DURHAM – Duke Athletics, in partnership with the National Football Foundation (NFF) and Fidelity Investments, honored its Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR)
Dr. Linda Franzoni with a celebratory Faculty Salutes luncheon on Wednesday.
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Dr. Franzoni is an associate dean of undergraduate education and a professor in the Thomas Lord department of mechanical engineering and materials science at Duke's prestigious Pratt School of Engineering. This year marked her second year as Duke's FAR. She was honored for her significant contributions in this role.
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Programming was highlighted by remarks from Duke's Vice President and Director of Athletics
Nina King, NFF Director of Special Events Hillary Jeffries, Fidelity Senior Vice President Managing Director Bruce White and the guest of honor, Dr. Franzoni.
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As part of the NFF Faculty Salutes initiative, each school with a member on theÂ
2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, presented by Fidelity Investments® received recognition for their faculty athletics representative, and a $5,000 donation per school (a total of $80,000 this year) from Fidelity was made to support the academic support services for student-athletes at the schools.
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DeWayne Carter represented Duke as a member of this year's NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class. He became the seventh Duke player to earn the honor, joiningÂ
Mike Diminick (1988),Â
Bill Obremskey (1983),Â
Sean Renfree (2012),Â
Perry Simmons (2013),Â
David Helton (2014) andÂ
DeVon Edwards (2016). Helton also was the recipient of the 2014 William V. Campbell Trophy®. Carter, a Pickerington, Ohio, native tallied 41 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, one blocked kick and one fumble recovery for a touchdown last season. The first three-time team captain in program history was a key component as to why the Blue Devils relinquished just 247 points and 15 rushing touchdowns in 2023. Carter also helped the Duke defense hold 10-of-13 opponents to under 25 points, including four to under 10 points, while shutting out No. 9 Clemson, Lafayette and NC State in the second half. He was named a
 Phil Steele Publications All-America selection and was a First Team All-ACC recipient.
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Fidelity Investments, which also serves as the presenting sponsor of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class, has taken on a leadership role with the Faculty Salutes as a natural extension of its ongoing support of the scholar-athlete ideal and commitment to higher education nationwide. Launched in 2011 as a partnership between Fidelity and the NFF, the Salutes expand the reach of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Awards program, which provides $18,000 postgraduate scholarships to college football's top student-athletes.
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu.
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#GoDuke
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