I am here to give you five easy food swaps that will cut calories and add nutrition so that you can look your best!
- For those who have a vice that happens to be chocolate, have no fear! You can still indulge. However, when reaching for that piece of chocolate, simply switch from milk to dark chocolate, making sure that the bar contains at least 60 percent cocoa. Not only does dark chocolate satisfy a sweet tooth, it also packs some healthy power. As a great source of antioxidants, dark chocolate aids in the protection of blood vessels. Now, with that being said, don’t run out and eat an entire bar; instead only eat about an ounce of the dark chocolate variety per serving!
- “Red, red wine, stay close to me!” I advise you to listen to the words of Bob Marley when faced with the choice of white or red wine. Red wine, just like dark chocolate, packs a powerful punch of antioxidants that help prevent blood clots. So the next time you go to happy hour, enjoy a glass of red wine and remember to drink all alcohol in moderation.
- Ever wonder what is actually in Wonder Bread? The answer to this question is: absolutely nothing healthy. So the next time you are in line for a nice panini in Options, opt for the healthier whole grain choice. This simple swap adds fiber, which has been linked to lowering the levels of bad cholesterol.
- Sugar or antioxidants, a.k.a. soda or tea? When faced with this choice, your best bet is to enjoy a spot of tea which contains antioxidants and a boost of caffeine without the addition of sugar that is found in soda.
- “Bet you can’t eat just one!” Please, for your own health, do not even eat one. When faced with the tough decision of either potato chips or apple slices for a side, steer away from the salt laden bag of chips and stick to apple slices. An apple contains zero grams of fat, is low in calories, and is packed with cancer fighting antioxidants as well as fiber. Did I convince you yet? If not, eat the potato chips at your own risk. But don’t say that I didn’t warn you!
These are just a sample of the simple yet healthy food swaps you can make that will speak volumes for your health! You don’t have to give up everything you enjoy, but always remember, snack wisely!
-Maria Londino
Apr 12
19
Summer Time Thoughts…
One week till finals, so the library is filling up. Students are beginning to crack down on their work a little harder. Along with finals come thoughts about summer right around the corner. It’s tough to completely focus on work when summer is so close. For most, freedom is right around the corner. For others, summer classes or internships await them. This still doesn’t take away from the appeal of summer. The weather gets better and the sun is out. This hasn’t necessarily been a problem considering the warm winter Pittsburgh experienced. No matter your plans for the summer, it marks a new chapter in everyone’s life. Finals are the end to a new beginning. Thing’s don’t always go as planned, so if it wasn’t your best semester start over. What happens in the past stays in the past, so after finals evaluate your situation and know you can always start over. If things are going well for you then continue with your success. A new beginning does not always call for a complete makeover, but simply a change in direction. Something I took from a great movie is “the past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a gift.” Even if this came from the movie Kung Fu Panda, it’s very important advice. Many students find themselves living in the past or future. They tend to be stuck thinking about past mistakes or their future plans. Obviously the future is important to all college students, but it’s important to live in the present moment. The future will come soon enough, but we control our future by living in the present. Enjoy your time in college now because it goes by fast. I can’t believe after next week I’ll officially be a senior. Don’t let this time go to waste and good luck to everyone on Finals!
Mike
Posted in Around campus Bloggers Class of 2013 Mike Weekly Review by .
Apr 12
17
Go Greek at Duquesne!
It is amazing to think that another school year is coming to a close. It is safe to say, and very cliché, but time flies when you’re having fun! As the end of my junior year is quickly approaching, I am able to reflect on all of the great memories I have made. My fondest memories by far are those that are tied to Greek Life. I am a proud sister of Zeta Tau Alpha and I am sure that I can make this statement with confidence that it does not matter what letters are on your shirt, being a part of a Greek organization is the best decision most of us have made in our college careers. Whether it is Carnival in the fall, Greek Sing in the spring, Greek Week, or the other various philanthropic activities that take place on campus, one thing remains constant and that is the bond that is formed in the entire Greek community and especially with the brothers or sisters of your organization. For those of you who seem to be a little unsure of the path that you want to take during your four years at Duquesne, I strongly advise you to look into Greek life.
Greek life isn’t just about partying and having fun. Contrary to popular belief, we do not live the lives of the characters from Animal House on a daily basis. Many Greek members belong to honor societies, hold internships and jobs and are involved in various extracurricular activities. If you are worried that joining a sorority/fraternity will monopolize all of your free time, rest assured that you will be able to maintain a healthy social life while still having the time necessary to devote to your studies.
Many doors will be opened when you decide to join Greek life. Not only will you make lasting bonds and friendships within your organization, you will also lay the foundation for valuable networking. So many students who have “gone Greek” speak volumes about the opportunities that they were afforded from alumni connections and the recognition by prospective employers of the leadership positions that are held by sorority and fraternity members.
Make sure to keep an eye out for Greek recruitment events that will take place next fall. Take it from me; you will not regret your decision!
-Maria Londino
Apr 12
10
A Brottier Sunrise
Thinking about living on campus next year? Apartment-style living is available at Duquesne University. If you do not feel like dealing with the hassle of driving or walking to class, I would highly recommend settling down in a place like Brottier Hall. Above is a fantastic view of campus from the 17th floor, taken at 7:00 in the morning. How would you like to wake up and look out the window and see this every morning?
- Jake Kurtz
Posted in JakeK by .
