WORKING@DUKE
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GETTING AHEAD
The February Primetime employee forum on career and professional development drew 300 employees.
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N EWS YO U CA N U S E
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APPRECIATING FACULTY & STAFF
Duke Appreciation events in May include Lunch on the Quad and Family Fun Day with live music.
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GUEST COLUMN
Nicholas School Dean William H. Schlesinger writes about minimizing our “footprint” on earth in recognition of Earth Month.
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April 2007
Opening Doors To Higher Education DUKE CHILDREN’S TUITION BENEFIT SENDS 3,430 TO COLLEGE
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t was a student’s worst nightmare. After gaining the attention of his class, Peace College English Professor Charles Duncan slyly announced a pop quiz on three stories assigned as homework. Third-year student Veronica Suitt could have kicked herself. She only had time to read two of the stories. “I did alright,” Suitt, daughter of Shirley Suitt, a Duke Dining Services employee, said later. “He usually gives us one quiz a week.” The strains of college life are many, especially when coupled with a job, but Suitt doesn’t complain. At age 20, she enjoys being busy and knows her circumstances aren’t nearly as difficult as they could be – if she had to pay for school herself. Suitt could not afford to attend her top choice, Peace College, without financial help from the Duke Children’s Tuition Grant. She is one of 1,267 children of Duke faculty and staff who used the benefit in 2006; 126 of those students are attending Duke. The benefit provides up to 75 percent of Duke’s tuition – currently $12,316 per semester – toward undergraduate tuition for children of faculty and staff. To receive the benefit, the parent must work full-time at Duke University for at least five years, and their children must attend an accredited institution full-time. Families pay a $1,800 deductible each semester. “I honestly don’t know what I would do without the Duke grant,” said Suitt, who is studying human resources management. “I’m so grateful for it. Without it, my choice of schools definitely would have been limited. I really wanted to go to Peace because it’s close to home and it’s small. I wanted to go some place where I could fully concentrate on my school work.”
From top left: Shirley Suitt bakes five kinds of bread for Subway in the West Campus Union. She has worked at Duke for 24 years and is sending her daughter, Veronica Suitt, to Peace College with the Duke Children’s Tuition Grant. Veronica Suitt, right, works with classmate Alicia Thompson on an assignment during an African-American literature class at Peace College.
The Duke Children’s Tuition Grant may be used toward full-time study at the associate or baccalaureate level at any approved, accredited, degreegranting institution of higher education. The benefit covers tuition only, not room and board, books or other expenses. Since 1996, Duke has provided $107.4 million to 3,430 children of Duke faculty and staff, at about 600 institutions. Bill Phillips, Duke Human Resources benefits manager, said the grant is intended to help employees send their children, like Veronica Suitt, to schools they may not be able to attend otherwise. SEE CHILDREN’S TUITION, PAGE 4
Top Five of 600 Universities Attended By Children of Duke University Faculty and Staff Under the Duke Children’s Tuition Grant
Nearly one-third of children of Duke University faculty and staff participating in the Duke Children’s Tuition Grant in 2006 attended a private institution in North Carolina. Source: Duke Human Resources
This paper consists of 30% recycled post-consumer fiber.
LOOKING
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Newsbriefs
letters to the Editor
Duke announces $30 million civic engagement initiative
I enjoy your newsletter…the article about the steam plant was fascinating!
Beginning in the summer of 2008, DukeEngage will provide full funding and faculty and administrative support to undergraduates who want to stretch beyond the classroom by tackling societal issues at
APRIL 8 : : Easter Sunrise
home and abroad, and, in turn, learn from those experiences. Projects
Service, 6:30 a.m., Duke Gardens, near terraced fish pond.
could range from learning about African education challenges while helping a rural school, to gaining insights into natural disasters while working with Gulf Coast flood victims. The program will provide Duke
APRIL 20 : : Earth Day Festival with food, activities and more than 50 community and campus groups on hand to demonstrate and discuss ways to promote sustainability and limit our “footprint” on earth. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., West Campus Plaza.
students with opportunities to collaborate with nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations that address poverty, housing, education, AIDS or other social issues; with a financial institution to explore how investment affects life in third-world countries; or an art museum to increase outreach to low-income children, among other things. The Duke Endowment of Charlotte and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation of Seattle are providing $15 million each to endow
APRIL 25 : : Duke University Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting. Learn about accomplishments in 2006 and make your voice heard in 2007. Refreshments at 4:30 p.m. followed by annual meeting at 5:15 p.m., Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Doris Duke center, Kirby Horton Hall.
