Iron Dukes Bonus Program Rewards Continue

DURHAM, N.C. – To help provide Duke University Athletics with financial relief from COVID-19 and create a sustainable future for Duke student-athletes, more than 175 Iron Duke members have newly committed to making multi-year pledges or planned gift commitments, according to Kevin White, Duke University Vice President and Director of Athletics.

"While Duke's efforts to resolve the financial setbacks from this horrific pandemic are still very much ongoing, we are incredibly grateful to the individuals who have extended their generous commitment to Duke Athletics and were able to take advantage of the newly established Iron Dukes Bonus Program," said White.

This past August, the Iron Dukes rolled out a new Bonus Program available to its members. The program encouraged Iron Dukes to establish multi-year pledges and/or planned gifts towards Duke Athletics. In return for making a commitment, Iron Dukes members would receive bonus credit towards their lifetime giving, which impacts their overall Iron Dukes priority.

"As soon as I learned of the Iron Dukes Bonus Program there was no doubt that I would participate," said Scott Russell, who played Football for the Blue Devils from 1981-1984. "I had every intention of continuing my annual support to the Iron Dukes over the coming years. Including Duke Athletics in my estate plans was a terrific way to make an even larger impact than I could have in my lifetime," he added. Russell established plans to create an athletics scholarship endowment through his retirement account.

Over $6M in bonus credit has been distributed to Iron Dukes members who have opted into the program. Duke University Athletics hopes to continue to attract participation to reward members for their loyalty.

"As first-generation college graduates in our respective families, we are keenly aware of the difficulty of balancing the educational experience with financial concerns, and know that this balance is even more difficult if it also includes a commitment to athletics" said Michelle (Wendel) Lyn, Duke T'89, and Kevin Lyn, Duke E'87, G'89. "Because of our Duke education, we are now fortunate to be in a position to give back, and we hope that our extended pledge commitment, as well as our planned gift, help to alleviate the financial burden for current and future student-athletes so that they can concentrate on making the most of their Duke experience," the Lyns said.

White has been impressed by the sentiment Iron Dukes members have shared. "We could not be more fortunate to have the support of these generous and forward-thinking people. Their devotion to their school and the Duke student-athletes is truly humbling," White concluded.

New members, as well as established Iron Dukes, have the option of taking advantage of the bonus opportunity. For more information on the program contact the Iron Dukes office via email at IronDukes@duke.edu or by phone at 919-613-7575.

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Iron Dukes Bonus Program Rewards Continue

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