WORKING@DUKE

3 7
GETTING AHEAD APPRECIATING GUEST COLUMN

2
The February FACULTY & STAFF Nicholas School Dean
Primetime employee Duke Appreciation William H. Schlesinger
forum on career and events in May include writes about minimizing
professional Lunch on the Quad our “footprint” on earth
development drew and Family Fun Day in recognition of Earth
300 employees. with live music. Month.

N EWS YO U CA N U S E :: Vo l u m e 2 , I s s u e 3 :: April 2007

Opening Doors To Higher Education

DUKE CHILDREN’S TUITION BENEFIT SENDS 3,430 TO COLLEGE

I 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.
The Duke Children’s Tuition Grant may be used toward full-time study
at the associate or baccalaureate level at any approved, accredited, degree-
granting institution of higher education. The benefit covers tuition only,
Third-year student Veronica Suitt could have kicked herself. She only not room and board, books or other expenses. Since 1996, Duke has
had time to read two of the stories. provided $107.4 million to 3,430 children of Duke faculty and staff,
“I did alright,” Suitt, daughter of Shirley Suitt, a Duke Dining at about 600 institutions.
Services employee, said later. “He usually gives us one quiz a week.” Bill Phillips, Duke Human Resources benefits manager, said the grant
The strains of college life are many, especially when coupled with is intended to help employees send their children, like Veronica Suitt, to
a job, but Suitt doesn’t complain. At age 20, she enjoys being busy and schools they may not be able to attend otherwise.
knows her circumstances aren’t nearly as difficult as they SEE CHILDREN’S TUITION, PAGE 4
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
Top Five of 600 Universities Attended
of Duke faculty and staff who used the benefit in 2006;
By Children of Duke University Faculty and Staff
126 of those students are attending Duke.
Under the Duke Children’s Tuition Grant
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.”

Nearly one-third of children of Duke University faculty and staff participating in the
From top left: Shirley Suitt bakes five kinds of bread for Subway in the Duke Children’s Tuition Grant in 2006 attended a private institution in North Carolina.
West Campus Union. She has worked at Duke for 24 years and is sending Source: Duke Human Resources
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.

This paper consists of 30% recycled

post-consumer fiber.
LOOKING
@ DUKE
AHEAD
APRIL 8 : : Easter Sunrise
Service, 6:30 a.m., Duke Gardens,
near terraced fish pond.
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.
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.
For more events, check the
university’s online calendar
at http://calendar.duke.edu
“
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
2 a special trip to West Campus to attend Primetime. “This
Newsbriefs
Duke announces $30 million civic engagement initiative
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
home and abroad, and, in turn, learn from those experiences. Projects
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
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
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
policy. She has significant experience in
university governance, serving as chair of
the Appointment, Promotions and Tenure
Committee and as member of the Provost’s
Diversity Task Force and the Arts and Sciences’ Budget Task Force.
Among her roles, she is currently co-director of the Center for
the Study of Race, Ethnicity and Gender in the Social Sciences and
co-convener of the Duke University Black Faculty Caucus. In addition
to being the first African-American to serve as council chair, McClain
is the third woman to hold the post.
Building relationships key
to professional development
lint Davidson, vice
C 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
are enormously valuable,” he
for Human Resources, holds a
said. “Seek out those who have
postcard sent to employees
succeeded; those who will share
announcing the February
Primetime forum on professional
and teach about their success.”
and career development.
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
was the first Primetime event that I have attended, and
letters
to the Editor
I enjoy your newsletter…the article about the steam plant
was fascinating!
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.
Are you on track to meet your financial goals?
Employees and their immediate family members are invited to attend
free financial planning seminars and speak directly with investment
and insurance representatives from Duke’s benefit providers during
Financial Fitness Week, May 14 to May 17. Workshops are designed
for everyone, from the beginning investor to people approaching
retirement. Reservations are required for workshops by Ernst & Young
and strongly recommended for others due to limited space. Visit
www.hr.duke.edu/financialfitness for more information.
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,
S especially during her 15-minute chair massage.
“It felt so good,” said Pippen, a laboratory
Duke Appreciation
Event Highlights
“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
Sunday, May 6
11 a.m.

research analyst. family.”

