Duke Honors Local Durham Community Members on Durham Day

Group of people holding up Blue shirts with the number one on them, on a field
From left to right: Pat Clark, Norwood Biggs, Nina King, Beverly Thompson, Vincent Price, Derek Bowens and Alec Virgil

During Saturday’s football game versus Illinois, the university hosted its annual Durham Day celebration recognizing local community members for their impactful contributions to Durham.

The Durham Day honorees spent time before the game with President Vincent Price, Vice President and King-Compton Families Director of Athletics Nina King and the Blue Devil mascot, and they were also introduced to fans through special on-field recognitions during the game.

“These individuals and the organizations they represent have shown an extraordinary commitment to serving our community, and we were delighted to be able to recognize their contributions,” said President Vincent E. Price. “Duke is proud to call Durham home and dedicated to being a partner in its success.”

The Durham community members who were recognized during the game are:

Beverly B. Thompson

Thompson served as the City of Durham’s communications director for more than 25 years before retiring on July 1, 2025. In her role, she also hosted CityLife, a monthly talk show on Durham Television Network.

Norwood Biggs

Biggs, who is a recreation coordinator, has worked for Durham Parks and Recreation for 33 years. He has been described by his colleagues as a “cornerstone” of the department.

Pat Clark

Clark is a sergeant in the Durham County Sheriff’s office who made headlines in 2024 when he, while off duty, helped rescue a driver who was trapped in an SUV that was being submerged in floodwaters.

Derek Bowens

Bowens has been the director of the Durham County Board of Elections since 2017.  Under his leadership the board has received multiple honors from the United States Election Assistance Commission, the National Association of Counties and other private sector organizations.

Alec Virgil

Virgil is a Civic Literacy Honors Instructor at Durham Early College of Health Sciences and the 2024-25 Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year. He developed an instructional unit that encouraged students to explore issues that affect them personally and engage in peer discussions around real-world challenges.