As Duke's vice president for public affairs and government relations, Michael Schoenfeld serves as the University's chief spokesperson. During trips to his office, The Chronicle usually asks Schoenfeld about issues affecting the University. Recently, we switched it up and asked him ten questions about himself.
What was the last book you read?
It was a spy novel. “Red Sparrow” by Jason Matthews. I like spy novels, so I go on these kicks where I’ll pick up a specific genre. Right now, I’m on Cold War spy novels.
When you have a day off, what do you like to do for fun?
Spend time with my wife, read, walk through the Gardens—we live close to campus—and depending on the season, watch college football, watch college basketball.
Do you have any pets?
One dog, named Addison, who is very friendly, very smart and just a great companion.
Do you speak any other languages? And if not, what language do you wish you could speak?
I had just enough German in high school that when I went to Germany a few years ago, I could get by passably. But [to say that] that I speak it would be a gross exaggeration. If I could speak a language, I think I’d like to learn Arabic. I can read Hebrew. I can’t understand it.
What's the most interesting thing in your office?
This controller. I worked for the Voice of America early in my career towards the end of the Cold War. Voice of America used to broadcast behind the Iron Curtain at a time when there was no free press or free information. This was the only source of information for many people. The VLA broadcast in Russian came out of Studio 31, and this is the controller for Studio 31. This dial, for 50 years, when it was turned up, delivered uncensored and accurate information.
What's your favorite place to go on vacation?
I actually don’t have a single favorite place. I try to go someplace different every time. I like the beach, I like the mountains, but what I really like is to go somewhere different every time.
What’s your favorite movie?
"Animal House."
What’s your favorite place to eat on campus?
I like the dumplings now in the West Union [at Ginger + Soy], but that’s my new favorite place. I enjoy The Perk for a morning cup of coffee.
Do you have any TV shows that you are currently watching?
My favorite show is "The Americans." I just finished much belatedly the last season of "House of Cards." I watch "Nashville," because I have friends in Nashville who sometimes appear in the show. I’m looking forward to watching "Designated Survivor" with Kiefer Sutherland.
Do you have any social media platforms that you’re on?
I will admit that even though I oversee all of the social media stuff, I have a Facebook page that I mostly update around my birthday. I have a Twitter in the sense that I follow the news throughout the day, but I haven’t tweeted in a while. I have an Instagram that I’ve never used, and the only Snaps I get are from my daughter, but I still can’t figure it out.
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