Duke Chapel Services

The massages, given in February by Ben Franklin Duke Appreciation organizers are also aiming for Wednesday, May 16
with LIVE FOR LIFE, were part of an ongoing employee more work-group expressions of thanks with departments Night Out at Local
appreciation effort for the Division of Cardiovascular adding their own events, which, for example, may include Restaurants

Medicine, courtesy of the division. a professional development opportunity or supervisor

Restaurants offer discounts for

Karen Riches, who is organizing the annual Duke joining faculty or staff for lunch. Individual departments
Duke faculty and staff. Check

Appreciation events in May, hopes other departments are responsible for costs associated with their department
www.hr.duke.edu/da2007

at Duke will follow the lead of the Division of Cardiovascular events.

for participating restaurants.

Medicine and plan special work-group and department events Pippen, who has worked in the cardiovascular Saturday, May 19
in May to coincide with Duke Appreciation as a way to thank division 11 years, said events in her department, which 9 a.m.
faculty and staff and recognize their efforts. also included a financial planning seminar and delivery of Duke Family Fun Run/Walk
“When recognition comes directly from a supervisor, cookies and milk, improved morale. “I think it would be

“
Washington Duke Inn entrance
it’s most meaningful to employees and it helps build a great if it’s more than just a phase,” she said.
stronger relationship between them,” said Riches, employee Suzanne Blankfard, human resources manager for the
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

services representative with Staff & Family Programs in Cardiovascular Division, spearheaded her department’s
Family Fun Day

Duke Human Resources. ongoing appreciation to increase retention and connect

Live entertainment, rides and food

This year, Duke Appreciation stretches over the employees.

Wannamaker Field

month of May, instead of a week. Organizers said the “We want our staff to know we’re looking out for Monday, May 21
extension creates more opportunities for recognition and them,” Blankfard said. “Satisfaction within the work 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
celebration and promotes a sense of community among environment is a big reason people choose to stay with Lunch on the Quad
faculty and staff. an employer for the long term.” West Campus Quad

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.
— By Elizabeth Michalka
11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Writer, Human Resources Communications
Lunch on the Quad is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 21.
Duke Hospital Third Shift

Based on input from staff, vegetarian and light food options

Breakfast

will be available during both events.

For More Information, Duke North Cafeteria
visit www.hr.duke.edu/da2007

Mastering Asian Just because

we’re doing
flavors with flair production cooking
doesn’t mean it has to
hef Jet Tila gathered Duke Dining Services
employees around a prep table for a quick
be boring.”
C demonstration on slicing scallions and fresh ginger.
Tila, owner of four Thai restaurants in California
– Chef Jet Tila
Asian foods consultant for

and teacher of all styles of Asian cooking, chopped

Bon Appetit

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.” The ingredients list to prepare
He pointed to the diagonally sliced scallions. a Wednesday lunch for 600 people
“We call that sexy,” he said. in the Marketplace filled five pages
The message: Jazz up plate presentation. It adds value in Excel. Thai sweet basil, bean
to a dish and doesn’t take any more time. “We eat with sprouts, cilantro, eggplant, shrimp,
our eyes,” Tila told employees. “Just because we’re doing tofu, beef, chicken and much
production cooking doesn’t mean it has to be boring.” more peppered kitchen carts. All
Tila joined the East Campus Marketplace kitchen for for that Wednesday’s pad thai,
a few days in February as part of a culinary class for Duke Chinese chicken salad, vegetarian
Dining Services employees, who learned Asian cooking lemongrass stir fry, curry and pho,
techniques and flavor profiles. Tila, who is Thai-Chinese, a Vietnamese noodle soup.
is an Asian foods consultant for Bon Appetit, Duke’s food Dining employees such as
service vendor at the Marketplace and Freeman Center. station server Bradley Moore, cook Visiting Chef Jet Tila, in dark shirt,

He also happens to hold the 2005 world record for the Jermall McRae and Lashosta Stevons-Parham, lead
runs a culinary class in February with

largest stir fry weighing 1,805 pounds. food service worker, learned 15 to 20 dishes and tasted
Duke Dining Services employees. They

His signature is authentic ethnic flavors and fresh 20 sauces over the two days.
learned Asian cooking techniques and
flavor profiles.

