On Friday, March 16, Duquesne University and The Ireland Funds will host a day-long symposium honoring the life and legacy of late Steelers Chairman and United States Ambassador to Ireland Dan Rooney.
Slainte! Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dan Rooney will focus on the impact Mr. Rooney had on the city of Pittsburgh, Ireland, the Steelers and the NFL, and the Catholic Church.
"The symposium will reflect upon Dan's accomplishments and salute and celebrate his impact on the lives of people
in Pittsburgh and throughout the world," said Duquesne University President Ken Gormley.
Upon taking over Steelers operations in the 1960's from team founder Art Rooney, Dan Rooney became one of the NFL's most important figures, playing a key role in labor agreements between owners and players, as well as The Rooney Rule, which gives more head coaching and senior football operations job opportunities to people of color.
The symposium kicks off a variety of events that will be held throughout the weekend, including The Ireland Funds Pittsburgh Gala at Heinz Field, which will highlight Rooney's work with the American Irish Foundation (AIF), including his work in promoting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, and community development throughout Ireland.
There will also be a St. Patrick's Day Parade that will be dedicated to Rooney in which members of the Steelers' organization and the Rooney family will participate.
The keynote speaker at the symposium will be former United States Vice President Joe Biden, who was in office while Rooney served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012. 
There will be four panel discussions throughout the duration of the symposium that will include a variety of moderators and panelists including:
- General Michael V. Hayden, former CIA and NSA Director
- Jeff Pash, NFL Executive Vice President and General Counsel
- Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach
- Kieran McLoughlin, The Ireland Funds Worldwide President and CEO
- Bill Cowher, NFL Today analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach
- Steelers alumni Charlie Batch, Mike Wagner, and Rocky Bleier
- Members of the Rooney family
The symposium will not be open to the public, but will be simulcast live at www.duq.edu/rooney-webcast. The full schedule of events can be found at www.duq.edu/rooney.
