Duke Reunion 2022: Eager to return. Inspired to give back.

Join these gift planning leaders in honoring your Duke class.

Duke Reunion Weekend returns to campus on April 8-10, 2022, and we’re looking forward to celebrating together again. It’s an inspiring time as we reflect on our past Duke experiences and look ahead to an even brighter Duke future.

There are so many meaningful ways you can give back to the university in honor of your Duke Reunion. One way we’ve given back is with a planned gift to Duke through our estate or retirement plans, and we invite you to join us by supporting the Duke people, places, and programs that matter most to you.


Class of ’72: Fredrick Vosburgh
Charitable remainder trusts to support the Nicholas School and Duke student-athletes

“Duke was good to and for me, so my wife Diane and I feel privileged to help future generations prepare to control their destinies. My years at the Duke Marine Lab and lessons learned on the lacrosse field inspired me to establish two charitable remainder trusts – one supporting research at the Nicholas School and another establishing a student-athlete scholarship, which is named in memory of a Duke lacrosse player who gave his life defending our freedoms in the wake of September 11, 2001.”

Class of ’77: Judy Thorpe
Bequest to establish a scholarship for nursing students

“The future for all of us is so dependent upon the quality of education available to the generations to come. I wanted to create an opportunity for someone who otherwise might not be able to have the experience I had.”

Class of ’82: Julie Baker
Bequest to support the Julie M. and Douglas M. Baker, Jr. Scholarship Fund

“My time at Duke was formative. It prepared me for life in ways I couldn’t have understood at the time. My husband and I set up a scholarship fund and included it in our estate plan to help ensure that students who want to attend Duke can do so even if they can’t afford it. Having students with a wide diversity of life experiences on campus makes Duke better in every way, so we feel our gift ends up supporting not just the young people receiving scholarships but also the university as a whole.”

Class of ’87: Kevin and Michelle Lyn
Bequest to establish the Kevin and Michelle Lyn Athletics Scholarship Fund

We are first-generation university graduates, and it was only through Duke’s generous financial aid package that we were able to attend. Our Duke education has afforded us many opportunities, and we are fortunate to be able to give back. Our extended pledge commitment to the Iron Dukes as well as our planned gift to establish a scholarship for first-generation student athletes will help to alleviate the financial burden for current and future students so they can concentrate on making the most of their Duke experience.”

Class of ’92: Mahesh Bhumralkar
Bequest to support the Pratt School of Engineering and Duke Athletics

“My time at Duke provided me with a strong foundation for my life and helped to open doors for me in my career. I truly appreciate the amazing, lifelong friendships I developed there. I was fortunate enough to have my family’s support to attend Duke, and I’m happy to do what I can to help provide the next generation of students with access to the same opportunities and experiences I’ve had.”

Class of ’97: Claire Paquin
Bequest to support Duke student-athletes

“In order to improve and grow the athletic accomplishments and successes at Duke, the university needs to attract the best and brightest student athletes. By providing financial support through a planned gift, we are helping Duke build a successful athletic program for years to come.”


Establishing a planned gift doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Duke’s Office of Gift Planning helped us, and it can help you and your advisors find the best option to bring your love for Duke to life through long-term support of this special place.

Make your planned gift today and count it toward your class reunion gift total by completing the Duke Office of Gift Planning legacy gift confirmation form. Adobe Sign is an approved Duke vendor to send secure documents and to collect signatures and approvals. Our Office of Gift Planning will follow up with you to confirm the receipt of your confirmation form.

For more information about supporting Duke through a planned gift, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (919) 681-0464 or giftplanning@duke.edu.

TAGS: Charitable Giving Strategies Duke Events Duke Reunions

About the author

Gift Planning

giftplanning@duke.edu

Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning specializes in charitable gift planning for estates, charitable trusts and annuities, and other complex current and future gift plans.

For more information, please contact the Duke University Office of Gift Planning at 919-681-0464 or giftplanning@duke.edu.