Welcome back, Blue Devils! This month has been a whirlwind of excitement and changes. The fall 2021 semester began, with students masked up while taking in-person classes. There were concerts, reunions and excited students. Then, there were COVID cases, cancellations and the potential of online classes yet again. During all this, Duke continued its cycle of life with sports, research and faculty. Read the hit stories of this month as we get into the swing of the semester!
1. Researchers raise concerns of fraud and ambiguity in two studies authored by Dan Ariely, renowned Duke researcher and professor
Dan Ariely, James B. Duke professor of psychology and behavioral economics, has published lots of research and several books, and he remains one of Duke’s most famous professors. Two of his recent works of research are under scrutiny due to ambiguous or potentially fraudulent data. Read about the studies, his response to the allegations and what this could mean moving forward.
2. ‘I wish I could do it forever’: The story of Dean Sue’s decades at Duke, from student to dean to faculty-in-residence
Beloved former dean of students and faculty-in-residence Sue Wasiolek has left Duke, but her legacy is living on. Read about Dean Sue’s experience at Duke, from a low-income first-generation student working as treasurer for house council to saying goodbye to her cow-themed living room. It was the saddest day of her life to leave Duke, she said, but she has lasting messages for students.
3. How conference realignment could impact the ACC and Duke
After Oklahoma and Texas moved to the Southeastern Conference in July, Duke’s Atlantic Coast Conference is in a scramble to keep up. With a long deal with ESPN in the balance, anything could happen for the Blue Devils. There are some important considerations
When considering what the changes could mean for Duke, which our sports section analyzed.
4. 'I’m ready to go into whatever’s happening': The story of a bittersweet first day of classes
Marketplace. The C1 bus stop. Abele Quad. Spots all around campus were bustling with activity on the first day of classes. The Chronicle documented snapshots around Duke as students readjusted to college life and explored the new atmosphere.
5. How will Duke’s endowment be affected by the Gates’ divorce?
Melinda French Gates is one of Duke’s most famous—and wealthy—alumna. After announcing her split from Bill Gates, whether Duke will continue receiving gifts from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation became a question.
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Maria Morrison was a digital strategy director for The Chronicle's 117th volume. She was previously managing editor for Volume 116.