Duke to honor Keohane with quad naming

WEL done.

Duke will honor outgoing President Nan Keohane today by renaming the West-Edens Link Keohane Quadrangle.

A dedication ceremony is set for 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of the McClendon Tower. Several student and administrative leaders will offer short remarks and a Keohane name plate will be unveiled.

"When you have a president with a legacy as broad and deep as President Keohane's, it's only appropriate that the University offer a suitable symbol of appreciation," said Campus Council President Anthony Vitarelli. "Duke's quads are named after our great presidents, and Nan Keohane belongs on that list."

It had long been rumored that the University would eventually name the new quad after Keohane--even as far back as when the old Ocean parking lot was torn up to make way for the horse-shoe-shaped, four-building, 350-room structure. But the change necessitated the approval of the Board of Trustees before coming into fruition.

The WEL took its original moniker both from its location--in between Main West Campus and Edens Quadrangle--and its primary purpose--to make residents in Edens not feel completely isolated from the rest of campus.

Students living in dormitories adjacent to the WEL endured several years of early mornings of jackhammering and dumptrucks backing up, but officials and most students say the disturbance was worth it.

The quad offers spacious dormitory rooms, an expansive lawn and a recreation tower complete with game room, 24-hour diner and a Starbucks Coffee-serving café.

"President Keohane had many years of great service to this University," said Duke Student Government President Matt Slovik. "During her tenure, there was unprecedented growth here, including the WEL, and it's only fitting that the quad bears her name."

Keohane and other University officials could not be reached for comment.