The history of Duquesne University began on October 1, 1878, when the Pittsburgh Catholic College was founded by the Holy Ghost Fathers.

Heads of Duquesne University

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Father William Patrick Power, the first rector of the Pittsburgh Catholic College

Table

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Name Tenure Title
1. Rev. William P. Power 1878 – 1885 Rector of the Pittsburgh Catholic College
2. Rev. John S. Willms 1885 – 1886
3. Rev. John T. Murphy 1886 – 1899 President of the Pittsburgh Catholic College
(In 1911, the school achieved university status.)
4. Rev. Martin A. Hehir 1899 – 1931  
President of Duquesne University  
5. Rev. Jeremiah J. Callahan 1931 – 1940
6. Rev. Raymond V. Kirk 1940 – 1946
7. Rev. Francis P. Smith 1946 – 1950
8. Rev. Vernon Gallagher 1950 – 1959
9. Rev. Henry McAnulty 1959 – 1980
10. Rev. Donald Nesti 1980 – 1988
11. Dr. John E. Murray, Jr. 1988 – 2001
12. Dr. Charles J. Dougherty 2001 – present

Graphical timeline

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Charles J. DoughertyJohn E. Murray, Jr.Donald S. NestiHenry J. McAnultyVernon F. GallagherFrancis P. SmithRaymond V. KirkJeremiah J. CallahanMartin HehirJohn Tuohill MurphyJohn WillmsWilliam Patrick Power