Centennial Home » Event Calendar

Event Calendar

Check back as more events and details become available.

2024

2025

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May

January 2024

January 9

Duke University’s Centennial Celebration Kickoff

The entire Duke community is invited to the Centennial Celebration Kickoff, featuring special guests and musical and dance performances.

January 9
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Winter Chill Reception

Fun wintry-themed food, beverages, giveaways and activities! All faculty, staff, students and invited guests are welcome.

January 14

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration

Open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and the Durham community, this Centennial event will honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 24

Our Duke: Constructing a Century Exhibit Opening

Registration optional, but encouraged. Refreshments will be served.  Join the Duke University Archives for the opening of a special Centennial Celebration exhibit marking 100

January 25

Our History, Our Voice: Latiné at Duke

Come celebrate the launch of the exhibit “Nuestra historia, Nuestra voz: Latinas/os/es/x en Duke” at the Franklin Galleries in Classroom Building! Remarks will be

January 26

Swim Meet: Duke vs. UNC

Centennial Athletics Event

January 26

Wrestling: Duke vs. Virginia

Centennial Athletics Event

January 29
Research & Innovation Week ’24

Centennial Research & Innovation Week

100 Years of Discovery at Duke: Celebrating Yesterday, Today, and the Next Century of Breakthroughs

January 31

Victor J. Dzau Distinguished Lecture in Global Health: Making Big Bets to Improve Public Health

Throughout his career, Dr. Rajiv J. Shah has responded to public health threats around the world by embracing a “big bet” mindset – the

February 2024

February 5

Nicholas Kristof in Conversation with Frank Bruni

New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof will speak with Duke Sanford Professor Frank Bruni about some of the most pressing issues facing the United

February 8

Rubenstein Distinguished Lecture Series: Technology, Humanity, and Democracy—The State of Journalism

Nobel Peace Prize winner, journalist, co-founder and CEO of Rappler, Maria Ressa, will speak about her thoughts on the intersection of fake news, freedom

February 9

MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium

The Duke Cancer Institute Community Outreach, Engagement, and Equity (COEE) program — with the support of Duke Health Community Health, the Duke University School

February 10

Fencing: Duke Invitational

Centennial Athletics Event

February 11

Men’s Tennis: Duke vs. Kentucky

Centennial Athletics Event

February 13

2024 Robert J. Lefkowitz, MD Distinguished Lecture

The Lefkowitz Lecture is an annual event featuring distinguished scientists that aims to celebrate and highlight groundbreaking medical research in honor of Nobel Laureate

February 13
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Revisiting the Takeover: A Commemoration of the 55th Anniversary of the Allen Building Takeover

This event is a commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the Allen Building Takeover. It will feature a panel discussion with Duke alumni Catherine

February 15

The Cook Society Awards Recognition Dinner

Each year, the Samuel DuBois Cook Society recognizes community members who follow Dr. Cook’s example of social activism and leadership.

February 22

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents; Understanding the Invisible Scaffolding that Divides Us

“As we go about our daily lives, caste is the wordless usher in a darkened theater, flashlight cast down in the aisles, guiding us

February 24

Women’s Lacrosse: Duke vs. Clemson

Centennial Athletics Event

March 2024

March 1

Duke Democracy Day

Programming includes:

March 1

Men’s Lacrosse: Duke vs. Penn

Centennial Athletics Event

March 2

Softball: Duke vs. Syracuse

Centennial Athletics Event

March 3

Women’s Tennis: Duke vs. BC

Centennial Athletics Event

March 5
The current Blue Devil crowd surfing on Cameron Crazies

Blue Devil Mascot Documentary – Houston

Regional Signature Centennial Event

March 6
The current Blue Devil crowd surfing on Cameron Crazies

Details of the Devil: The History of Duke’s Mascot – Austin

Regional Signature Centennial Event

March 7
Duke University seal graphic

Centennial Presidential Awards Ceremony

In the Centennial year, this ceremony will recognize individuals and teams who demonstrate the values that define and shape Duke.