While April may seem like simply a time to cram before finals, there are also fun new ways to enjoy yourself this month that are different from what was available last month. I’ve actually been enjoying looking for summer jobs and internships recently, but if that doesn’t sound quite exciting enough for you, I suggest getting involved with Pittsburgh’s own MLB team. The Pirates may not have the best reputation in the league, but their field is just a short walk away from Duquesne, and they started off their season right with two out of three wins against the Phillies this weekend. 
Since coming to Duquesne freshman year, I’ve attended way more Pirates’ games than ever before. It’s a fun, relatively inexpensive way to spend an evening or an afternoon, and you get to be outside, try some ballpark snacks, hang out with friends and watch professional athletes do their thing. What I love about the games, as someone who isn’t normally a sports enthusiast, is the energy of the crowd, the entertaining show on the jumbotron, and the fact that all it takes is a few bucks and a relaxing walk downtown to enjoy a good game. There are games all the time during their lengthy season, and most games involve extra promotions like free tshirts, fireworks or concerts.
One of my favorite promotions is coming up in just a couple weeks–Buc Day. On Sunday the 22nd at 1:35 p.m, the Pirates will face the Cardinals, and tickets and food will be available for only $1. Seriously, only $1! It’s a college student’s dream! If you want to get a taste of the Pirates experience but are short on cash, this is definitely your best chance. You can sleep in on Sunday morning then head on over for a cheap lunch and fun time with your friends instead of spending alllll day in the library. Luckily, the game won’t last into the night so you can still head to Gumberg after if necessary.
You can get involved with the team in a different way, as well, on the day before Buc Day. On April 21st, Pirates Charities will host their 5k Home Run annual run/walk. If you haven’t already registered it will cost $30 to participate, and every participant will recieve a free tshirt and ticket to a game. They will provide timers if you want to try to beat your own record, or you can walk at your own pace and enjoy the North Shore route with some friends. Either way it’s great exercise, and it’s a fun goal to set for yourself. My friends and I are going to participate and I’m really excited to run my first race. I wouldn’t call myself a “serious runner”, but I know I’ll feel really proud of myself if I can do this, so I’m going to try.
For more information about the race check out: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/community/race.jsp?loc=information
Or, for this season’s game schedule, go to: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/schedule/index.jspc_id=pit#y=2012&m=4&calendar=DEFAULT
I really think baseball season and everything that goes with it is a great way to get ready for Spring and take a much needed study break, even if you aren’t a baseball fan. Think about it, and hope to see you at the race!
-Erica
Posted in Around campus Bloggers EricaT by .
Apr 12
2
Windows Down, Radio On
Taken on my last Heinz Field run.
The snow is gone, and the windows are down. As the end of the school year is right around the corner and the sun is shining across the bluff, it seems as though people are beginning to change their styles, outfits, and even their attitudes to match the weather. With these changes taking place, one major worry in the subconscious of many students is getting the perfect summer body. I mean, honestly, the first day the sun came out and people were declaring it “spring”, there were more people on the Power Center treadmills than I have ever seen since I’ve gone to Duquesne. There are many things that influence this mindset. Some of these things include popular television shows like Jersey Shore, music videos showing parties on the beach with hundreds of sculpted abs, mall advertisements of David Beckham, and bathing suit catalogs that come out when there is still snow on the ground.
It seems to me (maybe because I’m an integrated marketing major) that these aspects of popular culture can definitely impact the attitudes of the teen/college/even adult age groups. I include adults too because I know many of my friends’ moms that tan on a regular basis and still dress like they are going to college parties. Anyway, the point is that the important thing to do is be yourself. Working out and looking good is never a bad thing. However, just because the sun is out does not mean that you are required to look like a poster in a mall or an Italian stud on a reality show. Run, lift weights, sure, go ahead and do a diet if you want. But never do these things for the wrong reasons. The important thing to keep in mind as we approach warmer, sunnier weather is to always be comfortable with who you are as a person no matter what.
If you are looking for some tips on how to become healthier as summer approaches, I can’t blame you. When the sun is out, optimism comes to life in many people. I know on a sunny day I wake up sometimes and think to myself, “I’m going on a great run today”, “I’m going to really work hard on everything I do”, “I am very happy with my life”, etc. Here are a few things that have helped me enjoy the sunshine to the fullest so far. I’m sure you probably have your own list of things that you like to do as well, but if you want to use any of these, feel free…
- Take a jog to Heinz Field or PNC Park. I literally do this all the time when it is nice out. The exercise, the view, and the peaceful atmosphere melt away stress and worries (along with excess fat from the weekends). I have introduced 3 or 4 friends to this already, and they do it on a regular basis as well now.
- Go to Market Square with a friend or significant other and get a bite to eat. They have so many outdoor tables and there are always some open seats to enjoy a meal in a great outdoor atmosphere.
- Read, listen to music, or hang out with friends outside. A-Walk is a great place to sit and converse with friends in between classes. There are benches all over campus that allow you to appreciate the atmosphere of Duquesne University.
- Drive with the windows down. Play some smooth music. Seems simple, but it’s great.
All of these things can contribute to a great day in Pittsburgh while taking advantage of the weather. Just remember while choosing your summer activities not to plan your appearance, mindset, and goals on pop culture and what other people think. Being yourself is the true way to enhance your optimistic lifestyle. There is no greater freedom.
- Jake Kurtz
Posted in Around campus JakeK Uncategorized by .
Apr 12
2
Liberal Arts Guided Tour
Check out our guided tour of Duquesne’s campus. This highlights a few of the many great aspects of campus life. Enjoy the video and if you have any questions just leave a comment!
Posted in Class of 2013 Mike by .
