Durham, NC -

Long-time faculty member and former vice provost Judith L. Ruderman receives the University Medal for Distinguished Meritorious Service Friday from President Richard H. Brodhead at Duke's annual Founders' Day ceremony in Duke Chapel.

Ruderman and trustee emerita Dr. Rebecca Trent Kirkland received the honor, one of the highest the university presents for contributions to Duke and the wider community.

As a popular English teacher, vice provost and director of continuing education, Ruderman helped shape Duke as an institution and the students who have come through it, said Brodhead in his citation.  Kirkland, a Duke alumna who through her work at Baylor College of Medicine has been a leader in medical education, was also praised for her research and care on a range of children's health issues.

During Founders' Day, the university honored a number of faculty, alumni, staff and students for their contributions, including Daniele Armaleo, associate professor of the practice of biology, who received the Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award, and Jack Bovender, retired CEO of the Nashville-based Hospital Corporation of America, who earned the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Duke trustee David Rubenstein presented the annual address.

Below, faculty members proceed into the chapel for the ceremony.  Photos by Megan Morr/Duke University Photography.