To the Duke Community,
As we prepare to honor Duke University’s founders this weekend, we are reminded of their faith in the proposition that education has the power to uplift humankind. I invite you to join me in reflecting on the roles we all play in realizing our founders’ hopes for this institution.
In his Indenture of Trust that led to the creation of Duke University, James B. Duke called education one of “the greatest civilizing influences”—a vision that continues to inspire us more than a century later. Today we are a vibrant community of people representing a wide range of backgrounds, viewpoints, and life experiences who come together to think boldly, respectfully challenge one another, and work together to address society’s most pressing challenges.
In a world that so often feels divided, our shared values of respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence serve as a guide to finding common ground. They inspire us to embrace our differences and listen to and learn from one another, even in the face of the most profound disagreements. This spirit of openness and curiosity is how we learn, grow and continue to fulfill our founders’ dream of “attaining and maintaining a place of real leadership in the educational world.”
I’m grateful for the ways our community is carrying that vision forward today through your work, studies and care for one another. Thank you for honoring our founders with humanity, honesty, humility, and hope.
Sincerely,
Vince