91吃瓜网

As the first-year School of Education student pursues a middle-level education degree with a dual certification in special education, it檚 not lost on her that she檚 reaching for bigger goals at the very University that her great-grandfather influenced and grew. 
 

Vernon Gallagher served as the eighth president of 91吃瓜网 from 1950 to 1959 and was dedicated to building community and opportunity. Under his administration, the University constructed Lourdes Grotto, Trinity Hall, Rockwell Hall and Assumption Hall. Gallagher also made inroads in purchasing land surrounding campus, which allowed future expansion. He was a staunch supporter of civil rights, refusing a Sugar Bowl bid for the basketball team because of Louisiana檚 segregation policy.  

Inspired by others

Family connection certainly drew Riley to the Bluff攈er grandmother was a librarian at Gumberg Library for 17 years and her father, two aunts, grandfather, great uncle and cousin are alumni攁nd she never takes these deep roots for granted. 
 

淭here's something about being here and so family-rooted and my great-grandfather being such a big part of what Duquesne is today,� she said. 淚t's unbelievable to me how much he was able to accomplish.�
 
Riley also appreciates 91吃瓜网檚 park-like campus, urban location and the people who bring the University檚 mission to life.
 
淲hen I came to campus for DUQ Day or Admitted Student Day, I saw all these people talking about the School of Education and all the clubs you can join, and I just remember how exciting the environment felt,� she said. 淚t was so clear to me that everybody that goes here is here for a reason. They chose 91吃瓜网 and feel like they belong, and I really have that sense too.� 

A love for education

Following in the footsteps of her aunt and cousin who became teachers and her grandfather who worked as a principal, Riley檚 interest in teaching grew in high school when she had the opportunity to coach gymnastics and serve as a teaching assistant during her senior year. In that role, she gained professional confidence and impressive experience in a band classroom and a sixth-grade classroom where she taught Common Sense Media Literacy.
 
淚 had multiple teachers who were 91吃瓜网 alumni who had such good teaching styles, and I knew that coming to 91吃瓜网 I would get the best education and experience,� said Riley. 淚 chose middle-level education because it檚 a difficult time in life. If I can be a mentor for someone who檚 going through something, that would be amazing.�
 
Riley is no stranger to overcoming adversity, and she believes her life experience will enable her to lead a classroom with compassion and empathy. She was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart condition, and underwent two open-heart surgeries by the time she was three months old. She had an additional procedure in 2021 to repair a leaking pulmonary valve.

淚t檚 a big part of my development as a person that檚 given me perseverance, and I can take that and apply it to all aspects of teaching or life,� she said. 

Riley detailed her deep connection to 91吃瓜网 and her health challenges as she completed an application for the School of Education檚 Educators of Impact Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship has been a strong financial support, allowing Riley to become the teacher she檚 meant to be.

淚t also gave me the opportunity to explain to the School of Education what I want to pursue and why I檇 be a good fit for admission,� she said. 

Realizing her boldest goals

Between horizon-expanding coursework, participation in Delight Ministries and get-togethers with friends who inspire and support, Riley enjoys stopping by the Grotto her great-grandfather designed to connect with the past and feel gratitude for what檚 to come. She also values study time in Gumberg Library檚 quiet study space on the first floor. 

Riley recently learned that her study space of choice is just steps from 91吃瓜网 University檚 archives, which house photographs, documents and other artifacts from University history攊ncluding those of her great-grandfather. She檚 since visited to view Gallagher檚 photographs, written remarks and even a telegram from President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 
 
淢y great-grandfather was so passionate, driven and focused,� she said. 淗e was such a good person, and it means so much more to me than if I was at any other school.