in the Time of COVID

noted.

WHAT WE’VE HEARD AROUND TOWN …

Compiled by Sarah Rollins

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From births to awards to new biz and more –Email noted@durhammag.com

WHAT AN HONOR On Aug. 14, Durham Parks and Recreation officials celebrated the one-year anniversary of the historic Algonquin Marker near the W.D. Hill Recreation Center during a brief ceremony alongside 93-year-old Dr. Victor Maafo, whose ideas and experiences sparked the marker. The marker was installed to commemorate the Algonquin Tennis Club, which existed in the Hayti District from the 1920s until the 1960s. Many athletic, social, civic and political activities were held at the Algonquin during racial segregation. It is also where the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People was founded 85 years ago.

North Carolina Central University recognized its first class of Clinical Research Sciences certificate graduates in a virtual ceremony on Aug. 15. The Clinical Research Sciences program, established in fall 2018, grew out of an ongoing partnership between NCCU and the

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

at Duke University. “Clinical research trials have low participation from minority ethnic groups,” says Professor Andy Li, chair of the pharmaceutical sciences department (pictured). “This is partially because the clinical research organizations do not have enough diversified workforce. The clinical research sciences program at NCCU focuses on training African American students, which in turn will increase the participation of African Americans in clinical trials and address their health needs.”

Duke University was named the No. 1 best college for student athletes in America and No. 1 best value college in North Carolina in Niche’s 2021 Best Colleges rankings. Niche also ranked Duke the No. 3 college with the best professors and No. 5 best college in the nation.

Burton Magnet Elementary School was named one of the top 20 magnet programs in the nation by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. Principal Dr. Kimberly Ferrell will be recognized at the MSA National Conference in Clark County, Nevada, in April 2021. “Dr. Ferrell is one of our shining stars as a principal, but she would be the first to tell you this achievement is due to her teachers, staff, students and the school community surrounding them,” says Durham Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Pascal Mubenga. Two DPS Montessori magnet programs –Lakewood Montessori Middle and Morehead Montessori Magnet Elementary – were also named magnet schools of excellence and 12 other DPS magnet programs earned magnet school of distinction recognition.

Girls on the Run of the

Triangle Board President and volunteer Katie Todd received the Remarkable Volunteer Award by Girls on the Run International. Katie helped lead a successful fundraising campaign that raised more than $60,000 and reignited the board’s Fund Development Committee, among many other volunteer efforts.

On. Sept. 10, Book Harvest was recognized as a 2020 Best Practice Honoree by the Library of Congress for its contribution to increasing literacy. The nonprofit is one of only 15 organizations from around the world to receive this distinction. “Education equity is our north star, and this recognition from the Library of Congress affirms that what we are doing is of vital importance to communities here in North Carolina, across the U.S., and potentially around the world,” says Book Harvest Founder and Executive Director Ginger Young.

TAKE THE LEAD The Durham Regional Association of Realtors (DRAR) announced its 2021 officers: Classic Carolina Realty owner Karen Roberts will serve as the new president; Shawn Hays from Inhabit Real Estate will be president-elect. Coldwell Banker Advantage’s Cindie Burns serves as the vice president and Grace Jones, from Keller Williams Elite Realty, serves as the secretary and treasurer.

Duke Campus Club, an organization for Duke-affiliated women announced its 2020–21 executive committee in August. It includes President Andrea Erwin (2020–21), PresidentElect Heather Holt-Lister (2021–22), VP of Communications Margaret McKeon, VP of Events Penny Fleming, VP of Membership Zena Alman, Secretary Aline Dawson, Treasurer Marie Abbruzzese and Past President Caroline Rourk (2019–20). The club, which dates back to 1914, consists of talented, accomplished women from diverse backgrounds who share a common bond with Duke and the Durham community.