Chron15: Welcome to this year's list of leaders, pioneers and icons

Welcome to this year's Chron15. 

Looking back at your Duke experience so far, who were the people that impacted you the most? 

As students, we have a limited amount of time at this University. This annual list aims to highlight a few of the people who have impacted that. People who broke records, who advocated for the rights of marginalized groups, who made you smile at the JB’s checkout line.

Every year, Chron15 honors campus pioneers, leaders and icons. Our selections are based on nominations from the Duke community, and they attempt to highlight the individuals or groups who have shaped experiences at the University. We believe that the people honored in the Chron15 exemplify the Duke community in 2019 and what it means to be a part of it. 

Our honorees this year have overcome unimaginable hardships and fought for their beliefs. They are people who foster community and brighten up your day. They are people with incredible athletic talents and charisma, or intellectual pioneers as faculty in various fields.

As you read about the Chron15, we want you to consider their significance and contributions to the community and experience at Duke or their impact in broader areas, like their scholarly field. Whether it is your first or last year on campus, we hope you will reflect on the people who have impacted you, the people you have impacted and your experience as a part of this community.

These are not the only 15 influential people on campus, of course. Instead, they represent a cross section of different pieces of student life, each of which includes many more mentors and leaders. 

This collection aims to highlight the stories of 15 people and groups who impact this University. But at a school as big as Duke, this barely scratches the surface. So we urge you to look around yourself and listen to others’ stories. This University is a special place. Take advantage of it while you can.