March 7

Wilson Lecture Series: How Prioritizing Kids Benefits Us All

Join us to hear from New York Times bestselling author, and Professor of Law, Adam Benforado, as he offers a sharp indictment of America’s

March 7
The current Blue Devil crowd surfing on Cameron Crazies

Details of the Devil: The History of Duke’s Mascot – Dallas

Regional Signature Centennial Event

March 19

Details of the Devil: The History of Duke’s Mascot – Durham

Regional Signature Centennial Event

March 20

Donald T. Moore, MD, Endowed Lecture

A virtual option is available by Zoom here! The Donald T. Moore, MD, Endowed Lecture honors the legacy of the esteemed physician, educator and

March 22
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Jensen Speaker Series: Sociology Graduate Alumni Panel

Come and engage with three graduates of the Duke Sociology Graduate Program, ranked #13 nationally by US News and World Report. The speakers will

March 23

Whistle Stop Tours: Black Wall Street

Expand your understanding of innovation and entrepreneurship in Durham. Join us on a 90-minute walking tour to learn about Black Wall Street, Black Durham’s

March 24

A Conversation with Kimberlé Crenshaw

Webcast available here! Kimberlé Crenshaw is the co-founder and Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum, a gender and racial justice legal think

March 28

2024 Community Health Summit: Building a Sustainable Path to Equitable Food Systems

Please register here! At this special Centennial version of our annual health summit, our focus will extend beyond merely discussing the problems to actively

April 2024

April 2
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Phillips Lecture: David M. Rubenstein and Fareed Zakaria

This event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required. To reserve tickets, please visit the Duke Box Office. The Ambassador Dave

April 9

Department of Pediatrics Samuel L. Katz 2024 Research Retreat

Register here! Department of Pediatrics Samuel L. Katz 2024 Research Retreat is an annual event, featuring opportunities for faculty, trainees, students and staff to

April 10
Duke Centennial 100 logo

The Duke Centennial Allan H. Friedman Lecture

The Allan H. Friedman Lecture series, established in 2014 and named in honor of the acclaimed Duke neurosurgeon, former division chief and former department

April 11

Track & Field: Duke Invitational

Centennial Athletics Event

April 12
Duke Alumni with blue wigs and glasses

Centennial Spring Reunions

This extraordinary milestone is not just a celebration; it’s an opportunity for us to come together, reminisce about shared experiences, and forge new connections

April 12
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Alumni Centennial Symposium: 100 Years of History, Practice, and Theory; Celebrating Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke University

This symposium seeks to present a critical discussion by some of our alumni about art and visual culture in their life at Duke and

April 13

Fitzpatrick Institute for Photonics Symposium: Engineering Light to Empower the World

Registration is open! Please register here. The program will feature four distinctive events throughout the day:

April 13

Duke Wind Symphony: History…

Watch the livestream here! The “Duke Wind Symphony: History…” performance will honor the longstanding legacy of the ensemble on campus. The ensemble will perform

April 14

Our First Lady of Jazz: Celebrating Mary Lou Williams

As part of Duke University’s Centennial Celebration, the Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture, Duke Arts, and Duke University Chapel present “Our First

April 18

Duke Centennial Ecology Symposium

Join us at Grainger Hall as we look back at 100 years of ecology history, thought, and scholarship at Duke University! This two-day event

April 18

Centennial Summit on Data Science in Surgery

Registration is free, but is required for this event. Register online. The Duke Department of Surgery will host the Centennial Summit on Data Science

April 18
Duke Centennial 100 logo

2024 Critical Care Collaborative Research Symposium

Webcast available here! The purpose of this inclusive, inaugural event is to bring the Duke Critical Care Medicine community together around research. Abstracts were

April 19
Duke Centennial 100 logo

50 Years of African-American Culture at Duke: Celebrating Black Greek Letter Organizations

Can’t make it to Durham on the 19th? Watch the livestream. Dr. Mark Anthony Neal will moderate a distinguished panel. This event explores the

April 21

Centennial in the Gardens: A Musical Celebration

Duke Arts and Duke Gardens present local musicians and performers!

April 25
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

Cosmos Club with David Rubenstein

Regional Signature Centennial Event

April 26

Rowing: Lake Wheeler Invitational

Centennial Athletics Event

April 27

Baseball: Duke vs. Florida State

Centennial Athletics Event

April 27

Duke Nature Keynote: Duke Alumni and National Geographic

Webcast available here! Three esteemed Duke alumni will share their acquired wisdom and experiences in safeguarding the planet’s ecological diversity and cultural richness in

April 28

Duke Nature Fest at Duke Gardens

This festival is free and open to all! The Duke Nature Festival at Duke Gardens is a student-organized celebration of arts and music and

April 30
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Celebrating the Duke Centennial:  The Past and Future for Trustworthy AI

