T H E I N D E P E N D E N T D A I LY AT D U K E U N I V E R S I T Y
The Chronicle
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2011
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTH YEAR, ISSUE 72
WWW.DUKECHRONICLE.COM
Students flounder at Div School
Wells to leave Duke in 2012
Not quite lollapalooza
by Lauren Carroll
by Anna Koelsch
THE CHRONICLE
THE CHRONICLE
At the Divinity School, some students are having trouble balancing “eruditio et religio.” The pillars of the University’s motto—knowledge and faith—are currently at odds within the Divinity School, as academic stress and a lack of school community have made it difficult to maintain spiritual health, students said. Master of divinity candidates, many of whom become pastors, said their spiritual development is being neglected, though the Divinity School administration has said it is working to accommodate the needs of all of its students. Although the academic stress felt by other pre-professional students at Duke is similar, the master of divinity candidates said that those studying to be ministers have an added burden of grappling with their faith on a daily basis. “We are here because we want academic rigor, and that’s something Duke provides,” said Lisa Talbott, a second-year master of divinity candidate. “But I didn’t expect my strong academic background to come at the expense of my spiritual life.” Master of divinity candidates account for more than half of the Divinity School’s student body. Duke Divinity School graduates go on to be great ministers, but their personal lives are unhealthy because of damaging habits learned while in school, said Tyler Mahoney, a third-year master of divinity candidate. “They’re creating a culture of workaholics,
After seven years of service at Duke, Dean of the Chapel Sam Wells will leave July 2012 to become vicar of the Anglican church St. Martin-inthe-Fields, a prominent parish in Trafalgar Square in the heart of London. Wells is noted for working to bridge the Duke-Durham divide and promoting religious diversity on campus. Sam Wells As a research professor of Christian ethics in the Divinity School, Wells is a prominent faculty member and has taught a popular undergraduate course, PUBPOL 195: “Ethics in an Unjust World.” Wells’ presence has brought an intellectual dimension to the role of Chapel dean, Wells’ colleagues said. “It’s been important to me to bring conversations about faith, intellect and social good into the different schools of the University and the wider community,” Wells said. “Many of my most significant moments here were not events but conversations.” Wells will move back to his homeland of England along with his wife, Jo Bailey Wells, director of Anglican studies and associate professor of the practice of Christian ministry and Bible at the Divinity School. The news of Wells’ departure was announced by the Uni-
ELYSIA SU/THE CHRONICLE
The Jewish Student Union celebrates Hanukkah by holding Latkapalooza and giving out free T-shirts and latkes in the Armadillo Grill.
SEE DIVINITY SCHOOL ON PAGE 6
SEE WELLS ON PAGE 7
University establishes Wright Fellowship for female scientists
TYLER SEUC/THE CHRONICLE
Divinity students gather for the second in a series of dinners organized to foster community.
Blue Devils continuing old tradition, Page 9
The University has established a fellowship program to honor former Dean of the Graduate School Jo Rae Wright. The Jo Rae Wright Fellowship for Outstanding Women in Science will offer two fellowships annually, recognizing one Ph.D. female student in biomedical sciences and one in the natural sciences, whose research shows particular creativity and Jo Rae Wright promise. The Graduate School will select recipients beginning with the next academic year, according to a news release Thursday. “We hope these awards will encourage women to pursue research careers in fields that show promise for translational appli-
cations,” Provost Peter Lange said in the release. “It’s an appropriate way for us to honor our wonderful friend and colleague, whose own research shed light on cellular systems in the human lung and whose work as dean enhanced the lives of so many students and enabled so much research throughout the University.” Wright, professor of cell biology, medicine and pediatrics, served as dean of the Graduate School for more than five years before stepping down Oct. 21, citing her ongoing battle with breast cancer in her decision. The Chronicle previously reported that Wright returned full time to her faculty position as a professor in the department of cell biology, where she also manages a research laboratory. “[Wright is] a role model and mentor for people across the University, provid-
ONTHERECORD
“This is generally the point where all Duke students become reclusive library dwellers who drown in a sea of junk food care packages.” —Leilani Doktor in “Twelve days of finals.” See column page 14
ing a powerful example for both women and men of how to be productive at the highest levels of science while enriching your community and enhancing the lives of those around you,” Dr. Nancy Andrews, dean of the School of Medicine and vice chancellor for academic affairs said in the release. As dean, Wright noted that her goals included actively engaging alumni by establishing a board of visitors, improving financial support for students and providing guidance for students in career and professional development. Wright hopes the new dean will share some of these priorities. David Bell, senior associate dean of the Graduate School, is serving as interim dean while the University searches for a permanent successor. —from Staff Reports
Blue Devils drop road game at Kentucky, Page 9