DukeEngage. To learn more, visit www.dukenews.duke.edu/engage.
Paula D. McClain elected chair of Academic Council Political science professor Paula D. McClain has been elected chair of the university’s top faculty governing body. When she begins her term July 1, she will become the first black chair of the Academic Council. A member of the Duke faculty since 2000, McClain is also a professor of public
Michael J. Morsberger, CFRE Vice President, Development and Alumni Affairs Duke Medicine
I am writing to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed Working@Duke. Most publications typically end up in my “reading pile,” but for the most part go unread. However, Working@Duke has officially earned my loyalty, and I make a point of reading every article (the length of the articles is perfect for a quick, but informative read). I love the parts of the University that you’ve highlighted – the night shift workers, the SAFE Program, Polly Weiss’s reading group, professional development opportunities – and that you haven’t shied away from what’s really on people’s minds, including lacrosse and the impact it’s had on staff. Thank you for producing a publication that’s aesthetically pleasing, that delivers on content, and that helps me feel plugged in to Duke. Lauren E. Hunt Assistant Director, Communications & Advancement Kenan Institute for Ethics
Letters to the Editor must include your name and contact information. E-mail letters to working@duke.edu or mail them to Working@Duke Editor, Box 90496, Durham, NC 27708. Fax letters to (919) 681-7926.
policy. She has significant experience in university governance, serving as chair of the Appointment, Promotions and Tenure
Are you on track to meet your financial goals?
Committee and as member of the Provost’s
Employees and their immediate family members are invited to attend
Diversity Task Force and the Arts and Sciences’ Budget Task Force.
free financial planning seminars and speak directly with investment
Among her roles, she is currently co-director of the Center for
For more events, check the university’s online calendar at http://calendar.duke.edu
and insurance representatives from Duke’s benefit providers during
the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Gender in the Social Sciences and
Financial Fitness Week, May 14 to May 17. Workshops are designed
co-convener of the Duke University Black Faculty Caucus. In addition
for everyone, from the beginning investor to people approaching
to being the first African-American to serve as council chair, McClain
retirement. Reservations are required for workshops by Ernst & Young
is the third woman to hold the post.
and strongly recommended for others due to limited space. Visit www.hr.duke.edu/financialfitness for more information.
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Building relationships key to professional development lint Davidson, vice president for Duke Human Resources, stood before a crowd of 300 employees in Griffith Theater and read the question aloud: “My impression is that promotions are a function of who you know rather than what you can do – is this true?” “Yes,” Davidson replied. Davidson explained his answer. Building relationships with work coaches and mentors is central to development at Clint Davidson, vice president Duke, he said. “Relationships for Human Resources, holds a are enormously valuable,” he postcard sent to employees announcing the February said. “Seek out those who have Primetime forum on professional succeeded; those who will share and career development. and teach about their success.” The question he read aloud was submitted by an employee for the Feb. 22 Primetime forum on professional and career development at Duke. Davidson’s remarks came during the second Primetime – the quarterly forum held to promote dialogue between Duke administrators and faculty and staff. Provost Peter Lange presented at the first Primetime in November on Duke’s strategic plan. Bobbie Collins-Perry, special publications editor for the Duke University Talent Identification Program, made a special trip to West Campus to attend Primetime. “This was the first Primetime event that I have attended, and
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In today’s world of work, if you are a person who is not inclined to develop relationships, you are at a decided disadvantage.” – Clint Davidson Vice President for Human Resources
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I value the opportunity to get Duke leaders’ views of and initiatives for the university,” she said. “And, for me, since I work off-campus, it is a treat to come to campus and feel more a part of the university community.” Davidson began the February Primetime with 10 tips for professional development at Duke. He also described the distinction between professional and career development. Professional development is not only about being promoted; it is about expanding knowledge, skills and abilities in ways that lead to career development, a long-term, continuous process, he said. “Someone once said that people spend more time trying to decide what car or truck to buy and negotiating the deal than they spend in planning for and executing their career, which may be a 30- or 40-year journey that will cover many more miles,” Davidson said. “The most important thing we can invest in is career development, and developing a plan that will tell me where I am now; where is it that I want to go; and what are the strategies, options and resources available for me to get there.” Networking and building professional relationships with supervisors and co-workers are the foundation for personal references, an essential element in competing for new jobs. Building these relationships is a skill enhanced through resources available from Duke’s Learning & Organization Development and the Professional Development Institute. “In today’s world of work, if you are a person who is not inclined to develop relationships, you are at a decided disadvantage,” Davidson said. — By Elizabeth Michalka Writer, Human Resources Communications
