Duquesne University President Reflects on 20 Years of Interviews

Ken Gormley shares personal stories about meeting his wife and the importance of family and community.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:55pm

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In a retrospective interview, Duquesne University President Ken Gormley reflects on his 20-year career and the personal experiences that have shaped his life. Gormley discusses how he met his wife Laura at a Jimmy Buffett concert in 1984 and their shared values around prioritizing meaningful work over money. He also emphasizes the significance of family, friends, and community, noting that even with the demands of his high-profile role, he makes time to connect with loved ones and enjoy local favorites like an Italian hoagie at Rudy's in Swissvale.

Why it matters

Gormley's personal story provides insight into the values and priorities that have guided his professional and personal life, underscoring the importance of work-life balance and community engagement for leaders in higher education and beyond.

The details

Gormley met his wife Laura at a Jimmy Buffett concert in New Jersey in 1984, instantly knowing she was the one for him. They bonded over a shared commitment to doing meaningful work rather than prioritizing money. After getting married in 1986, the couple moved to a small place in Pittsburgh's Regent Square neighborhood. Now as president of Duquesne University, Gormley emphasizes that the 'trappings of the position are not what is significant' - what matters most is using his limited time on earth to help others, while maintaining close relationships with family and friends.

  • Gormley met his wife Laura at a Jimmy Buffett concert in New Jersey in 1984.
  • Gormley and Laura were married on June 28, 1986.
  • Gormley has been the president of Duquesne University for the past 20 years.

The players

Ken Gormley

The writer and current president of Duquesne University, who has held the position for the past 20 years.

Laura Kozler

Gormley's wife, whom he met at a Jimmy Buffett concert in 1984 and married in 1986.

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What they’re saying

“In 1984, at a Jimmy Buffett concert in New Jersey, through friends I met a young woman named Laura Kozler, which turned out to be one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. I knew, instantly, that she was the person for me.”

— Ken Gormley, President, Duquesne University (pittsburghquarterly.com)

“It's a big deal to be president of a university. One thing that I've learned is that the trappings of the position are not what is significant. What's more important, given a limited amount of time on earth, is not to do things for oneself, but to do things for other people. At the center is family and friends.”

— Ken Gormley, President, Duquesne University (pittsburghquarterly.com)

The takeaway

Gormley's personal story demonstrates how a focus on meaningful relationships, community engagement, and service to others can shape one's professional and personal life, even in the face of high-profile leadership roles.