The Chronicle The independent news organization at Duke University
TUESDAY, JUNE 1, 2021
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Pratt Dean on happiness, refining the undergraduate experience Page 10
ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH YEAR, ISSUE 1
MEET THE 2020-21 CHRON15 From administrators who kept the University running during a strange, quiet year to the friendly golden retriever-owner duo that diligently continued to provide students with much-needed smiles, this year’s Chron15 list seeks to highlight the contributions of members of the Duke community who make us all proud to call ourselves Blue Devils. Like many other Duke traditions, Chron15, which has now been published in 2018 and in 2019, was interrupted by the pandemic. As we tiptoe tentatively toward a more normal semester, hopefully marked by sweet reunions, full classrooms and the feeling of togetherness, Chron15 aims to celebrate the leaders, pioneers and icons who make Duke the incredible, vibrant community that has persisted throughout this difficult year. Nominated by readers of The Chronicle and chosen by a committee of Chronicle staff, the members of this year’s Chron15 list are individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly to improve the University’s academic programs and created flourishing partnerships with Durham residents and organizations. They are people who have played their hearts out in athletic competitions, people who made their voices heard around the world in social justice movements and people who make it their mission to make each person they speak to feel loved and appreciated. The members of Chron15 are the stuff of Duke legend. But more importantly, they are people who teach our courses, stand behind us in line at the Brodhead center and greet us on the quad. They are Dukies just like us, a reminder of the power of a passionate group or individual. As you read the profiles of these fifteen outstanding people and organizations, we hope that you will take the time to think about not only their achievements and contributions but also those of the many people that didn’t make the list. The Chronicle can only name 15 winners, but our readers can thank countless more community members for all they do. Anna Zolotor and Carter Forinash, Chron15 Committee Chairs
LEADERS
Nolan Smith
Thomas Denny
Thomas Denny is the chief operating officer of the Duke Vaccine Institute, a professor of medicine and an affiliate member of the Duke Global Health Institute. Denny brings invaluable and unique insights to his roles stemming from a variety of past experiences. He has spent the past two decades serving on various National Institutes of Health committees, as well as many more years in various areas of the world presenting research, opening laboratories and providing operational advice to several biotech companies. Denny was even elected for two public positions while living in New Jersey in the year 2000. In addition to his roles at the University, Denny is currently an advisor to a Durhambased microfluidics venture known as Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc. and was recently chosen to serve on the Duke University Fuqua School of Business Health Sector Advisory Council, a group that includes members of Congress and business executives among others. Like so many of the talented faculty members at Duke, Denny is one part professor and one part renaissance man. His commitment to improving global health endeavours across the world has prepared him to lead, and it is only right that he has had the opportunity to do so at Duke. Written by Chronicle staff reports
Edgar Virgüez
Edgar is a devoted Christian, an exemplary husband, and a lovely father and dog owner. He dreams of transforming higher education into an inclusive sector. If you are around him, you have probably listened to him preach about how universities should offer environments where all members could thrive, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other self-affiliation. Since he started his Duke journey in 2016, he has been a leader working to create an inclusive community and promoting an enhanced educational experience for all students. In 2021, he was named a recipient of the Forever Duke Student Leadership Award, the Graduate School Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Duke’s International Awards Graduate/Professional Academic Wizard of the Year. Building on his racial and ethnic background, he has expanded Duke’s educational environments. Launching innovative classroom settings, he has connected his students to marginalized communities in Latin America, creating a model for others. Last year, recognizing his potential as a gamechanger in the higher education field, he was honored as a K. Patricia Cross Future Leader awardee by the Association of American Colleges & Universities. Written by Temis Coral Castellanos, Nicholas ‘19 To see more of Duke’s leaders, see LEADERS on Page 3 Courtesy of Edgar Virgüez
Thomas Denny | Wikimedia Commons
Gary Bennett and Mary Pat McMahon
Gary Bennett, vice provost for undergraduate education, and Mary Pat McMahon, vice president and vice provost for student affairs, were instrumental within the Duke community during the 2020-21 academic year. Individually, the two vice provosts have their own ventures—McMahon has led Student Affairs in a variety of initiatives including anti-racism efforts and the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Committee. Bennett manages the weekly Short List newsletter, which features upcoming opportunities for students, and oversees multiple offices and programs on campus. Together, they’re heading efforts to reconfigure the undergraduate living experience, in addition to keeping students updated on campus operations during COVID-19. While some of their messages took on a serious tone, others linked to GIFs and infused humor. The newsletters also gave updates on academic programs, study abroad, town halls and other activities that shaped the undergraduate experience this past year. Written by Chronicle staff reports
Nolan Smith is the People’s Champ for so much more than just helping lead Duke to a national championship in 2010. Smith cemented his legacy in Durham long before he received his promotion to assistant coach this offseason, but his recent social justice work has pushed him into a whole new echelon. The Maryland native organized a Black Lives Matter protest in Krzyzewskiville in August, saying “this is not a moment, this is a movement” during his speech to a sociallydistanced crowd. The protest may have been his most notable social justice action, but Smith has been tirelessly advocating for change, spreading his message of love for all and equality on numerous platforms. Whether it was North Carolina voter registration efforts or making public appearances alongside other Durham community leaders, Smith has made it clear that he will use his position for good, and The Chronicle is one of several media outlets to now recognize Smith for his work toward making Durham and the world a better place. Written by Chronicle staff reports
Nolan Smith | Wikimedia Commons
INSIDE Apple to build Raleigh campus The new hub will bring over $1 billion and 3,000 jobs to North Carolina. The average wage will be $187,000 in 2023. PAGE 13
New Starbucks causes concerns While some have faith in local coffee enterprises, others fear a new Starbucks on 9th Street will steal business. PAGE 13
‘Our time is finite’ Gary Bennett and Mary Pat McMahon | Kristin Lobiondo
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Pratt Dean Ravi Bellamkonda reflected on happiness and his time at Duke before he departs for Emory this month. PAGE 10 @thedukechronicle | ©2021 The Chronicle