Adding a personal touch to recognition DUKE APPRECIATION ENCOURAGES DEPARTMENT EVENTS omething special is happening in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. Anne Pippen felt it, especially during her 15-minute chair massage. “It felt so good,” said Pippen, a laboratory research analyst. The massages, given in February by Ben Franklin with LIVE FOR LIFE, were part of an ongoing employee appreciation effort for the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, courtesy of the division. Karen Riches, who is organizing the annual Duke Appreciation events in May, hopes other departments at Duke will follow the lead of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and plan special work-group and department events in May to coincide with Duke Appreciation as a way to thank faculty and staff and recognize their efforts. “When recognition comes directly from a supervisor, it’s most meaningful to employees and it helps build a stronger relationship between them,” said Riches, employee services representative with Staff & Family Programs in Duke Human Resources. This year, Duke Appreciation stretches over the month of May, instead of a week. Organizers said the extension creates more opportunities for recognition and celebration and promotes a sense of community among faculty and staff. This year’s events include Family Fun Day from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on May 19 with more rides and live entertainment. Lunch on the Quad is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 21. Based on input from staff, vegetarian and light food options will be available during both events.
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“We encourage everyone to attend Lunch on the Quad and Family Fun Day,” Riches said. “We want people to feel a sense of belonging to the Duke community by sharing memorable experiences with colleagues, friends and family.” Duke Appreciation organizers are also aiming for more work-group expressions of thanks with departments adding their own events, which, for example, may include a professional development opportunity or supervisor joining faculty or staff for lunch. Individual departments are responsible for costs associated with their department events. Pippen, who has worked in the cardiovascular division 11 years, said events in her department, which also included a financial planning seminar and delivery of cookies and milk, improved morale. “I think it would be great if it’s more than just a phase,” she said. Suzanne Blankfard, human resources manager for the Cardiovascular Division, spearheaded her department’s ongoing appreciation to increase retention and connect employees. “We want our staff to know we’re looking out for them,” Blankfard said. “Satisfaction within the work environment is a big reason people choose to stay with an employer for the long term.” — By Elizabeth Michalka Writer, Human Resources Communications
For More Information, visit www.hr.duke.edu/da2007
Mastering Asian flavors with flair hef Jet Tila gathered Duke Dining Services employees around a prep table for a quick demonstration on slicing scallions and fresh ginger. Tila, owner of four Thai restaurants in California and teacher of all styles of Asian cooking, chopped a few green onions and sliced some others diagonally. He pointed to the pile of chopped scallions. “You know what we call this in my kitchen?” Tila asked. “Snoris Borealis.” He pointed to the diagonally sliced scallions. “We call that sexy,” he said. The message: Jazz up plate presentation. It adds value to a dish and doesn’t take any more time. “We eat with our eyes,” Tila told employees. “Just because we’re doing production cooking doesn’t mean it has to be boring.” Tila joined the East Campus Marketplace kitchen for a few days in February as part of a culinary class for Duke Dining Services employees, who learned Asian cooking techniques and flavor profiles. Tila, who is Thai-Chinese, is an Asian foods consultant for Bon Appetit, Duke’s food service vendor at the Marketplace and Freeman Center. He also happens to hold the 2005 world record for the largest stir fry weighing 1,805 pounds. His signature is authentic ethnic flavors and fresh ingredients, which Duke dining customers have requested. His noodle soup beef stock and stir fry sauces – black bean, Korean barbecue, lemongrass and spicy basil – are made from scratch to eliminate monosodium glutamate. “The idea is to teach them the flavor profile and teach them how to chase flavors so when I’m gone, the flavors stay here,” Tila said.
Duke Appreciation Event Highlights Sunday, May 6 11 a.m. Duke Chapel Services
Wednesday, May 16 Night Out at Local Restaurants Restaurants offer discounts for Duke faculty and staff. Check www.hr.duke.edu/da2007 for participating restaurants.