In this seminar, Michael Pencina, PhD, will examine the ongoing revolution in health data science and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in

May 2024

May 7

32nd Annual Duke Anesthesiology Academic Evening

This centennial year, Duke Anesthesiology is proud to announce the 32nd Annual Academic Evening, a distinguished event commemorating scientific excellence and scholarly activity within

May 9

Duke Orthopaedics Departmental Research Day

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery hosts a yearly research day, during which Faculty and Chief Residents highlight their research through a podium presentation. The

May 12

Commencement 2024

Duke holds one university-wide commencement ceremony to celebrate the three graduating classes of that academic year. September 2023, December 2023, and May 2024 graduates

May 16
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Duke Centennial Spring Reception

Duke staff and faculty are invited to attend the Duke Centennial Spring Reception at Penn Pavilion to celebrate Duke’s historic milestone. Attendees will enjoy

May 16
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

Centennial Celebration – Free Library

Regional Signature Centennial Event

May 17
Duke Centennial 100 logo

15th Annual Feagin Leadership Forum

Compassion, Collaboration, and Compromise: Leadership in a Polarized World

May 22
Duke Centennial 100 logo

2024 Normal L. Letvin, MD, Memorial Lecture; HIV/AIDS: Science, Policy, and a Personal Journey

Livestream Available here (tickets not required) Important ticketing information: Once on the Duke Box Office website, log in with your Duke NetID (left side)

June 2024

June 11
Duke Centennial 100 logo

2024 Emeriti Dinner

Attendance for this event is by invitation only. The annual Emeriti Dinner recognizes newly appointed Distinguished Emeriti Faculty from School of Medicine and School

June 12

Duke University School of Medicine State of the School Address: Looking Back, Moving Forward

Webcast available here! Mary E. Klotman, MD, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, Duke University School of Medicine, delivers her annual State

June 24
Duke Centennial 100 logo

An Evening at The Duke Endowment

Registration is required for this event. Register here!

July 2024

July 28

Forever Learning Summer Academy

Combining the intellectual energy of college with the camaraderie of summer camp, the Forever Learning Summer Academy (FLSA) will provide a dynamic and immersive

September 2024

September 4

Defending Democracy: A Conversation with Liz Cheney

Join us for an engaging fireside chat as Liz Cheney, former U.S. Representative, sits down with Duke Sanford professor Peter Feaver to discuss the

September 5
Duke Centennial 100 logo

2024 Duke Biennial Ethics Conference Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health Apps: Moving Forward and Facing Ethical Challenges

Despite substantial attention in the popular and professional press many psychologists may not fully understand the current and potential benefits, challenges, and ethical risks

September 6
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Duke Dermatology Pinnell Symposium

The Pinnell Center Annual Symposium brings together basic scientists, translational and clinical researchers, and clinicians to showcase their work on the theme of the

September 12
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

A Duke Centennial Celebration at the National Aquarium

Regional Signature Centennial Event

September 13
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Summit for Ocean Stewards

Join us on Friday, September 13 for an inspirational evening featuring passionate leaders, activists, and educators. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis and

September 16
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Pasado y Perspectiva (Past and Perspective)

This is a free event, but registration is required. Register here! In honor of Duke’s Centennial Celebration, ¡DALHE! is centering the theme for this

September 21
Duke Centennial 100 logo

50 Years of Biddle Gala Concert

Join the Duke Music Department for a grand celebration of our iconic Biddle Music Building. This special evening will showcase the exceptional talents of

September 26
A once in a century weekend header image

Duke University Centennial Founders’ Day & Homecoming Celebration Weekend

A once in a century weekend! Duke alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to celebrate.

September 26
Headshots of President Price, Richard Bordhead, Nannerl O. Koehane and Judy Woodruff

A discussion among Duke University’s current and former presidents

In-person and livestreamed Tickets required. Seating is limited. Limit 1 ticket per person.

September 27
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Duke Forever Learning Lessons in Leadership

This half-day, multi-session program offers experienced professionals an unparalleled opportunity to deepen their leadership skills and expand their network within the Duke alumni community.

