A ‘Perfect’ Weekend to Celebrate Duke History

Centennial Founders’ Day events will reflect on Duke’s past and future with the help of major artists

Founders' Day events will include Ed Sheeran, Retta, 9th Wonder, Vincent Price, Richard Brodhead, Nannerl Keohane and Judy Woodruff
Founders’ Day events will include Ed Sheeran, Retta, 9th Wonder, Vincent Price, Richard Brodhead, Nannerl Keohane and Judy Woodruff

For Duke’s Centennial year, the annual Founders’ Day weekend on Sept. 26-29 is turning into a once-in-a-century event. Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, Duke alumna Retta and 9th Wonder will help make it a weekend to remember.

The weekend coincides with Alumni Homecoming Weekend and the campus will be filled with alumni taking part in the events, including a football game against rival University of North Carolina and conference matches in volleyball, field hockey and women’s soccer.

There will be opportunities to reflect on the past and look to the future, including a discussion with President Vincent Price, President Emerita Nannerl Keohane and President Emeritus Richard Brodhead, moderated by Duke alumna and trustee emerita Judy Woodruff. The three living Duke presidents will be asked to share their memories  and discuss their hopes for Duke in the next century.

On Friday, Sept. 27, the university will host a dedication ceremony for the Wall Center for Student Life honoring the legacy of early Trinity and Duke University employees George and George-Frank Wall.

During the weekend, Duke will also present the University Medals, the university’s highest award to honor those who have given distinguished meritorious service to the institution.

Sheeran will headline the Centennial Founders’ Day Celebration and Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, in Wallace Wade Stadium. The program and concert, open to Duke students, alumni, faculty, staff and special guests, is just one part of a festive weekend highlighting Duke’s history and moving the university into the future.

Winner of four Grammy awards and with 17 nominations, the 33-year-old Sheeran has regularly topped the pop charts since 2011 with songs such as “Shape of You.” His wife Cherry Seaborn Sheeran is a Duke alumna with a master’s degree from the Fuqua School of Business.

He will be joined by DJ and music and film producer and 9th Wonder, who teaches a Duke music class on hip-hop and Black culture, and Retta, a 1992 Duke graduate who has starred in “Parks and Recreation,” “Good Girls” and other TV shows and films.

Here’s a full schedule of events:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

4 p.m. – A discussion among Duke University’s current and former presidents.

President Vincent Price will be joined by former presidents Nannerl Keohane and Richard Brodhead to share insights from the past and explore the opportunities that lie ahead for Duke.  The panel will be both live and available on livestream. The session will be moderated by Duke alumna and trustee emerita Judy Woodruff, the former anchor and current correspondent for “PBS NewsHour.” Reynolds Industries Theater, Bryan Center.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

4 p.m. – Dedication of the George and George-Frank Wall Center for Student Life. After Trinity College relocated to Durham in 1892, Trinity janitor and handyman George Wall later moved to Durham and started work as a custodian on the new campus. Purchasing a small property near East Campus, Wall became a leader in the growing working-class community, eventually named “Walltown.” East Campus.

7:30 p.m. – Centennial Founders’ Day Celebration and Concert

Ed Sheeran with 9th Wonder and Retta. The program and concert are for the Duke community and special guests. Seating is limited. Tickets are free; registration is required. Ticket registration will open next week. Information will be emailed. Wallace Wade Stadium.

Saturday, September 28

TBA – Homecoming football game vs. University of North Carolina.

For the first time in recent memory, Duke will play its archrivals in the homecoming contest. Special guests will be recognized during a Centennial halftime program. Wallace Wade Stadium.

Sunday, September 29

11 a.m. – Centennial Founders’ Day Chapel Service

The weekly service will be led by Duke Chapel Dean Rev. Luke Powery. All are welcome. Duke Chapel. A reception on Abele Quad will immediately follow the service.

Special weekend activities will be happening across campus, including centennial themed exhibits at the Nasher Museum of Art and Duke University Libraries, Duke Gardens tours, and the self-guided Duke Campus History Tour. In the community, the annual Durham Pride parade and accompanying events will be held Sept. 28-29.