Saturday, May 19 9 a.m. Duke Family Fun Run/Walk Washington Duke Inn entrance
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2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Family Fun Day Live entertainment, rides and food Wannamaker Field
Monday, May 21 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch on the Quad West Campus Quad
11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Duke Hospital Third Shift Breakfast Duke North Cafeteria
Just because we’re doing production cooking doesn’t mean it has to be boring.”
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– Chef Jet Tila Asian foods consultant for Bon Appetit
The ingredients list to prepare a Wednesday lunch for 600 people in the Marketplace filled five pages in Excel. Thai sweet basil, bean sprouts, cilantro, eggplant, shrimp, tofu, beef, chicken and much more peppered kitchen carts. All for that Wednesday’s pad thai, Chinese chicken salad, vegetarian lemongrass stir fry, curry and pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup. Dining employees such as station server Bradley Moore, cook Jermall McRae and Lashosta Stevons-Parham, lead food service worker, learned 15 to 20 dishes and tasted 20 sauces over the two days. For Stevons-Parham, who took the lead on the wok, learning a peeling and slicing technique for transforming fresh ginger into fancy “blades of grass” added to her repertoire. “It’s going to take practice,” she said, “but I’m willing to try.” — By Leanora Minai Working@Duke Editor
Visiting Chef Jet Tila, in dark shirt, runs a culinary class in February with Duke Dining Services employees. They learned Asian cooking techniques and flavor profiles.
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CHILDREN’S TUITION continued from page 1
“It’s a great benefit,” Phillips said. “It’s something very unique to us in our local market. I think it’s one of our claims to fame.” A 2003 study compared Duke’s benefit to 24 other schools, including Cornell, Princeton and Yale. Phillips said the findings show that Duke’s benefit is equal to or more extensive than similar benefits at peer universities.
B u i l d i n g Fu t u r e s
Shelley Beason, a clinical social worker in pediatric hematology oncology with 15 years of service, has twin daughters in out-of-state colleges. Nicole Beason attends Dickinson College in Pennsylvania; Carrie Beason is at Washington University in St. Louis. Total tuition for both children is about $66,270 year. The Duke benefit has paid more than $173,000 toward the Beason twins’ education. Without the Duke grant, Shelley Beason said her daughters’ choices would have been limited. “When your child is going away for a long time, it’s nice to send them someplace they feel good about and where they’ll be happy,” she said. Suitt’s mother, Shirley Suitt, is also glad her daughter can attend the college of her choice, close to home. Her daughter is the first in the Suitt family to attend a fouryear college. Peace College, a private women’s university in Raleigh, has an annual tuition of about $21,600. Shirley Suitt, who has worked at Duke in food services for 24 years, said her daughter would not be able to attend Peace without the Duke benefit. Shirley Suitt is the sole income provider. Her husband, James, is disabled and unable to work. The benefit, which has provided $34,149 for Suitt’s education, prevented the Suitts from going into debt. Suitt’s parents have hardly spent a dime on their daughter’s tuition, which has enabled them to pitch in more toward other expenses like room and board. “The grant is more than just money. It’s helping me build my future,” said Suitt, who lives on the Peace campus. “A lot of people take opportunities like this for granted, but it’s a privilege. I feel obligated to do as well as I can in school to prove that the grant money is not being wasted on me, and to make my family proud. It means a lot to my mom to see me in school.” Suitt credits her family, especially her mother and grandmother, for her work ethic – she said they always stayed on her about doing well in school. Suitt is enrolled in 15 credit hours and works 30 hours a week, not
BY THE NUMBERS DUKE CHILDREN’S TUITION GRANT 3,430 Number of children of Duke employees who used the benefit since 1996
$13,055 Average annual benefit per child of employee
$16.5 million
including nine hours a week in work-study, doing office work for a professor. On an average day, she’s lucky to have 30 minutes for a quick lunch in the cafeteria. It’s no surprise that in her rush, she’ll forget her keys or dorm access card, like she did recently. “This is a typical day,” she said calmly, as she phoned a roommate to borrow an access card.
North Carolina Popular
Other employees are taking advantage of sending their children to in-state schools with the Duke benefit. In fact, the top five schools attended by Duke children through the tuition benefit are all in North Carolina. Duke is first, followed by Elon, Meredith, Campbell and Guilford. Channing Duke, whose father, John, has worked at Duke for 26 years and is a licensed steam fitter, attends Louisburg College in Franklin County.
