Dear alumni and friends,

As I sat in the stands in San Antonio with my two kids in April, the personal and collective sadness was profound as we watched a Houston team enjoying the celebration we coveted that Saturday night. Between Duke’s untimely exit and some questions being asked about the societal value of higher education institutions such as Duke, it has been a tough spring in many respects.

Sometimes in times of uncertainty and hardship, we all find ourselves seeking out comfort and people and places that feel like home. There is a great deal of uncertainty right now in the world—and particularly in academia. Being able to work on campus, I find myself soothed and comforted by my confidence in Duke’s values and leadership.

Now, I will admit, I am finding myself taking more trips to Cosmic Cantina lately and have spent more time than usual catching up with old roommates and friends from Duke. I have even taken some extra walks through Hudson Hall and sat on the couches in the basement of Teer a few times to feel that comfort of my Duke. But throughout it all, what brings the most comfort is knowing the shared commitment so many of you have for Duke and Duke Engineering. We believe in Duke’s value of Knowledge in Service to Society, and yes, despite the hardship in San Antonio, my kids and I all acknowledge we will still be back for the next one because of our love for this place.

Thank you to everyone for your support and all you do to lift Duke up with others. Enjoy some updates below and, as always, never hesitate to come see us on the third floor of Teer anytime you find yourself enjoying the refuge of campus here in Durham.

Regards,

Jim Ruth E'01
Senior Associate Dean and Director of Development & Alumni Affairs
Duke Pratt School of Engineering

As part of Duke’s Made For This campaign, we’re launching a transformational renovation of Hudson Hall—the historic heart of Duke Engineering. Opened in 1948, just 13 years after Duke Chapel, Hudson—fondly known as “Old Red”—will be reimagined to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s challenges.

With the support of our generous alumni and friends, the renovation will:

Design work began in 2025, and with donor support, we plan to open the renewed Hudson Hall in 2029. Hudson has shaped generations of engineers—now you can help shape its future.

The Pratt Board of Visitors (BoV) returned to campus for a dynamic weekend of bold ideas and strategic conversations about the future of Duke Engineering. The weekend began with the high-energy Investor Showcase, hosted by the Christensen Family Center for Innovation (CFCI), where 16 student- and faculty-led startups pitched their progress and fundraising goals. Later, a joint reception with the Trinity BoV at the Washington Duke Inn celebrated Duke’s newest inductees into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), National Academy of Sciences (NAS), and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)—including remarks from NAE’s newest inductee, Doug Cameron E’79.

Board members engaged with Dean Lynch, participated in a fireside chat with Provost Alec Gallimore, and discussed key initiatives, including the Character Forward program and Pratt’s Corporate and Industry Engagement. Topics included research translation opportunities, new academic programming, undergraduate and graduate student support, career development, climate-focused initiatives, and updates on campaign and capital priorities.

Nothing moves—or accelerates—without energy. Today’s engineering student groups, clubs, teams, and organizations move fast in all kinds of exciting directions. Many of these experiences are elevated by Duke Engineering alumni who provide mentorship and targeted funding through the Engineering Alumni Council (EAC). EAC members connected with over 28 student groups to evaluate and award project funding, supporting initiatives ranging from global competitions to community-based engineering work. Their engagement ensures that students not only gain valuable hands-on experience but also feel the direct support of the alumni network.

In the evening, the EAC hosted one of the school’s most cherished traditions: the Engineering Alumni Awards Banquet. Since 1953, this celebration has honored Duke Engineers who exemplify leadership, innovation, and service. This year’s exceptional honorees were:

Duke’s Made For This campaign calls on alumni and friends around the world to help tackle society’s greatest challenges—and engineering is directly at its heart.

At Pratt, we’re advancing the campaign’s core priorities in bold, tangible ways:

From the renovation of Hudson Hall to the creation of new faculty chairs and expanding student financial aid, Pratt is building the future of engineering—and your support makes it possible.

Join us. Pratt is made for this—and made stronger with you.

Duke’s engineering graduate programs were recently ranked #20 in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. The Pratt School of Engineering offers master's programs across 19 disciplines, with options ranging from two to five semesters, including:

For more information on program details, admissions, and how to apply, visit the Duke Engineering Master's Programs website.

Gifts to the Engineering Annual Fund have a direct and lasting impact on students by providing hands-on learning opportunities, supporting research through the Pratt Fellows program, offering global experiences, funding scholarships, and helping recruit and retain outstanding faculty. These contributions also ensure that our labs, classrooms, and programs remain strong. Make your gift by June 30, 2025, and be part of the future of Duke Engineering. Every dollar counts. Every donor makes a difference.

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