Although most Dukies returned to homesteads all over the country and world at the beginning of May, the past three months have not passed without incident. There was still lacrosse, celebrations and shufflings, investigations and even progress on the long-awaited Central Campus project.
Summer seemed to be a season of lacrosse restitution. Former Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong was disbarred, Duke announced that settlements had been made with former men's lacrosse coach Mike Pressler and former players Dave Evans, Trinity '06, Reade Seligmann (who chose to transfer to Brown University) and Collin Finnerty (who is headed to Loyola (Md.) College). And finally, books about the novel case were already sent to press as the NCAA granted members of the 2006 men's lacrosse team an extra year of eligibility.
Although the team fell just short of a national championship against Johns Hopkins, and women's lacrosse also lost their bid to Virginia, there was plenty of reason to celebrate athletics at Duke. Women's golf won its third straight title, tying Arizona's NCAA record. It was the team's fifth title overall.
Inquiries into the Durham Police Department continued, and external inquiry into its involvement in the lacrosse case will be headed by former state supreme court justice and state legislator Willis Whichard. Duke Student Government also questioned the Office of Judicial Affairs for its evidentiary standards and the University's relationship with the Durham Police Department.
The Fuqua Judicial Board ruled in late April that nine Fuqua School of Business students who were charged with cheating should be expelled and 15 students should receive a one-year suspension and a failing grade. Nine others will receive a failing grade in the course, and one student will receive a failing grade on an exam. It was discovered, however, that a majority of those convicted were Asian, calling the penalties into question even as some of the international students lost their visas following their expulsion.
Pelli Clarke Pelli was named the master designer for the Central Campus development project, after a months-long search. Ground could begin being broken as early as 2008, with residences projected to open in 2010 or 2011.
The University mourned the loss of two faculty, who died within days of each other. Physics Lecturer Mary Creason died Saturday, May 12, in an automobile accident, and Professor Frank Borchardt, who taught German at Duke for 35 years, passed away at Duke Hospice May 14.
Kristina M. Johnson, dean of Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, was appointed provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at The Johns Hopkins University. Robert L. Clark, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Thomas Lord Professor of Mechanical Engineering, will serve as interim dean of Pratt, effective Aug. 15, until Johnson's successor has been selected.
Scott Lindroth, chair of the music department, will become the University's first vice provost for the arts July 1, Provost Peter Lange announced June 14.
A week later, Lange announced that William Chameides will take over as dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences Sept. 1.
That same day, University officials announced that Steve Nowicki, dean of the natural sciences, will be the first dean of undergraduate education, a position created in March.
Another newly created position, to oversee Duke and Durham relations, will be filled by Phail Wynn, outgoing Durham Technical Community College president.
Nasher Cafe caterer Sage and Swift was replaced by Giorgios Hospitality Group, which also owns Parizade, Verde, George's Garage, Vin Rouge and G-Loft. Sage and Swift will continue to operate the Faculty Commons, which will now be open to students for dinner.
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