Celebrating Our Duke Stars

Whether a Duke nurse, an English professor or a steamfitter, each Duke employee makes a daily contribution of time, talent and skill to Duke.

This year, 4,921 staff and faculty are celebrating a career service milestone of five years or more, in five-year increments, at Duke University and Duke University Health System. The most commonly observed Duke anniversary is five years, with 1,631 staff and faculty reaching that milestone this year.

Employees marking a career service anniversary, also known as “Duke Stars,” are eligible to receive an award. Also, during Duke Appreciation in May, employees with milestones of 10, 15, 20, and 25 years or more of service are recognized during an invitation-only luncheon at the Nasher Museum of Art or a dinner dance Tuesday at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club.

“Whether staff and faculty have been at Duke for 10 years or 50 years, their commitment and dedication to Duke is appreciated,” said Denise Evans, assistant vice president for Staff and Family Programs and Staff and Labor Relations.

As part of Duke Appreciation, here are some of the Duke Stars with career service milestones:

“I enjoy the people I work with and I love the work I do. I'm part of a highly skilled team of mechanics. This team working together oversees about 35 miles of high-pressure steam piping system to ensure its safety, reliability and efficiency to critical areas of Duke University, Medical Center and research facilities.”

Ronald Murphy Jr.Steamfitter, Facilities Management Department5 years at Duke---

“I am very proud to be a part of this great place knowing that a contract I helped finalize allows Duke's investigators to help their patients or work on a new therapy and potential cures.”

Oshrat BenMoshe-DoriocourtSenior research agreements manager, Office of Corporate Research Collaborations10 years at Duke---

“I'm proud when I can come in and can make a difference in someone's life each day here at Duke. I take pride in the fact that Duke University Hospital is the backbone of communities and what I do directly supports the community as well.”

Ondrea BurtonRadiologic Technologist, Radiology Bone and Chest - South15 years at Duke---

“It is enormously gratifying to practice medicine in the community that raised you. My father and his colleagues exemplified Duke's core values and essential mission, and I'm grateful to pass these same principles to my students today and my own son tomorrow.”

David F. KongAssociate professor of Medicine, Medicine20 years at Duke(David F. Kong, on the left, is pictured with his son, Wesley David Kong, and his father, Yihong Kong, professor emeritus in the Duke Division of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine. They are on the steps of the Old Chemistry Building on West Campus. Photo by Caroline Dickson.)---

“We serve people who are experiencing trauma in their life. It is our job to make it as comfortable as possible. I feel I have tried to do that. We serve others, which is one of the highest callings you can have.”

Robert FisherElectronics tech, Medical Center Engineering & Operations25 years at Duke---

“Duke allowed me to meet a variety of smart, interesting people with diverse backgrounds. I've been able to take advantage of growth opportunities and learn about areas of knowledge that I may not have been exposed to otherwise.”

Edward Gomes Jr.Senior associate dean, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences Office of Technology Services30 years at Duke(Edward, on the right, is pictured with his wife, Lois Deloatch, at their 2002 wedding at the old Duke art museum, now the Friedl Building on East Campus.)---

“I am proud each and every day to be a part of an institution that gives employees the opportunity for growth and mentors us to always know we can continue to grow in whatever position we are in.”

Robin GoodwinAdministrative coordinator, Ophthalmology35 years at Duke---

“Being a nurse at Duke has been a fabulous career.  I have been challenged and encouraged to grow and learn and excel.”

Julie HudsonTransplant coordinator, Transplant40 years at Duke---

 

“I know I work for the best. Duke cares about all people in all walks of life.”

Hortense JonesPharmacy technician supervisor, Duke Regional Hospital/Lincoln Community Health Center Pharmacy45 years at Duke    ---

“The fine students, the lively faculty, the cultural and natural environment, and the rising prestige of Duke - most recently with two Nobel Prize winners - have made this campus a great place to spend my last half-century.”

Victor StrandbergProfessor, English50 years at Duke