ingredients, which Duke dining customers have requested. For Stevons-Parham, who took the lead on the wok,
His noodle soup beef stock and stir fry sauces – black learning a peeling and slicing technique for transforming
bean, Korean barbecue, lemongrass and spicy basil – fresh ginger into fancy “blades of grass” added to her
are made from scratch to eliminate monosodium glutamate. repertoire.
“The idea is to teach them the flavor profile and teach “It’s going to take practice,” she said, “but I’m willing
them how to chase flavors so when I’m gone, the flavors to try.”
stay here,” Tila said. — By Leanora Minai
Working@Duke Editor
3
 CHILDREN’S TUITION including nine hours a week in work-study, doing office
continued from page 1 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
“It’s a great benefit,” Phillips said. “It’s something surprise that in her rush, she’ll forget her keys or dorm
very unique to us in our local market. I think it’s one of access card, like she did recently.
our claims to fame.” “This is a typical day,” she said calmly, as she phoned
A 2003 study compared Duke’s benefit to 24 other a roommate to borrow an access card.
schools, including Cornell, Princeton and Yale. Phillips said
the findings show that Duke’s benefit is equal to or more North Carolina Popular
extensive than similar benefits at peer universities. 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
B u i l d i n g Fu t u r e s
Shelley Beason, a clinical social worker in pediatric through the tuition benefit are all in North Carolina. Duke
hematology oncology with 15 years of service, has twin is first, followed by Elon, Meredith, Campbell and Guilford.
daughters in out-of-state colleges. Channing Duke, whose father, John, has worked at
Nicole Beason attends Dickinson College in Duke for 26 years and is a licensed steam fitter, attends
Pennsylvania; Carrie Beason is at Washington University Louisburg College in Franklin County.
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 four-
year 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
BY THE Duke benefit. Shirley Suitt is the sole income provider.
Her husband, James, is disabled and unable to work.
NUMBERS The benefit, which has provided $34,149 for Suitt’s
Shelley Beason, center, with daughters, Carrie, left, and Nicole. Photo courtesy of

education, prevented the Suitts from going into debt.

Beason family.
DUKE
CHILDREN’S Suitt’s parents have hardly spent a dime on their daughter’s
tuition, which has enabled them to pitch in more toward
TUITION other expenses like room and board.
GRANT “The grant is more than just money. It’s helping me
build my future,” said Suitt, who lives on the Peace
3,430 campus. “A lot of people take opportunities like this for
Number of children of granted, but it’s a privilege. I feel obligated to do as well
Duke employees who as I can in school to prove that the grant money is not
used the benefit since being wasted on me, and to make my family proud. It
1996 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
$13,055
stayed on her about doing well in school. Suitt is enrolled
Average annual benefit
in 15 credit hours and works 30 hours a week, not
per child of employee
Channing Duke discusses “Everything is Illuminated,” one of her favorite films, with
Associate English Professor Dawn Shepherd during a film class at Louisburg College.
$16.5 million
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

4 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 student-
oriented, 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 The grant
a number.”
The Dukes hope to use the grant to send their
is more
second daughter, Tori, now a high school than just money. It’s
sophomore, to a college of her choice. She wants
to become a veterinarian.
helping me build my
Suitt, who will graduate from Peace College future. A lot of people
next year, is saving money in hopes of traveling
after graduation before landing a job as a social
take opportunities like
worker or in human resources. this for granted, but
“Oh, I’d love to be able to get a job at Duke,”
she said. “That would be so great.”
it’s a privilege. I feel
Channing Duke, a Louisburg College student, studies for film class while her father, John
obligated to do as well
Duke, a licensed steam fitter at Duke, looks on. Over three semesters, the Duke Children’s — Story and Photos by Elizabeth Michalka
Tuition Grant has paid $13,380 toward her college tuition. Writer, Human Resources Communications
as I can in school to
Over three semesters, the benefit paid $13,380 toward
prove that the grant
her college tuition. money is not being
Duke takes 14 class hours at Louisburg and 12 hours
at Vance-Granville Community College – hours she plans
wasted on me, and to
to transfer to a four-year university such as North Carolina make my family proud.”
State or the University of North Carolina in Wilmington.
She doesn’t receive funding from the Duke tuition grant to
— Veronica Suitt

pay for classes at Vance-Granville because its tuition is less

Peace College student and

than the $1,800 deductible.

daughter of Shirley Suitt, Duke

She said she chose Louisburg for its size with 708
Dining Services

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
Duke
professor seated casually in front of them. The lessons
Veronica Suitt, right, grabs a quick salad during a 30-minute lunch break while
Children’s Tuition
are conversational and interactive, allowing her to express
friend and roommate, Brittany Anderson, does some last minute studying.

her opinions. The intimate atmosphere is just what she

Grant Seminars
had hoped for. Attend a workshop
with a Duke Benefits
representative. Eligibility
and application procedures
will be discussed.