Shelley Beason, center, with daughters, Carrie, left, and Nicole. Photo courtesy of Beason family.
Channing Duke discusses “Everything is Illuminated,” one of her favorite films, with Associate English Professor Dawn Shepherd during a film class at Louisburg College.
Amount paid by Duke in 2006
$107.4 million Amount paid by Duke to institutions since 1996
600 Number of universities represented
1,267 Children using the benefit in 2006
280 Number of children of Duke employees attending Duke since 1996
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After an African-American literature class, Veronica Suitt talks with Charles Duncan, Peace College English professor, about her project on poet Maya Angelou.
“I think private schools are more studentoriented, at least Louisburg is,” said Duke, who is 19 years old and working toward an associate’s in arts degree, with a concentration in visual art. “I didn’t want to go someplace where I’d just be a number.” The Dukes hope to use the grant to send their second daughter, Tori, now a high school sophomore, to a college of her choice. She wants to become a veterinarian. Suitt, who will graduate from Peace College next year, is saving money in hopes of traveling after graduation before landing a job as a social worker or in human resources. “Oh, I’d love to be able to get a job at Duke,” she said. “That would be so great.” Channing Duke, a Louisburg College student, studies for film class while her father, John Duke, a licensed steam fitter at Duke, looks on. Over three semesters, the Duke Children’s Tuition Grant has paid $13,380 toward her college tuition.
Over three semesters, the benefit paid $13,380 toward her college tuition. Duke takes 14 class hours at Louisburg and 12 hours at Vance-Granville Community College – hours she plans to transfer to a four-year university such as North Carolina State or the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. She doesn’t receive funding from the Duke tuition grant to pay for classes at Vance-Granville because its tuition is less than the $1,800 deductible. She said she chose Louisburg for its size with 708 students, six of whom are children of Duke faculty and staff using the benefit. And she liked its close proximity to her parents’ home near Creedmoor. One of her favorite courses, an independent study film class, only has three students. When they meet to discuss films, they all sit next to each other, with their professor seated casually in front of them. The lessons are conversational and interactive, allowing her to express her opinions. The intimate atmosphere is just what she had hoped for.
— Story and Photos by Elizabeth Michalka Writer, Human Resources Communications
— Veronica Suitt Peace College student and daughter of Shirley Suitt, Duke Dining Services
Veronica Suitt, right, grabs a quick salad during a 30-minute lunch break while friend and roommate, Brittany Anderson, does some last minute studying.
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Duke Children’s Tuition Grant Seminars Attend a workshop with a Duke Benefits representative. Eligibility and application procedures will be discussed. Sessions are noon to 1 p.m. All sessions are in the Breedlove Room in Perkins Library with the exception of April 10. That session is at Human Resources, 705 Broad St. in conference room 03. Reserve space at www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/ education/tuition.html or call (919) 681-4617.
April 10 May 8 June 5
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N R E Q U IR E M E
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The grant is more than just money. It’s helping me build my future. A lot of people take opportunities like this for granted, but it’s a privilege. I feel obligated to do as well as I can in school to prove that the grant money is not being wasted on me, and to make my family proud.”
July 17 August 14 September 11 October 9 November 6 December 4
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Meet the artist and tour the Nasher Up Next at First Thursday
FIRST THURSDAY EVENT OFFERS GLIMPSE OF ART WORLD riendly conversation and laughter filled the Mary D.B.T. Semans Great Hall in the Nasher Museum of Art as Duke community members and Triangle residents mingled, discussing everything from current events to ancient artifacts. Welcome to First Thursday at the Nasher, where the art world – and the “real” world – collide, in a positive way. “We get a wonderful mixture of artists and visitors during our First Thursday events, and since it is a small world, you never know whom you’re going to bump into, such as a former professor or a co-worker,” said Wendy Livingston, the museum’s marketing manager. “It’s a casual atmosphere and a wonderful, non-intimidating way to learn about art.” Held on the first Thursday of each month, the event offers the Duke community and general public a special look at the vast array of art inside the $24 million museum. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with a reception featuring complimentary appetizers and a cash bar followed by a guided tour of an exhibit. Tours are hosted each month by members of the art community, ranging from Duke professors to local artists. The evening is free for Duke faculty, staff, students and museum members. Other visitors may attend for free with admission. On March 1, visitors were greeted by Carla Antonaccio, professor of classical studies at Duke, and co-curator of “The Past is Present: Classical Antiquities at the Nasher Museum,” an exhibition from the ancient Mediterranean world.
