This May’s Commencement ceremony honored nearly 7,000 graduates who earned Duke degrees in 2026. It was a joyful occasion for the graduates and the many family members and friends who joined us in Wallace Wade Stadium.
Among the Class of 2026 were 1,785 undergraduates who hold the distinction of being the first class to experience four years of QuadEx, Duke’s undergraduate living and learning model. Designed to strengthen the undergraduate experience, QuadEx situates students within residential quad communities that extend across their time at Duke. It also promotes belonging and well-being and creates a more connected experience through programs tailored to critical student transition points, including Experiential Orientation and the Spark Summit for sophomores.
QuadEx is just one example of our broader commitment to ensuring all Duke students can thrive both academically and personally.
DukeLIFE helps students from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds fully engage in all aspects of the Duke experience through community, mentorship and academic support. Incoming first-year students are paired with experienced student mentors who help them navigate the transition to Duke, offering helpful guidance on everything from academic questions to campus life.
Students also find connection and inspiration – and showcase their extraordinary talents – through varsity sports and Duke Arts performance programs that contribute to our vibrant campus culture. From working out or taking a swim at Brodie Recreation Center, to trying the rock-climbing wall at Wilson Recreation Center and competing in club and intramural sports, today’s students enjoy many opportunities to support personal health and well-being.
Beyond campus life, we are investing in transformative learning experiences that allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges while developing valuable skills and perspectives.
Every summer, participants in the Data+ program complete team-based research projects that address pressing issues across a wide range of fields, while DukeEngage connects students with immersive service opportunities locally and around the world. For example, this summer one Data+ team is analyzing extensive weather datasets to identify patterns in forecasting errors that affect electric power systems, while one DukeEngage team is supporting refugee education and adjustment in South Korea.
Here in Durham, the Duke Center for Community-Engaged Scholarship is supporting doctoral students through fellowships with local partners and connecting undergraduates with internship and work-study opportunities with local organizations.
As I looked out at the sea of navy-blue robes on Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium during this year’s Commencement ceremony, I was reminded that each graduate’s achievements reflect the collective support of an entire community. Duke’s faculty, staff, alumni and friends dedicate themselves to our students’ intellectual, personal and professional growth. As you enjoy this online edition of DukeMag highlighting their work and our shared commitment to Duke students, I hope you will feel as inspired by our community – and as proud of our new graduates – as I do.