Charles A. Dukes Award

Recognizing extraordinary long-term volunteer leaders

The Charles A. Dukes award was instituted in 1982 and named after the first director of the Duke Alumni Association, who built his reputation on his volunteer leadership. Since then, we’ve presented the award to nearly 300 longstanding volunteers who have served with distinction in leadership roles and gone beyond expectations to help Duke further its mission.

Each year, nominations are submitted by staff in the Alumni Affairs and University Development offices and approved by their respective boards. The winners are notified of their selection by the President in July. Nominators should describe in detail how their candidates have excelled in their volunteer position. To nominate a fellow alum, please fill out and submit the online nomination form. DEADLINE IS MARCH 1.

 

2011 WINNERS

Join us in congratulating the 2011 Charles A. Dukes Award winners:

Artyn Haig Gardner T'73Mrs. Artyn Haig Gardner T'73
Irvine, California

Why do I serve as a volunteer for Duke?

"Duke is simply a part of who I am.  Perhaps because I met Max there, who knows, but Duke is one of the most peaceful places for me in the entire world.  It’s not only the memories and the lifelong friendships we made, it’s also the energy of the current students; it’s contagious! The possibilities that lie ahead for them are endless and even unimaginable!  If I can help expand the Duke family and make it even stronger, that is a small way to give back. “Doing for others is the rent you’ve got to pay for living on Earth.” I serve Duke because whenever I do, I just smile….. inside and out."
 

Mr. Fred J., Jr. T’50 and Mrs. Alice WC’53 StanbackMr. Fred J., Jr. T'50 and Mrs. Alice WC'53 Stanback
Salisbury, NC

Why Do You Serve as a Volunteer for Duke University?
“Protecting the environment is important for our country and the world. Duke can be a positive influence in this and I want to help.” – Fred Stanback

“Duke University has always meant so much to us—in many ways. But in 2000, when I developed breast cancer and was treated at Duke Medical Center, I realized how fortunate we are to have this world-class cancer center right here at Duke.” – Alice Stanback

 

Dr. Paul S. Teller T'93Dr. Paul S. Teller T'93
Chevy Chase, MD

Why Do You Serve as a Volunteer for Duke University? 
“I’ve never grown more as a human being than during my four years at Duke. The learning I did there, both academically and socially, has been incalculably valuable to me—even almost twenty years after I wore the cap and gown. The memories from Duke still season my days with joy. So, I volunteer for Duke to share my experiences with others, to encourage folks to let Duke bring them similar experiences, and to incorporate as much Duke into my daily life as possible. In short, I volunteer to bring Duke out of my past and into my present.”

 

Dr. Melvia L. Wallace T'85Dr. Melvia L. Wallace T'85

Why Do You Serve as a Volunteer for Duke University?
“The education that I received at Duke both in and out of the classroom is the foundation for my success. Duke is the place where I met some of my very best, lifelong friends. It is the place where I found my voice. I volunteer because I want to make sure that all students have the opportunity to have a great Duke experience. I also want to do my part to keep alumni connected to the University and to encourage others to serve in any way that they feel comfortable. My profession and my life is one of service. Giving back to Duke is the way that I show my gratitude for those young pioneers who paved the way for me. Giving back is my way of paying it forward.”

Other Charles A. Dukes honorees

2007-2008 Recipients

Mr. Mark Stalnecker '73, P'06, P'06
Mr. Robert C. Taylor '49, LL.M. '52
Mr. Mike S. Zafirovski P '08
Mrs. Robin G. Zafirovski P '08
Ms. R. Ross Harris '78, M.B.A. '80
Mr. Alberto Jose Delgado '93
Mr. William P. Miller '77, P '1

2008-2009 Recipients

Betsy Alden-Rutledge WC’64
Marilyn Mayberry Arthur WC’56
Danal Alexander Blessis E’82
Jill Bayer Ciporin T’84
Jill Moskowitz Gardner T’89
Janis Jordan Rehlaender E’77

2009-2010 Recipients

Thomas C. Clark T'69
Harry H. "Hap" Esbenshade, III T'79
Jeffrey H. Fox T'84
Kathryn Crommelin Lieb WC'69, P'03
and Richard B. Lieb T'69, P'03
Owen A. May B'83