My parents taught me that when you believe in something or somebody you give whatever you can—mind, body, and soul (and wallet if possible)—in support.

I hope we continue to inspire the next generation of critical thinkers, life-time learners, and visionary leaders to use their strengths to contribute to society.

My parents were my models, even though they didn’t have the resources for philanthropic giving. They did, however, dedicate a significant amount of their time and energy to philanthropic causes and to education in particular. As for philanthropic giving, my models have been friends and peers who have generously given to schools, research groups, and…

The best experience I had at Duke was being in the first class of the first black professor at Duke. Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook became a mentor and good friend for life. He embodied what I loved about the South and did not allow the things we both hated to divide us. Fifty years later,…