Duke University

In 1838, Methodist and Quaker Families in rural Randolph County hired Brantley York as a teacher for their subscription school, leading to the transformation of Brown's Schoolhouse into Union Institute, which later evolved into Duke University.

Methodist and Quaker families in Randolph County chartered Brown’s Schoolhouse to become the Union Institute Academy, which later evolved into Trinity College. By 1892, Trinity College moved to Durham with support from wealthy tobacco industrialists and Methodists.

Trinity College of Arts & Sciences was established in 1859 as one of the founding schools of Duke University. This institution has played a crucial role in providing a comprehensive education in arts and sciences.

A significant moment in the history of Duke University, marking a turning point in its evolution and growth.

James B. Duke established The Duke Endowment, a $40 million trust fund, to be distributed among hospitals, orphanages, the Methodist Church, three colleges, and a university built around Trinity College. President William Preston Few insisted on naming the university Duke University as a memorial to James B. Duke's father and family.

On December 21, 1924, Trinity College was renamed to Duke University. This change marked a significant moment in the history of the institution, signifying a new chapter and identity.

Benjamin Newton Duke, a primary benefactor of Trinity College and a key link to the Duke family, passed away in 1929. His contributions played a significant role in the development of the institution that later became Duke University.

The Duke University Medical School and Hospital were founded in 1930, enhancing the academic and healthcare offerings of the university.

Duke Forest, established in 1931, spans over 7,000 acres in the north-central Piedmont region. It functions as a natural outdoor laboratory for Duke University and nearby institutions, offering trails for local walkers and runners. The forest is utilized for various purposes such as education, research, wildlife protection, and timber management practices.

Duke Chapel, a significant symbol of the university, was built in 1932 on the Gothic West Campus. The chapel features a 210-foot tower with a 50-bell carillon and serves as a memorial for Washington Duke and his sons Benjamin and James.

Construction of Duke Chapel at Duke University was completed.

Duke University officially opened in 1938 as a memorial to the Duke family, with significant funding from The Duke Endowment.

Engineering, which had been taught since 1903, became a separate school at Duke University.

On October 21, 1942, Duke University and Durham made history by hosting the only Rose Bowl game ever played away from Pasadena, showcasing the university's prominence in collegiate sports.

In 1957, the term 'Duke University Medical Center' was first used to refer to the combined facilities for medical and nursing instruction, treatment, and research.

In 1961, Duke University amended its admissions policy to affirm equality of opportunity regardless of race, creed, or national origin, with a two-step process involving graduate and professional schools first and the undergraduate colleges in 1962.

Duke University desegregated when five black students enrolled at the university, leading to increased diversity.

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Duke University on the progress of the civil rights movement, addressing an overflow audience in Page Auditorium.

The Duke Lemur Center was established in 1966 as the only university-based facility in the world dedicated to the study of prosimian primates. It houses over 200 lemurs, bush babies, and lorises.

The Silent Vigil at Duke University was a peaceful protest demanding collective bargaining rights for the campus' unofficial workers' union and advocating against racial discrimination.

In 1969, Black students at Duke University overtook the Allen Building in a protest, demanding to be treated with respect and equality. The protest led to significant changes at the university and was considered a pivotal moment in its history.

In 1972, the Coordinate Woman's College, which was initially a separate entity, was merged back into Trinity College at Duke University, creating a coeducational liberal arts institution.

In 1980, Mike Krzyzewski became the head coach of Duke University's men's basketball team, a position he has held since then. He is known for his successful coaching career and leading the team to numerous victories.

Duke's Men's soccer team achieved a significant milestone by winning the university's first NCAA championship in 1986.

Duke University's men's basketball team won the national championship in 1991.

Duke University's men's basketball team won the national championship in 1992.

One of the main objectives of the Concilio Latino/Hispano/Americano and its academic subcommittee was to launch a program in Latino Studies at Duke University during the winter of 1999-2000.

In Spring 2002, Duke University hosted 'The Color of Hegemony: Latinos/as in North Carolina and the U.S.' conference, attracting over 120 attendees from the university and local community.

In April 2005, Duke University and the National University of Singapore signed an agreement to establish Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. The school, which had its first class in 2007, offers a curriculum based on Duke University School of Medicine and aims to complement the existing medical school in Singapore.

In May 2006, Duke researchers mapped the final human chromosome, marking the completion of the Human Genome Project.

Duke University's women's golf team won the national championship in 2007.

Duke University's women's tennis team won the national championship in 2009.

The comprehensive campaign initiated in 2010 benefitted all 10 of Duke’s graduate and undergraduate schools, Duke Athletics, Duke Libraries, Duke Health, and various university-wide initiatives. It aimed to transform the physical campus and fund priorities such as financial aid, faculty development, research, patient care, and hands-on learning opportunities for students.

In 2012, Professor Robert Lefkowitz from Duke University received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his influential contributions to the field.

In 2013, Duke Kunshan University (DKU) was established in Kunshan, China, as a partnership between Duke University, Wuhan University, and the city of Kunshan. DKU offers Duke degree graduate programs and an undergraduate liberal arts college, conducting research projects on various topics.

In 2015, Professor Paul Modrich from Duke University was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his significant achievements in the field.

On June 30, 2017, Duke Forward, the largest fundraising campaign in Duke University's history, successfully concluded, surpassing its original goal by raising $3.85 billion over seven years with the support of over 315,000 donors and foundations.

Duke University's women's golf team won the national championship in 2019.

Duke University has evolved since its founding, with a focus on addressing issues of racism, sexism, and inclusion. The student body now includes more than 50% students of color and international students. Duke collaborates with the city of Durham on various initiatives.

By the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2023, Duke University's endowment had grown to a market value of $11.6 billion, showcasing significant financial growth and stability.

In 2024, Duke University celebrates the centennial of its transformation from Trinity College to Duke University.