Third Alternative Collection

Duquesne University was one of many private institutions facing financial difficulties in the late 1960s. The school’s deficit was over $5 million. The problem was addressed at the request of students working on the University Budget Committee. Father Henry J. McAnulty, president of Duquesne, gave a State of the University Address in April 1970 presenting the school’s two alternatives: to close down or raise tuition in order to maintain financial stability. Shortly following this speech, a group of 12 students formed the Third Alternative, with president Patrick Joyce and Student Congress president Rita Ferko. A co-chair of the committee was Leonard Staisey, the County Commissioner.

The Third Alternative issued a student operated fund-raising campaign. In December 1970, the Richard King Mellon Foundation offered a challenge grant, offering to pledge $1 million if the Third Alternative raised an equal amount. The organization received publicity through donations from ad campaigns, public service announcements on radio and television, billboards, and a march. The students actively raised money through canvassing, a phonathon, scholarship raffle, and entertainment events. The fun-raising activities ended in April 1971 when the group met their goal.