Duquesne in Rome

Today we said goodbye to our Maymester Nursing students, and we are filled with gratitude. 💙

What an incredible three weeks of learning, discovery, friendship, and adventure. From the seaside village of Pioppi to the streets of Rome, these students immersed themselves in the HEAL program, exploring the story of medicine across centuries—from the ancient baths of Pompeii to modern clinical observations at Policlinico Tor Vergata.

Along the way, they embraced new perspectives, built lasting connections, and created memories that will stay with them long after their journey home.

Rome gave them so much—but they left their mark here, too. Their curiosity, compassion, and enthusiasm made a lasting impact on our community, and they will be deeply missed.

As one chapter closes, another is already on the horizon. Now begins the countdown to welcoming our Fall 2026 students this August. ✈️🇮🇹

Stay tuned this summer as we share highlights from an incredible year. We can’t wait for the next adventure to begin.

Arrivederci for now, Maymester Nursing. ❤️

Duquesne University School of Nursing Duquesne University

✨ Our Maymester Duquesne University School of Nursing students had the incredible opportunity to visit the medical HUB of the Community of Sant’Egidio in Rome 🇮🇹 Sant'Egidio

Founded in Rome in 1968, the Community of Sant’Egidio is an international movement known for its commitment to peace, solidarity, and friendship with society’s most vulnerable populations 🤝 Through social outreach, humanitarian programs, and global initiatives, the community works to promote dignity and inclusion for all.

During the visit, students spoke with healthcare volunteers providing essential medical services to individuals experiencing homelessness, undocumented migrants, and other vulnerable members of the community ❤️‍🩹 They also learned about Sant’Egidio’s DREAM Project in Africa 🌍 — an initiative focused on preventing and treating HIV/AIDS, improving access to healthcare, and supporting mothers and children through education, treatment, and long-term community care. The Spiritans proudly partner with Sant’Egidio in this shared mission of global health and human dignity. U.S. Spiritans

Witnessing compassion in action was truly inspiring ✨ As future nurses, our students were reminded that healthcare is not only about treating illness, but also about serving humanity, protecting dignity, and giving back to our communities 💙🩺

Duquesne Study Abroad Duquesne University

The Roman adventures begin! 🇮🇹

Our Maymester Nursing program continues to the Eternal City! Following our HEAL program in Cilento, the Nursing Program will spend the next two weeks in Rome visiting historic sites, hospitals for clinical visits and more!

This weekend, we explored Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, received a blessing from Pope Leo in St. Peter’s Square and had wonderful meals at our partner restaurants &

Andiamo Maymester 2026 nurses! 🩺

Today we celebrate an incredible milestone and an even more incredible person: Michael Wright. 💙

For 25 years, Michael has dedicated his life, heart, and spirit to Duquesne University — and every single one of those years has been devoted to our beloved campus in Rome. From arriving in Rome straight after graduating from Duquesne, to becoming one of the pillars of our international community, Michael’s passion for study abroad, his unwavering dedication to students, and his love for this mission have never once faded.

Michael truly embodies the Spiritan mission in everything he does. He inspires all of us to live lives guided by faith, service, compassion, and community. From the early days at Villa Santa Cecilia to our current campus in Rome, Michael has done it all — always with humility, warmth, and an open heart.

His impact reaches far beyond Rome. Michael helped create the Duquesne in Dublin program and now serves as Director of European Programs. He has also led transformative programs across Africa, including in Tanzania and Ghana, helping generations of students grow through global experiences that change lives forever.

For so many students, colleagues, and friends, Michael has been far more than a leader — he has been a guide, mentor, role model, and friend. We are incredibly lucky and deeply grateful to walk alongside someone whose life and work have touched so many.

Tantissimi auguri, Michael, and congratulations on 25 amazing years! 🇮🇹✨

Please share your favorite Michael memory below ❤️