Gett i n g S t a r t e d Sessions are noon to 1 p.m.

e 1970s. The
ted in so me form since th
All sessions are in the
has exis lp
uke C hildren’s Tuition Grant – $1 2,31 6 pe r semester – to he
Breedlove Room in Perkins
The D of Duke’s tuiti on staff. The
es up to 75 percent ve rsity faculty and
Library with the exception
ne fit provid of D uk e U ni
be
duate tuition for
children page application,
her fees. A one-
of April 10. That session
pay for undergra ard, bo ok s or ot
ver room and bo each semester.
rces, is required
is at Human Resources,
grant does not co H um an R es ou
through Duke
705 Broad St.

available online
in conference room 03.

E L IG IB IL IT Y:
Reserve space at
least
uk e U nive rsity employees of at
www.hr.duke.edu/benefits/
full-time D
• Children of
education/tuition.html

five consecutive
years. Jan. 1, 1999.
pl oy ees hired before
or call (919) 681-4617.
for child ren of em der age 26.
• No age limit Ja n. 1, 1999 must be un
employees hire d af ter Jan. 1, 1999.
• Children of stem em ployees hired after
April 10
lth Sy
not apply to Hea
• Grant does May 8

TS : June 5
ding
N
R E Q U IR E M E
e at an ac cr ed ited, degree-awar
tim
t be enrolled full-
July 17
• Students mus atio n.
er educ be paid first.
institution of high r 2006-07, must
August 14
00 fo ible.
Per sem ester deduct ible, $1 ,8
is le ss th an th e semester deduct
• ition that t semesters
ot be used for tu
September 11
• Grant cann es te rs , w ith a m aximum of eigh mesters
m n divide the 16 se
ay be used for 16 se n ca
October 9
• G ra nt m an tw o ch ild re
ees with more th
per child. Employ mester.
November 6
among children. an t at th e be ginning of each se
r the gr r classes
must re-apply fo and registered fo
December 4
• Employees a fu ll co ur se lo ad
t be enrolled in
• Children mus aw ar ded.
grant is
before the Duke ent directly to th
e institution. ard.
• Duke se nd s tu ition pa ym
ce ive w he n de termining the aw
ents re
ers other aid stud raduate school
• Duke consid on e un de rg raduate degree. G
s only to
• Grant applie
is not covered. 5

Up Next
at First
Thursday
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?
Visit www.nasher.duke.edu
e mployee spotlight
MEET JOHN CLINE, COOK SOCIETY COMMUNITY BETTERMENT AWARD RECIPIENT
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.
6
Meet the artist and tour the Nasher
FIRST THURSDAY EVENT OFFERS GLIMPSE OF ART WORLD
riendly conversation and laughter filled the Mary
F 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.
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.
ohn Cline gives “middle man” a good
J 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 Duke-
Durham 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.”
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
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
any of us at Duke

M are increasingly
concerned about
climate change and other
April is Earth Month
Celebrate by saving energy, using less water or
human impacts on our
planet, but uncertain practicing the three R’s: reduce, reuse and recycle.
about what we can do. Attend festivities sponsored in part by Duke
The answer is: a lot! Recycles, the Nicholas School of the
Simple changes in your Environment and Earth Sciences, Duke
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
fuels such as coal and
author Anna Blythe Lappe for a discussion about food
William H. Schlesinger

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
commuting distance, controlling the impact on the environment. with food, activities and more than 50 community and
For those who just can’t imagine driving a small car, companies such as TerraPass offer campus groups on hand to demonstrate and discuss ways
certificates that allow you to mitigate the impact of driving habits. TerraPass calculates carbon to promote sustainability and limit our “footprint” on
dioxide you emit driving each year. Buying a certificate from TerraPass allows you to support the earth. West Campus Plaza.
installation of wind power in Kansas, saving the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions from your car.
All of us can make immediate reductions in our energy use (and what we pay for it) by
For information and other events, e-mail

improving home heating systems and insulation. Living in Durham, my wife, Lisa, and I found
earthmonth@nicholas.duke.edu

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
your yard. Nitrogen fertilizer contributes nitrate to runoff waters, eventually making their way to the coastal ecosystems WHAT DUKE IS DOING TO
of North Carolina, where they impact our fisheries. Saving food scraps in a composter will produce wonderful mulch, PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
allowing you to use less garden fertilizer each year. Visit www.duke.edu/sustainability

We all can make a difference.