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April 5: Esther Gabara, assistant professor of romance studies and Art, Art History and Visual Studies at Duke.
May 3: William Noland, professor of the practice in Duke’s Department of Art, Art History and Visual Studies. His sculpture, made in collaboration with Irwin Kremen, is on view.
Want More Art?
As more than 50 visitors admired exquisite vases, marble and terracotta sculptures, carved amber jewelry and other art on display, Antonaccio highlighted the origins and importance of each piece. Her insightful and light-hearted presentation quickly put the audience at ease. As she explained that the collection was bequeathed to the museum last year by an anonymous donor, she captured the crowd’s attention. “It’s a relaxed, informal discussion,” said Courtney Reid-Eaton, Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies exhibition director, who attended First Thursday last year when a partner from the contemporary Branch Gallery in Durham presented. That was Reid-Eaton’s first time attending the Thursday night event, and she plans to return and recommends other Duke employees take advantage of the Nasher opportunity. “It’s a great after-work gathering for Duke faculty and staff,” said Rebecca Swartz, Nasher’s director of development and external affairs. “They can drop by when they leave the office and they don’t have to stay the entire time, if they need to get home.” — By Missy Baxter Working@Duke Correspondent
Carla Antonaccio, professor of archaeology and classical studies, center, points to pieces in “The Past is Present: Classical Antiquities,” as she talks with Sheila Dillon, assistant professor of art history, left, and Peter Burian, right, chair of classical & comparative literatures and professor of theater studies.
Visit www.nasher.duke.edu
e mployee spotlight MEET JOHN CLINE, COOK SOCIETY COMMUNITY BETTERMENT AWARD RECIPIENT ohn Cline gives “middle man” a good name. When he’s not tending to duties as an associate director in Duke’s Facilities Management Department (FMD), he’s finding ways for FMD staff to help with building and landscaping projects in communities near Duke’s campus as a part of the DukeDurham Neighborhood Partnership. For his efforts, Cline received the Samuel DuBois Cook Society Community Betterment Award during the awards dinner Feb. 27. Named for the first black faculty member at Duke University, the Cook Society was founded in 1997 to recognize and celebrate African-American presence at Duke. The Community Betterment Award honors a Duke community member who, in his or her daily activities, contributes to making Duke better by manifesting the values of kindness, fairness, cooperation and respect of others. “It’s nice, and it’s also a little awkward because I didn’t build a single one of those cabinets,” said Cline, who joined Duke in 2000 after retiring from the Environmental Protection Agency. “I didn’t put in any of the playground equipment. I didn’t do any of this stuff. All I’ve done is ask people to do this. While I realize somebody’s got to ask if you want to get something done, the real work is all done by other people.”
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John Cline, recipient of the Cook Society Community Betterment Award, stands in the playground at Carter Community Charter School in Durham. Duke Facilities Management Department employees completed renovation projects at the school.
