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Free Outdoor Movie On Tap for Duke Appreciation

Events for annual staff and faculty celebration in May include Durham Bulls games and more

Duke Family Nights returns to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on May 5, 17 and 29. The baseball games are part of of the Duke Appreciation 2015 schedule of events. Photo courtesy of the Durham Bulls
Duke Family Nights returns to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on May 5, 17 and 29. The baseball games are part of of the Duke Appreciation 2015 schedule of events. Photo courtesy of the Durham Bulls

Duke employees are invited to see baby lemurs, attend Durham Bulls baseball games and watch a free outdoor Disney movie during Duke Appreciation in May. Duke is paying tribute to its nearly 36,000 staff and faculty by offering a variety of Duke Appreciation events and discounts at amusement parks and local restaurants through May. Employees marking career milestones of 10, 15 and 20 years of service will be recognized during an invitation-only luncheon. Employees with 25 years or more of service will be invited to a dinner dance.  “Our employees uphold Duke’s distinguished reputation by contributing their talents and skills on a daily basis,” said Denise Evans, assistant vice president for Staff and Family Programs and Staff and Labor Relations. “The appreciation events provide an opportunity for us to recognize staff and faculty and say thank you for all of your positive contributions.” Here are some highlights of this year’s Duke Appreciation: Get to know baby lemursMeet the newest additions of the Duke Lemur Center family by taking a discounted tour during the month of May.During the tour, visitors can see Isabella, one of Duke Lemur Center’s newest Coquerel’s sifakas and the fifth grandbaby of former lemur TV star Zoboomafoo, also known as Jovian. The Center is also debuting a baby mongoose lemur in the beginning of May.“It’s such a unique part of Duke,” said Niki Barnett, the Duke Lemur Center’s education and development programs manager. “It’s the largest collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar, and it’s right in our backyard.”From May 1 to 31, Duke employees can go on a Lemurs Live tour for a discounted $5 by showing a valid DukeCard ID. The regular adult admission rate is $12. Tours are by appointment and can be made by calling (919) 401-7240.Watch a movie on East CampusDuke families are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to a free screening of Disney’s “Big Hero 6” on May 15. The PG-rated movie follows the story of Baymax, a personal companion robot who forms a special bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. The event will begin on the East Campus Lawn at 8 p.m., and the screening will start at 8:30 p.m. Free hot dogs, popcorn and drinks will be provided while supplies last. A valid DukeCard ID is required. The backup rain date for the movie will be May 22.Hey, batter batter Duke Family Nights at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park are May 5, 17 and 29, when employees can purchase tickets that come with perks:•    On May 5, enjoy all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and other side items during a Duke employee picnic in the Carolina Hurricanes Home Run Patio. The cost is $25 per person.•    On May 17, $13 terrace-reserved tickets come with $5 in Bulls Bucks, which can be used for concessions and merchandise. •    May 29 tickets will be $13 and come with a Durham Bulls cap. Tickets can be purchased at the Durham Bulls box office at 409 Blackwell Street by showing a valid DukeCard ID.Visit the stacksFaculty and staff can learn more about the Duke Libraries resources right at their fingertips by taking a free tour of Perkins Library on May 5 or 7, 11 a.m. to noon. Registration is required. Duke philosophy librarian Cheryl Thomas will lead the tour. Stops will include the Link in Perkins’ basement, The Perk coffee shop and The Edge research space, as well as an exploration of the Libraries’ diverse collections.“We have such wonderful general collections, whether you’re interested in history or you love reading literature,” Thomas said.