The only thing that is constant is change.
This Chronicle article dates from 2012; really, however, the crux of the article’s thesis is ageless. I am sure one could find similarly focused Chronicle articles in every decade from the founding of Trinity. Of course, this is not a Duke-unique phenomenon; I can remember during my early days as an officer, the “salts” were always referring to the “Old Navy” and the “Old Corps” (and I have no doubt they do so today, even though my “old” was probably the World War II era and today’s “old” is likely the Cold War and Desert Storm).
The “work hard, play hard” culture, which I find both compellingly attractive and at the core of Duke undergraduate life, is not disappearing or atrophying, even though admissions and academic standards continue to improve. One glance at tomorrow night’s Cameron “festivities” should clearly demonstrate that Duke’s spirit, cohesion and FUN remain at the University’s heart. Naturally, this does NOT suggest that changes and enhancements are not continuous. Duke Engage is a perfect example of how major life/learning elements are developed, enhanced, and adapt very well to contemporary needs, without really altering the institution’s fundamental and enduring character.
It may be wise to consider one other fact. The Chronicle has the publish something, it has to fill space. That’s a primary reason, in my opinion, that so many of its Op-Ed pieces are really individually-driven, value-oriented diatribes. After decades of Chronicle readership, I’ve learned to accept all such “stuff” with resignation and many “grains of salt.”
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9F, 9F, 9F . . . GTHC, GTH.