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” IF YOU GO
DUKE FARMERS MARKET OPENS APRIL 13 WHEN: 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
EVERY FRIDAY, STARTING APRIL 13

om Jarratt is making a concerted effort to maintain Faculty and staff can swipe
THROUGH JUNE 29. THE MARKET

their DukeCard at the

RUNS EVERY OTHER FRIDAY FROM

T 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
market to enter a raffle for
a basket of fruits and
JULY 6 THROUGH SEPT. 28.

WHERE: IN FRONT OF THE

at the farmers market and cook dinner,” said Jarratt, a vegetables.
MEDICAL CENTER STORES OFF COAL

On opening day, a string

PILE DRIVE, NEXT TO THE WALKWAY
Procurement Services staff specialist in his 50s. “As we get CONNECTING DUKE HOSPITAL AND

older, we’re more concerned about eating the right things band will play. On that day, DUKE CLINICS.
because we’re trying not to take our good health for granted. and other Fridays, rotating
This is an easy way to help keep us healthy and happy.” vendors will prepare lunch
The farmers market, which is sponsored by LIVE and demonstrate healthy cooking techniques.
FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program, runs “The vendors always have a great selection of fresh WANT MORE INFO?
through Sept. 28 in front of the Medical Center Store vegetables, fruits and other great things,” Jarratt said. “Plus, www.hr.duke.edu/farmersmarket

off Coal Pile Drive, next to the walkway connecting it’s really convenient because it’s held in the parking lot
Duke Hospital and Duke Clinics. right outside of my office. I get fresh air and fresh produce
Locally grown produce such as tomatoes, melons, at the same time.”
strawberries, blackberries and peaches will be for sale. — By Missy Baxter 7
Durham vendors will sell baked goods, flowers and more. Working@Duke Correspondent
WORKING@ DUKE

“
HOW TO REACH US
Editor: Leanora Minai
(919) 681-4533
dialogue@Duke
leanora.minai@duke.edu
“Earth Day is in April. How do you protect the
Director: Paul S. Grantham
(919) 681-4534
environment and conserve energy and other
paul.grantham@duke.edu resources at Duke?”
Part of what we do is make sure people park where

“
they are supposed to and they are not tearing the
Graphic Design & Layout:

landscape up. We conserve energy also by not using our

Paul Figuerado

Photography: Elizabeth Michalka of

vehicles all the time. We walk a lot to patrol lots.”
Got A
Human Resources Communications,
Editor Leanora Minai and Jon
Gardiner, Les Todd and Megan Morr
Linda Ferettino
Traffic Controller
5 years at Duke News
of Duke University Photography

Tip

“
Support Staff: Mary Carey Recycling is mostly what we do. And in the
and William Blackburn giveaways around April or May, we give away free
compost for the environment so you have a better way to
Working@Duke is published monthly plant shrubbery and your plants will have something better
by Duke’s Office of Communication to grow in.” Write
Services. We welcome your
feedback and suggestions for
Michael McCray working@duke.edu
Tree Pruner
future story topics. 28 years at Duke
Call
In teaching, I do a lot of simple things, like turning
Please write us at (919) 681-4533
out the lights when I leave the classroom, making sure
working@duke.edu or

equipment is off. We also try to conserve paper in the

Working@Duke, Box 90496,

department by making small handouts as opposed to full-sized pages. I make sure to recycle
705 Broad St., Durham, NC 27708

everything that doesn’t get used. I also try to, in my classrooms, when my students leave their
Call us at (919) 684-4345.

garbage, take the recyclables to recycling. Duke could improve by having a recycling bin next
Send faxes to (919) 681-7926.

to each trash can.”

PERQS
Sandra Valnes Quammen
Instructor of French — By Eddy Landreth
1 year at Duke Working@Duke Correspondent

Neal’s Garage
1907 W. Markham Ave.
Durham
(919) 286-1167

E M P LOY E E D I S CO U N TS
$14.95 oil change at NEAL’S GARAGE

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.
D
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.
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 — By Eddy Landreth

products and services as an employee benefit. 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.

For the latest news and information,

D U K E T O D AY visit www.duke.edu/today