Love Over Rivalry: Walt and Janet Turyn

What degrees did you earn from your respective universities?

Walt: I majored in chemistry at Duke and graduated in 1971. I also earned an MBA in 1981.Janet: I majored in intermediate education at UNC and graduated in 1971.

Where are you living now?

Durham, N.C.

What was the initial reaction of hearing where the other attended school? 

Walt: I'm from Long Island, and I thought I was dating a “real” southern girl.

Janet: I moved to Durham in the ninth grade and dated some Duke students while I was in high school. A close family friend attended Duke while I attended Carolina, and I knew many of his friends -- Walt being one of them.

Was basketball something that sparked debate early on? Does it still spark debate? Was/is the debate friendly, heated, light-hearted, etc.?

Usually Carolina was a lot better than Duke [back then] so there was nothing really to debate! 

Can you watch Duke-UNC games together? Describe what it is like to watch a game together. Is it tense? Is there yelling or teasing?​ Are there rules you agree upon beforehand?

We watch every game together...I [Janet] always figure Carolina has a chance, even we they [UNC] are down, down, down, and Walt feels the same way about Duke. I [Janet] taught Dean Smith’s daughters at Carrboro Elementary School in Chapel Hill. He was a big supporter of public education and public school teachers, and he was a great parent...while he coached I made sure Walt “cheered” for him, no matter who was playing. I am sure he was faking it!

Who do you root for when either team plays a separate opponent? For example, if Duke plays Kansas or if UNC plays Kentucky?

ACC always

Is it Love or Rivalry?​

Love, of course.