Duquesne University in Pittsburgh has received a $1 million gift from the Pittsburgh-based Richard King Mellon Foundation, to be used at the discretion of the university's chancellor, in recognition of the outstanding work done by Duquense president Dr. John E. Murray Jr. Murray will assume his new role as the school's chancellor on August 15.

In announcing the grant, foundation officials said the grant was given "in recognition of the fine work [John Murray] has done for the university and the community in his years as president."

Murray, for his part, credited "the generous support of the foundation over the last several years" for the school's "renaissance."

"The citizens of this region are indeed blessed to have the thoughtful and imaginative participation of the Richard King Mellon Foundation in its pursuit of economic development and the quality of life," added Murray.