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Student-Athletes Inspire at Annual Iron Dukes Scholarship & Endowment Celebration
1/31/2024 4:01:00 PM | Iron Dukes, Athletics
DURHAM -Â The 2023-2024 annual Iron Dukes Scholarship and Endowment celebration took place on Friday, January 26th at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club. For an evening of celebration and camaraderie, the President's Ballroom served as an exceptional venue for Duke University's student-athletes, coaches, and donors to come together and celebrate the one-of-a-kind Duke experience.
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Friday's event began with two Duke student-athlete emcees, Dyson Williams (men's lacrosse) and Shelby Bumgarner (field hockey), who ushered the group into the formal programming and masterfully guided the evening. The time spent together was highlighted by sentimental stories and lessons shared through personal accounts from Kelly Torres (softball), Joshua Pickett (football), Rachel Richardson (volleyball), and Catherine Belyakov (swimming).Â
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The remarks delivered by each student-athlete provided their peers and donors with a unique perspective into each of their journeys at Duke. Hearing about their experiences first-hand painted colorful pictures for all to envision and gain a deeper understanding of how significant the opportunity to receive a Duke education truly is.
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With the conclusion of each speech, it was evident that the common motif weaving all stories together was how the generous gifts for operational endowments and athletic scholarships truly elevate the Duke student-athlete experience year after year.Â
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Additionally, a special message from several Duke men's basketball players was shared via video. Current team members, Ryan Young and Jaylen Blakes, artfully interviewed former Blue Devil and current associate head coach, Chris Carrawell, about what his scholarship meant to him and what advice he has for today's Duke student-athletes.
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As the evening came to a close, the appreciation shared by and for the Duke community was encapsulated by applause, smiles, and hugs. Gratitude filled the air and served as a reminder to all attendees that the "Duke difference" is real and it is tangible.
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We encourage you to set aside a moment to enjoy the student-athlete speeches and recap video via the links above. For more information on the Iron Dukes and ways to support Duke student-athletes, visit goduke.com/irondukes or call 919-613-7575.
#GoDuke
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Friday's event began with two Duke student-athlete emcees, Dyson Williams (men's lacrosse) and Shelby Bumgarner (field hockey), who ushered the group into the formal programming and masterfully guided the evening. The time spent together was highlighted by sentimental stories and lessons shared through personal accounts from Kelly Torres (softball), Joshua Pickett (football), Rachel Richardson (volleyball), and Catherine Belyakov (swimming).Â
Â
The remarks delivered by each student-athlete provided their peers and donors with a unique perspective into each of their journeys at Duke. Hearing about their experiences first-hand painted colorful pictures for all to envision and gain a deeper understanding of how significant the opportunity to receive a Duke education truly is.
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"So far, in my life, committing to this Duke family has been one of the best experiences of my life. From the many friendships that I've built, to the many bonds that have been created, to the many experiences that I've endured, I can truly say that I've grown into a stronger person through the many ups and downs." – Joshua Pickett, Duke Football
With the conclusion of each speech, it was evident that the common motif weaving all stories together was how the generous gifts for operational endowments and athletic scholarships truly elevate the Duke student-athlete experience year after year.Â
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"It was your selfless kindness that alleviated the financial obstacles of a higher education that put me in this answered prayer…What better place to get to know who you are. What better place to learn. What better place to love, to fail, to grow, to cry, to build relationships that will last a lifetime. We always say there's no better place than Duke, because there are no better people than the people at Duke… that goes for every single person that takes an active part in making this the best experience it can possibly be. So, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart." – Rachel Richardson, Duke Volleyball
"Without the investments you have each made in Duke and in all of us in this room, he (former Head Coach, Dan Colella) could not have been so generous to me (with a scholarship)…thank you all for, not only the opportunity to speak in front of you tonight and for your time, but for the opportunity of a lifetime at Duke. With your help, I've been able to experience life and college in a truly unique way, finding lifelong friends and family along the way." - Catherine Belyakov, Duke Women's Swimming & Diving
Additionally, a special message from several Duke men's basketball players was shared via video. Current team members, Ryan Young and Jaylen Blakes, artfully interviewed former Blue Devil and current associate head coach, Chris Carrawell, about what his scholarship meant to him and what advice he has for today's Duke student-athletes.
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"Unpack your bags. Don't be in a rush… you ask anybody what's the best time of your life…the best time is college. You shouldn't rush that process. You learn a lot in college. Not only on the playing field but also off."
As the evening came to a close, the appreciation shared by and for the Duke community was encapsulated by applause, smiles, and hugs. Gratitude filled the air and served as a reminder to all attendees that the "Duke difference" is real and it is tangible.
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"Thank you for making my dreams come true. I couldn't do it without your generosity." Kelly Torres, Duke Softball
We encourage you to set aside a moment to enjoy the student-athlete speeches and recap video via the links above. For more information on the Iron Dukes and ways to support Duke student-athletes, visit goduke.com/irondukes or call 919-613-7575.
#GoDuke
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Players Mentioned
Breast/IM
/ Swimming & Diving
G
/ Men's Basketball
B
/ Field Hockey
CB
/ Football
OH
/ Volleyball
C
/ Softball
A
/ Men's Lacrosse
C
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