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The Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership began in 1996 with collaborations between the university and 12 neighborhoods near campus. The goal remains improving quality of life by working with residents and school leaders to boost student achievement, increase home ownership, improve opportunities for local youth and promote economic development. Cline has facilitated upgrades throughout neighborhoods affiliated with the Neighborhood Partnership, including at Carter Community Charter School in Durham. There, FMD staff members built a console for the main office; they repaired doors, walls and floors; they came in on their own time and renovated the boy’s restroom with their own materials; and they provided guidance and materials for first-year Duke medical school students who painted the school. “With John’s help, we’ve been able to develop a better first impression based on what people see when they first enter the building and campus,” said Gail Taylor, Carter school principal and executive director. “When all those things happen, not only does it attract more parents, it does a lot for morale.” Cline said he hopes the Cook award will translate to greater participation in the Neighborhood Partnership’s aims. “It recognizes there are a group of people out there that are working on these things.” — By Tim Candon Working@Duke Correspondent
William H. Schlesinger:
Your Ecological Footprint M
any of us at Duke are increasingly concerned about climate change and other Celebrate by saving energy, using less water or human impacts on our practicing the three R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle. planet, but uncertain Attend festivities sponsored in part by Duke about what we can do. Recycles, the Nicholas School of the The answer is: a lot! Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke Simple changes in your daily resource use can University Greening Initiative and the dramatically reduce the Sustainability@Duke Program in the carbon dioxide released Executive Vice President’s Office. to the atmosphere, which reduces the potential for 6 p.m. April 5: Eat Grub! climate change. Fossil Putting Justice on Your Plate. Join best-selling William H. Schlesinger fuels such as coal and author Anna Blythe Lappe for a discussion about food natural gas are used to make most products of modern society, so reducing unnecessary politics and how diet affects our health and the health consumption and recycling wastes can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide you emit. of our environment. Love Auditorium in Levine Science Take, for example, an aluminum can. For every aluminum can recycled to make a new Research Center. can, we save 94 percent of energy that would otherwise be used to make a new can from fresh aluminum ore. Recycle 45 cans and you save roughly the energy contained in one gallon of 5 p.m. April 10: A regional premiere screening gasoline. If that seems like a lot of cans, make a quick count of the number of cans on the of Laura Dunn’s “The Unforeseen,” a documentary about ground after a home basketball game. development and sprawl, using Austin, Texas, as an example. The type of car we drive and how far we drive are probably the most important decisions A Q&A with Dunn and Eco-Reception follow the film. that can dramatically reduce our energy-use footprint on the planet. Since the objective of Love Auditorium in Levine Science Research Center. owning a car is to get from place A to place B, it is easy to accomplish the task by taking as little unnecessary steel, glass and plastic along for the ride. Compact cars with hybrid technology can 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20: Earth Day Festival double the efficiency at which the transport job is done. Living close to Duke reduces your daily with food, activities and more than 50 community and commuting distance, controlling the impact on the environment. campus groups on hand to demonstrate and discuss ways For those who just can’t imagine driving a small car, companies such as TerraPass offer to promote sustainability and limit our “footprint” on certificates that allow you to mitigate the impact of driving habits. TerraPass calculates carbon earth. West Campus Plaza. dioxide you emit driving each year. Buying a certificate from TerraPass allows you to support the installation of wind power in Kansas, saving the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions from your car. For information and other events, e-mail All of us can make immediate reductions in our energy use (and what we pay for it) by earthmonth@nicholas.duke.edu improving home heating systems and insulation. Living in Durham, my wife, Lisa, and I found our heating bills decrease 11 percent after insulating ductwork under our house. Every time you replace a household appliance, you can save on your electric bill by selecting an EPA Energy Star model. You can further reduce your impact on the environment by cutting use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT DUKE IS DOING TO your yard. Nitrogen fertilizer contributes nitrate to runoff waters, eventually making their way to the coastal ecosystems PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT of North Carolina, where they impact our fisheries. Saving food scraps in a composter will produce wonderful mulch, Visit www.duke.edu/sustainability allowing you to use less garden fertilizer each year. We all can make a difference.
April is Earth Month
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William H. Schlesinger is Dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences and the James B. Duke Professor of Biogeochemistry.
“I get fresh air and fresh produce at the same time” DUKE FARMERS MARKET OPENS APRIL 13 om Jarratt is making a concerted effort to maintain his health. Part of his strategy is the Duke Farmers Market, which opens April 13. “My wife is always glad when I pick up a few things at the farmers market and cook dinner,” said Jarratt, a Procurement Services staff specialist in his 50s. “As we get older, we’re more concerned about eating the right things because we’re trying not to take our good health for granted. This is an easy way to help keep us healthy and happy.” The farmers market, which is sponsored by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program, runs through Sept. 28 in front of the Medical Center Store off Coal Pile Drive, next to the walkway connecting Duke Hospital and Duke Clinics. Locally grown produce such as tomatoes, melons, strawberries, blackberries and peaches will be for sale. Durham vendors will sell baked goods, flowers and more.
