Duke recently received two multimillion-dollar gifts benefiting the health system and Law School.
Last week, the Duke University Health System announced it would develop a new proton therapy center to advance its cancer treatment capabilities, thanks to an anonymous $50 million donation — the largest philanthropic gift in DUHS history.
“This is a historic gift, both for Duke and for the state of North Carolina,” said President Vincent Price in the release. “The Duke Proton Center will have a profound impact on cancer care in our region, and we are very grateful for the generous donor support that is making these advances possible.”
Proton beam radiation is more precise than traditional forms of radiation therapy, meaning more healthy tissue can be spared, and patients experience fewer side effects. Duke experts say it is increasingly becoming the treatment of choice for a variety of cancers, especially for adults with cancer located in the head and neck.
According to DUHS Chief Executive Officer Craig Albanese, there are only 46 such centers operating in the U.S., meaning “access to proton therapy is relatively rare.” The service is not currently available anywhere in North Carolina, and Duke patients often have to travel out-of-state for treatment.
The total cost of the facility’s construction is estimated at $120 million, and it is projected to be completed in 2029.
Also last week, the Law School received $10 million to support the work of the Bolch Judicial Institute, which trains judges, lawyers and students in judicial principles.
The donation was made by RaceTrac, a gasoline service station chain based in Atlanta, in honor of its chairman emeritus Carl Bolch Jr., Law School ‘67, and his wife, Susan Bass Bolch. The Bolches first established the Institute in 2018 with a $10 million gift.
RaceTrac has also made a commitment to match endowment funds raised by the Institute up to an additional $10 million.
“As we celebrate Duke University’s centennial year and look ahead to the tremendous promise of our second century, this gift in support of the Bolch Judicial Institute will significantly enhance our commitment to advance the rule of law through education and outreach,” Price said.
The Institute currently oversees the Law School’s Master of Judicial Studies program, publishes the Judicature journal, hosts conferences and seminars for legal minds to “examine challenges and develop solutions for improving and advancing the administration of justice” and confers awards to organizations that “demonstrate extraordinary dedication to the rule of law.”
With the funds, the Institute plans to support its current services, as well as develop domestic and international civic education programs that “build public trust and understanding of the role and responsibilities of judges.”
The gift was also made in honor of David Levi, who became the institute’s inaugural director in 2018 after serving as dean of the Law School for 11 years. He now serves as director emeritus of the Institute, James B. Duke and Benjamin N. Duke dean emeritus of law at the University and president of the American Law Institute.
“The incredible work of the Bolch Judicial Institute could not be timelier,” Susan Bolch said. “… We are confident that the Institute will continue to strengthen what is best in our civilization, both domestically and abroad.”
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Zoe Kolenovsky is a Trinity junior and news editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.