Our Stories

The founding of Duke University is a captivating story of grand dreams and progressive ideals, but it is only one of Duke’s stories we’ll bring to you over the course of 2024. Check back throughout the year for more stories exploring our history and the extraordinary trajectory of Duke University into it’s second century. And keep an eye on Duke Today for centennial stories from around the university.

A new coffee table book collects major moments and little-known stories of Duke’s history

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President Brodhead reaches out to shake hands with a man, while a third looks on, standing on the deck of the Duke Smart Home

On This Day

October 20, 2009: Duke Plans for Carbon Neutrality

Duke University released a plan to become climate neutral by 2024, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of James B. Duke signing the indenture of trust that established the institution.

Coach K sitting for an interview with hands folded

Centennial Oral Histories Program

Coach Michael Krzyzewski

Naismith Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski led Duke Men’s basketball team to five national champions. In this interview, he talks about his 42-season career as coach of the Blue Devils and his love for his players, Duke, Durham and his family – “the starting five.”

Centennial Oral Histories Program

Charlie Lucas

Charlie Lucas, grandson of Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans and great great grandson of Benjamin N. Duke, today serves as chair of The Duke Endowment. In this interview, he shares the story of the Duke family and talks about his commitment to continue the family’s legacy of service and giving.

Mary Duke Trent Jones and Rebecca Trent Kirkland sitting and smiling during the interview

Centennial Oral Histories Program

Rebecca Trent Kirkland & Mary Duke Trent Jones

Rebecca Trent Kirkland and Mary Duke Trent Jones, daughters of Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, talk about growing up in Durham as a “Duke,” attending Duke University, and their memories and hopes for Duke’s future.

Duke Decades

Duke Decades: 2000s

Relive the early 2000s at Duke where rollerblading from class to class meets the excitement of exploring the newly opened Nasher Museum of Art!

Watch now

Stadium at night, full of fans with flames shooting out of a digital screen at the far end.

On This Day

October 8, 2005: Rolling Stones at Wallace Wade

More than 35,000 students, employees and alumni showed up for a Rolling Stones concert at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday, October 8, 2005. Concert-goers could purchase

A tree on West Campus twisted and snapped by hurricane Hazel

On This Day

October 15, 1954: Hurricane Hazel Hits North Carolina

Hurricane Hazel was the deadliest and costliest hurricane of the 1954 hurricane season and the first Category 4 storm to hit the North Carolina

Then and Now

Radio Station

For 74 years Duke’s campus radio station has served the university and surrounding community, first as WDBS from 1950-1983, then eventually evolving into WXDU 88.7 on the radio dial.

Then and Now

Gothic Reading Room

Located on the second floor of the Rubenstein Library, the Gothic Reading Room’s high ceiling allows space for arched windows, bookshelves, chandeliers and portraits of prominent Duke figures.