Thanksgiving is often thought of as a time for family, friends and food. But financial barriers, long distances or extracurricular commitments often prohibit students from journeying home. Fortunately for these Thanksgiving orphans, many Duke professors will welcome them into their own homes.
"There is not really anything open on campus, and most students don't have transportation to get off campus," said Dr. Brenda Armstrong, faculty-in-residence in Giles Dormitory. "Having students over for Thanksgiving is just a logical extension of what we do in the dorm anyway. We have a sense of being as much a part of the dorm as students who are living there."
Many student unable to go home appreciate
Armstrong's offer. Freshman Cheng Lim, a Malaysia native and Giles resident, said she appreciated the offer.
"I can't go home for just four days," Lim said. "I know a lot of other people that are staying, and no one is cooking for themselves. Since all Duke restaurants are closed and Ninth Street will be closed as well on the holiday, it's nice to have the offer from faculty."
This year, University officials expect more students to stay on campus due to heightened fears following the Sept. 11 attacks.
Anne Light, assistant director to the associate vice president for auxiliary services, noted that on a typical Thanksgiving break, less than 20 percent of the residential population stays on campus. But in anticipation of more students remaining on campus this year, she has arranged for more frequent bus service and a Cattleman's dinner on points.
Some students might be hesitant to travel, but others are not letting the attacks affect their plans, said Trent Drive Hall Faculty-in-Residence John Thompson.
"I see students packing their bookbags full of books and heading home. But I have flown three times since Sept. 11, and I know that with all the holiday traffic, [airport lines are] going to be really slow," said Thompson, also chair of the history department.
Still, many students stay on campus for other reasons.
"The first reason students stay is to study and get ready for final exams," said Deb Lo Biondo, assistant dean of student development. "Some also stay for financial reasons because they can't get home for both Thanksgiving and winter holidays."
Bill Allard, professor of mathematics and a former faculty-in-residence for Southgate Dormitory, used to host students regularly during Thanksgiving vacation. He found that international students stayed more frequently.
"If you're from Singapore, you're not going to want to fly there for just several days," Allard said. "Most of the students we had didn't know too much about Thanksgiving."
He found hosting students to be a mutually beneficial experience.
"It's more personal than what you get in the classroom," Allard said. "It meant a lot to the students to have a family to spend time with over the holidays, and it also meant a lot to me and my wife to have them there."
Although Thompson will serve salmon instead of the conventional turkey this Thanksgiving, he still hopes the non-traditional dinner will entertain students.
"This year my son and I will be alone, and we were thinking we could do something for the students who will also be alone," Thompson said. "It's good for my son, who is mentally and physically handicapped. He loves to get to know the students better."
Students said they liked the idea of spending the holiday with faculty.
"I plan to catch up with sleep and work and start studying for exams. I might go to Dr. Armstrong's, but I know lots of students want to go," said freshman Kwan Chow, another Giles resident. "She's like the mom of the dorm. It's nice, since everyone is away from home, to have faculty like her here."
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