September 27
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Multilingual Duke

You are warmly invited to drop by and meet with multilingual Duke faculty, staff, and students! Come practice a language and pick up some cool

September 27
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Art for the Next 100 Years

Join a tour led by Duke gallery guides through several galleries to discuss works of art that will help usher in the next 100

September 27
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Art for the Next 100 Years

Join a tour led by Duke gallery guides through several galleries to discuss works of art that will help usher in the next 100

September 27

Special Exhibition Tour: Second Nature

Join this tour led by a gallery guide of the new exhibition “Second Nature: Photography in the Age of the Anthropocene.” Learn more about

September 27
Photos of George and George-Frank Wall overlayed on an aerial shot of East Campus at sunset

Dedication of the George and George-Frank Wall Center for Student Life

Honoring the legacy of Trinity College and Duke University employees — and father and son — George and George-Frank Wall. Reception in the Wall

September 27
Founders' Day Celebration and Concert

Centennial Founders’ Day Celebration and Concert

A Once-in-a-Century Musical Performance and Special Guests Reserved tickets for Duke University’s Centennial Founders’ Celebration and Concert will be available in the Duke Athletics

September 28
Duke Centennial 100 logo

24th Annual Rainbow of Heroes Walk

The Rainbow of Heroes Walk benefitting the Duke Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Family Support Program is a morning-long fundraising event at Duke’s Center

September 28
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Art for the Next 100 Years

Join a tour led by Duke gallery guides through several galleries to discuss works of art that will help usher in the next 100

September 28
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Art for the Next 100 Years

Join a tour led by Duke gallery guides through several galleries to discuss works of art that will help usher in the next 100

September 28
Coach Manny Diaz with a whistle in his mouth

Homecoming Football Game: Duke vs. UNC

Featuring Coach Manny Diaz and the 2024–2025 Duke Blue Devils!

September 29
Duke Chapel with red leaves in a tree in the foreground

Centennial Founders’ Day Chapel Services

All are welcome! No registration required. Reception on Abele Quad immediately following service

September 29
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Art for the Next 100 Years

Join a tour led by Duke gallery guides through several galleries to discuss works of art that will help usher in the next 100

October 2024

October 1
Students volunteering

Centennial Volunteer Fair

Do you want to meet others who care about the same issues you do? Do you want to get to know Durham and its

October 3
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Memory and Forgiveness

Professor Felipe De Brigard, Department of Philosophy, will give a public lecture on “Memory and Forgiveness” as part of the Duke Centennial Philosophy Department

October 3

The Ark Party: Duke Dance Legacies and Futures

Join Duke Dance Program celebrating the Duke Centennial and the longevity of the Ark Studio with live music and mad fun! Built in 1898,

October 4
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Duke Dance Program Centennial Series: Preserving Dance Legacies and Preparing Dance Future

Join the Duke Dance Program’s former and current directors and faculty for a lunchtime chat. Our history at Duke spans almost five decades. This

October 9
Duke Centennial 100 logo

The 2024 Emerging Pedagogies Summit

Registration will be required but is not open at this time. The Emerging Pedagogies Summit is an opportunity to create a hub of applied

October 9

Coming Out Day Celebration

The CSGD’S Coming Out Day Celebration centers queer and trans joy within the Duke community by taking over the BC Plaza on October 9th

October 19
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Family Weekend Showcase Concert

The Duke Music community is excited to celebrate Duke’s Centennial and the 50th Anniversary of Biddle with a special collaborative performance during Family Weekend.

October 19

A Concert Celebrating a Century of Theater at Duke: Then and Now

Get your tickets here! You are invited to a concert celebration of theater at Duke starring current students alongside alumni stars of stage and

October 24
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Climate Commitment Celebration Event

Please register today! duke.is/climatecelebration The Office of Climate and Sustainability is thrilled to invite you to our annual Climate Commitment Celebration Event on October

October 24
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Women Leaders for a New Century

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Please register here! This Centennial conversation will feature university leaders who are charting a course for

October 25
Duke volunteers participate in a volunteer shift for Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Centennial Build Kickoff

More information coming soon! Duke University will renew its longstanding partnership with Habitat for Humanity and build a home in it’s Centennial Year to

October 26

“Feeling Asian American”: Asian American and Diaspora Studies Fall Symposium

Watch the webcast here! What can the Netflix series Beef show us about racial guilt and racial rage? Do cute, Asianized objects spark joy

October 29
David Brooks

How to Know a Person: Bringing Humanity Back from the Brink

We’re living in dire times. People don’t know their neighbors. We disregard someone’s entire personhood based on a single political view. At the center

