Mwango Kasuba is inspired by enduring connections.
Whether he鈥檚 enhancing campus culture through his position with Student Government Association, sharing the School of Education鈥檚 mission with incoming students as an ambassador, or studying historical events alongside peers, he knows what he wants to achieve and remains committed to building better communities through education.
Mwango鈥檚 affinity for his hometown of Pittsburgh grew throughout his childhood in the suburb of Baldwin. He knew he wanted to learn and pursue a career in the city he loves鈥攁nd his ambitions are high. The first-year student is pursuing degrees in secondary social studies education and history with a minor in political science.
Connecting with the past to create a better future
Excellence and involvement are not new to Mwango. At Baldwin High School, he was senior
class president, a member of the football and track teams, and involved in Spanish
Club, POC Club, Activities Council and Light Initiative.
Through his involvement in Light Initiative, he spent time with his peers learning
about the tragic implications of racism and genocide by studying different periods
of history, including the Holocaust.
鈥淥ur teacher brought different perspectives, outlooks and people in from different
parts of history to spread awareness of these atrocities,鈥 said Mwango.
By hearing first-hand perspectives from Holocaust survivors, visiting the Holocaust
Center of Pittsburgh and listening to guest speakers from all walks of life, Mwango
discovered the type of teacher he hopes to become鈥攐ne who shares the past in hopes
of shaping a more inclusive, peaceful future.
Alumni connections and a community of support
The Academy focuses on providing youth with greater opportunities to build sustaining
careers. Students develop relationships with peers and business leaders across western
Pennsylvania to learn together and gain understanding of how to get a running start
on a meaningful career.
Mwango is grateful for the mentorship of Duquesne alumnus and CNX Resources Corporation
CEO Nick Deluliis, GB鈥94, L鈥02. Guided by Nick and others, Mwango learned about the
workforce and various career options. He also earned a summer internship with CNX鈥檚
community relations team that led to a part-time role that he still holds.
鈥淔rom there, it took off,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 met so many people inside and outside the company.
I met a bunch of elected officials, and it was an amazing experience. It sparked my
interest in political science and can only help as I become a social studies teacher.鈥
Prepared for anything
Mwango is one of five children and the first in his family to attend a four-year university.
He credits his older brothers with helping him throughout his college search. As he
considered his options, he reflected on the many inspirational teachers and student
teachers at Baldwin High School who attended Duquesne.
Mwango particularly valued the impact of then-student teacher Olivia Stumpo, E鈥22,
who currently serves as a graduate assistant for the Duquesne women鈥檚 basketball team.
鈥淒uquesne alumni were the standout teachers,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hey connected to students
on a personal level and had great leadership qualities.鈥
To further develop his own leadership skills, Mwango hopes to join executive boards
of campus organizations. He also absorbs everything he can from professors who walk
alongside him, employ creative teaching styles and spark interesting conversations
that make their classrooms exciting places to learn.
Mwango recognizes history instructor Dr. Julia Hudson-Richards as one of those professors
who holds students鈥 interest and inspires innovation.
鈥淎s a future teacher, I always consider the different strategies they use that I can
incorporate in how I teach,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hat keeps me engaged.鈥
Firmly rooted in Pittsburgh, Mwango has observed classrooms across the region and
aspires to teach at his alma mater, Baldwin High School. From there, he can see himself
growing into a superintendent role or pursuing a second career as a state representative
so he can effect meaningful, systemic change.
鈥淭hat's the ultimate goal,鈥 he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e got to set high standards for yourself.鈥
News Information
Published
November 18, 2024