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Faculty and staff can swipe their DukeCard at the market to enter a raffle for a basket of fruits and vegetables. On opening day, a string band will play. On that day, and other Fridays, rotating vendors will prepare lunch and demonstrate healthy cooking techniques. “The vendors always have a great selection of fresh vegetables, fruits and other great things,” Jarratt said. “Plus, it’s really convenient because it’s held in the parking lot right outside of my office. I get fresh air and fresh produce at the same time.” — By Missy Baxter Working@Duke Correspondent
IF YOU GO WHEN: 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. EVERY FRIDAY, STARTING APRIL 13 THROUGH JUNE 29. THE MARKET RUNS EVERY OTHER FRIDAY FROM JULY 6 THROUGH SEPT. 28. WHERE: IN FRONT OF THE MEDICAL CENTER STORES OFF COAL PILE DRIVE, NEXT TO THE WALKWAY CONNECTING DUKE HOSPITAL AND DUKE CLINICS.
WANT MORE INFO? www.hr.duke.edu/farmersmarket
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WORKING@ DUKE
HOW TO REACH US Editor: Leanora Minai (919) 681-4533 leanora.minai@duke.edu Director: Paul S. Grantham (919) 681-4534 paul.grantham@duke.edu Graphic Design & Layout: Paul Figuerado Photography: Elizabeth Michalka of Human Resources Communications, Editor Leanora Minai and Jon Gardiner, Les Todd and Megan Morr of Duke University Photography Support Staff: Mary Carey and William Blackburn
Working@Duke is published monthly by Duke’s Office of Communication Services. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for future story topics. Please write us at working@duke.edu or
Working@Duke, Box 90496, 705 Broad St., Durham, NC 27708 Call us at (919) 684-4345. Send faxes to (919) 681-7926.
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dialogue@Duke “Earth Day is in April. How do you protect the environment and conserve energy and other resources at Duke?” Part of what we do is make sure people park where they are supposed to and they are not tearing the landscape up. We conserve energy also by not using our vehicles all the time. We walk a lot to patrol lots.”
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Linda Ferettino Traffic Controller 5 years at Duke
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Recycling is mostly what we do. And in the giveaways around April or May, we give away free compost for the environment so you have a better way to plant shrubbery and your plants will have something better to grow in.”
1907 W. Markham Ave. Durham (919) 286-1167
Write
working@duke.edu
Michael McCray Tree Pruner 28 years at Duke
Call
In teaching, I do a lot of simple things, like turning out the lights when I leave the classroom, making sure equipment is off. We also try to conserve paper in the department by making small handouts as opposed to full-sized pages. I make sure to recycle everything that doesn’t get used. I also try to, in my classrooms, when my students leave their garbage, take the recyclables to recycling. Duke could improve by having a recycling bin next to each trash can.”
(919) 681-4533
PERQS Sandra Valnes Quammen Instructor of French 1 year at Duke
Neal’s Garage
Got A News Tip
— By Eddy Landreth Working@Duke Correspondent
E M P LOY E E D I S CO U N TS $14.95 oil change at NEAL’S GARAGE
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uke employee Anne Severin takes her Subaru Legacy to Neal’s Garage because the shop is close to home and campus. And she likes the price of the oil change: $14.95. Severin, a clinical nurse in labor and delivery at the Birthing Center, discovered
Neal’s Garage through PERQs, Duke’s employee discount program. She has visited Neal’s several times for maintenance, including replacing windshield wipers. “They are fast, and they are very nice,” said Severin, who joined Duke in September. “They charged me $14.95. You can’t get an oil change for less than $30 anywhere else.” Neal’s Garage, 1907 W. Markham Ave., offers Duke employees a $14.95 oil change and 10 percent discount on all automotive services, including North Carolina Inspections. A valid Duke ID is required. A sign outside the business reads, “Hybrid Spoken Here. We service all Hybrid vehicles.” Wallace Yarbrough, Neal’s manager, said Hybrid cars take special order oil. “We’ve done quite a few Hybrids,” he said. “I didn’t realize there were so many in the area.” Yarbrough owned a garage in Durham for 35 years before merging his business with Neal’s Garage, which has been providing service since 1950. Martin Galeno, who has been a mechanic at Neal’s Garage for seven years, works on a Saab with a blown head gasket. The garage offers a 10 percent discount to Duke faculty and staff.
Neal’s is open 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers a secure key drop box in the front door for early bird service. “We’re Duke fans,” Yarbrough said. “It’s a great school, and it has made Durham.”
Duke negotiates reduced rates and discounts on hundreds of products and services as an employee benefit.
— By Eddy Landreth Working@Duke Correspondent
To learn more about PERQS or to join the mailing list for discount e-mail alerts, visit www.hr.duke.edu/discounts.
D U K E T O D AY
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