October 29
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

Civil Discourse & Democracy in Duke’s Second Century

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 29, 2024, 6:30 – 9:00 PM BST as we continue our Centennial year celebration in Central London

October 31

StatSci Research Alumni Symposium

This event is invitation-only due to limited seating capacity. Those interested in attending can contact Karen Whitesell (karen.whitesell@duke.edu) for more information. As part of Duke

November 2024

November 13
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Entrepreneurship at Duke: Our Past, Present & Future

Stay tuned for ticketing information. The story of Duke is one of innovation and entrepreneurship—the investment of hugely successful entrepreneur James B. Duke has

November 14
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Department of Theater Centennial Mainstage

Tickets will be sold through the Duke Box Office. As it’s Fall 2024 Mainstage, the Department of Theater Studies presents Lynn Nottage’s BY THE

November 14
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Duke Forest Centennial Gathering

A free 1.5-2-hour lecture, panel, and Q&A event on campus highlighting the interwoven history of the establishment of the Duke Forest Teaching and Research

November 15

Duke Department of Medicine Annual Eugene A. Stead Jr., MD Lecture

Robert Califf, MD, Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has been confirmed as the speaker for the annual Eugene A. Stead Jr.,

November 17

We Believe: A Duke Centennial Commonplace Event

We Believe will explore and celebrate religious and cultural diversity with opportunities for joyful experiences, generative conversations, and personal reflection. Programming will feature the themes

November 18
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

Regional Centennial Event: New York City

Register here! Join us as we continue our Centennial year celebration in New York City. Duke alumni, parents, and friends from the Tri-State area

November 20

Invented at Duke 2024

Duke’s Office for Translation & Commercialization would like to invite you to the 6th Invented at Duke, a special Centennial edition of the annual

November 22
Duke Centennial 100 logo

The Centennial Irwin Fridovich Memorial Lecture

The Department of Biochemistry presents The Centennial Irwin Fridovich Memorial Lecture: Christopher J. Chang, Ph.D.Edward and Virginia Taylor Chair Professor of Bioorganic ChemistryDepartment of

December 2024

December 2
Duke Centennial 100 logo

After the Election: A Legal Look

Register here! Join us for an insightful talk on the legal aspects of elections, focusing on the crucial procedures and challenges that can unfold

December 3
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

Environment is Business: Powering Sustainable Solutions in Duke’s Second Century

Register here! Join Stanback Dean Lori Bennear, faculty innovators, and industry leaders for an exclusive look at how the Nicholas School of the Environment

December 5

Premiere of Permanent Good: A Duke Documentary

Watch the Trailer Permanent Good: A Duke Documentary is a feature length historical film produced during Duke’s Centennial year. It chronicles the evolution of

December 6

Duke Student Activism and Legal Change, 1924-2024

Join us to view the gallery exhibit produced by Fall 2024 sociology of law undergraduates. Panels showcase ways Duke students have shaped laws and

December 6
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

Duke South Florida Women’s Forum: Art Basel Tour

Join Duke South Florida’s Women’s Forum for a private tour at Art Basel in the Miami Beach Convention Center. The hour-long tour, led by

December 7
Student performers sing along with “Everytime we touch” as confetti falls

Duke Alumni Brunch at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM)

Register here! The Duke Centennial celebrations are continuing in Miami! We’re excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Duke Alumni Signature Brunch

December 10

The 30th Annual MIX 101.5 Radiothon for Duke Children’s

Broadcasts take place 6:00am-7pm The Season of Hope Radiothon on MIX 101.5 is the culmination of Duke Children’s largest fundraising campaign each year. On

December 10
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Duke Employee Holiday Concert

Duke staff and faculty are invited to attend the annual Duke Employee Holiday Concert at Duke University Chapel to celebrate the historic milestone. Attendees

December 11
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Duke’s 100th Anniversary

Join the Celebration! Centennial cookies and hot apple cider will be served at three campus locations between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

December 29

Hanukkah 2024 with Jewish Life at Duke

Join Jewish Life at Duke and the Duke Jewish Alumni Network for Hanukkah candle lighting during the Festival of Lights. Duke’s Campus Rabbi and Jewish Chaplain Elana Friedman will be

January 2025

January 9
Duke Centennial 100 logo

Ed Hammond 90th Celebratory Scientific Symposium: From Foundations to Future of Informatics in Health

Please join us to honor a pioneer in the field, Dr. Ed Hammond on his 90th birthday! We are honored to announce, President Vincent