New book documents Business School’s first 100 years

By Wes Crosby | News Editor

A new book will be published next week that will document the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business’ first 100 years.

Business Education from a Higher Perspective, written by Duquesne archivist Tom White, details the school’s events from its inception in 1913, when it enrolled 14 students and employed three faculty-members.

White worked closely with emeritus professor of management science Dave Pentico, who spent a year compiling much of the research, during the few months it took to write the book over last summer.

As University archivist, White said his access to a large amount of historical information was “a big help in the process.”

“I think it turned out nice, not just the content, but I think we had a good design,” White said. “We found out about a lot of firsts the school had. Like, it was one of the first accredited schools around here. A lot of stuff pointed to the significance of the school’s past.”

“The school has stayed consistent with the University mission from the very beginning.”

Alan Miciak
Business School Dean

Alan Miciak, dean of the School of Business, said he thinks the University will be satisfied with the 100-page, hardbound book.

“We’re definitely pleased with the outcome,” Miciak said. “The book will really pay tribute to the 100 years of the School’s history and will be a good look forward to the years to come.”

Pentico compiled much of the research while Courtney Cox, marketing, management and special events coordinator, also worked on the book.

Miciak said the most enjoyable experience for those who worked on the book was discovering “surprising” information from the school’s past.

“One of the things that became apparent was that the school has stayed consistent with the University mission from the very beginning,” Miciak said. “At first the school was founded for the education of poor immigrant youth, then it migrated with the times.”

As the years progressed, the school adapted to the current social climate, Miciak said. After World War II, the school began accepting more women and “tried to make a significant effort with the military members who were returning from combat.”

During that period the school was primarily focused on the needs of the regional economy, helping local businesses grow. Miciak said the school is still concerned with helping Pittsburgh’s economic development, but is now more concerned with being recognized nationwide.

“There’s always been a lot of innovation and now we think more broadly about business on a national level,” Miciak said. “We were always trying to be ahead of the times.”

Miciak said Duquesne was one of the first schools to be involved with international businesses in Latin America and had its first computer installation running in 1962.

“We’re always looking ahead and trying to be relevant with the times,” Miciak said. “That’s something that I think is pretty evident in the book.”

The book, which took over a year to complete between research and writing, is currently available on Duquesne’s website and will be availabe in print next week.