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The Chronicle

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Trinity College gets a new curriculum Page 15

The independent news organization at Duke University

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2024

ONLINE DAILY AT DUKECHRONICLE.COM

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTIETH YEAR, ISSUE 1

MEET THE 2023-24 CHRON15

The past year at Duke was one of controversy. The University unveiled a number of policy changes, found itself involved in multiple legal scandals and hosted student demonstrations on issues ranging from institutional divestment from fossil fuels to calls for a cease-fire overseas. However, it was also a year of great connection, with record-breaking athletic achievements and a resurgence in campus activism that brought students, faculty and alumni alike together in a testament to the power of the Blue Devil identity. Whether it’s from our office at 301 Flowers or on the sidelines of Cameron Indoor Stadium, The Chronicle covers the stories that are central to the Duke community. While part of our responsibility is to shed light on the more serious happenings at Duke, we also aspire to uplift the voices of students and faculty members who work tirelessly every day to promote integrity, innovation and joy on campus. At the end of each academic year, the Chronicle’s list of icons, leaders and pioneers seeks to highlight the contributions of these members of the Duke community who make us all proud to call ourselves Blue Devils. Nominated by readers of The Chronicle and chosen by a special committee of staff,

ICONS

Jared McCain

Sydney Lester Perhaps nobody at Duke was more iconic this past year than Jared McCain. The freshman basketball star represented the Blue Devils in a great way on and off the court. From his messages of positivity to his TikTok dances with teammates, McCain lives to bring joy to others and was a constant bright light on campus. On the floor, he was the lone freshman consistently in the starting rotation, playing all 36 games. With his smooth jump shot and relentless effort on the glass, McCain impacted the team’s success in many different ways. He scored 30 points twice in the NCAA

the members of this year’s Chron15 list are individuals and organizations that have committed countless hours to improve our academic programs, take our sports teams to victory and create spaces for all students to feel represented. They are people who exhibit artistic excellence, who foster meaningful community engagement and who dedicate each day to shaping Duke’s future for the better. The members of this year’s Chron15 embody all that make Duke, Duke. But more importantly, they are the people who host your quad parties, run your student organizations or make your coffee every morning. They are Blue Devils just like you and me and serve as a reminder of the capacity for good stored in each member of our community. As you read the profiles of these 15 remarkable people and organizations, I hope you will take the time to reflect on their contributions but also those of the many people and groups that did not make the list. The Chronicle can only name 15 winners, but our readers can thank countless more community members for all they do to make our Durham campus a home. Zoe Kolenovsky chaired the 2023-24 Chron15 committee. She is a Trinity junior and the Vol. 120 news editor.

tournament, including a single-game record eight 3-pointers against James Madison in the Round of 32. McCain has a rigorous mental and physical discipline, which includes meditating every day without fail. Head coach Jon Scheyer calls him “unapologetically himself ” and has consistently praised the Sacramento, Calif., native’s worth ethic and leadership. “Jared is an absolute warrior,” Scheyer said. “McCain competes every single play … It’s just about his competitive nature. It’s about how he’s always talking. He’s always upbeat and trying to make plays.” McCain declared for the 2024 NBA Draft in April and is widely expected to be a first round pick. While his tenure at Duke was short, the positive impact he had on the Blue Devil community will not soon be forgotten. Ranjan Jindal, Vol. 120 sports editor

Wade Wackos While the Cameron Crazies have long been the face of Duke’s fan culture, this year, some of Duke fans’ most iconic moments happened just across Tribull Plaza. In Wallace Wade Stadium, Duke fans showed up for football in unprecedented ways. The Wade Wackos, as they proudly identify, were the heartbeat of these moments, transforming regular games into unforgettable experiences.

Serving the University since 1905

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Morgan Chu

The Wade Wackos prepare to storm the field after Duke football’s September victory over Clemson.

As Duke football opened its historic 2023 season with an upset against then-No. 9 Clemson Tigers, the Wade Wackos starred in Duke’s most iconic athletic moment of the year when they stormed the field to celebrate the team’s fantastic achievement. The moment captured national attention, and soon Duke hosted its first-ever College GameDay before facing Notre Dame. That day, Wallace Wade Stadium — including the student section — was sold out for the first time since 2018. At that moment, Duke was a “football school,” and the Wackos were up to the task, bringing loudness and excitement to every game. This year, the iconic Wade Wackos embodied Duke’s spirit, unity and pride. Their passion and wackiness supported the football team through their incredible run and brought the Duke community together, creating memories that will last generations. Gabriel Reis, Trinity ‘26

Rob Clay

Rabbi Nossen Fellig arrived in Durham just over eight years ago, leaving behind much of his family and friends in Crown Heights, N.Y. From an apartment in 300 Swift, Fellig and his wife Chaya Fellig built a new undergraduate Jewish community from the ground up, inviting thousands of students into their home for meals and Jewish study in the years since.

College students need a daily caffeine kick, yes, but they also all need a daily dose of kindness. At Bella Union, you can get these two things together without fail. Rob Clay owns Bella Union with his former bandmate Sam Clowney. Clay is North Carolina born and bred, though his years as a bassist in various bands — “Evan and Jaron” and “Cravin’ Melon”, for two — took him all over the American South. Thus, his friendly demeanor and energetic conversation are accented strongly with the hoppy drawl of a Triangle native. Clay and his coworker Elliott Baker, Trinity ‘19 and a full-timer at Bella, are

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Rabbi Nossen Fellig

Anisha Reddy

Simran Prakash

@dukechronicle @dukebasketball

never thrown off their rhythm by morning unpleasantness from any number of demanding college students. They make lattes, chai teas, thai teas, smoothies, caramel frappes — all sorts of complicated orders that are in high demand from their hip Blue Devil customers. They know every regular’s “usual” and sometimes already have students’ signature drink prepared when they walk through the door. Clay remembers everything his customers share with him, even if it’s only mumbled while he fills eight mobile order tickets at the same time. He asks students about their weekends and about their mothers and is often found making people laugh before 8 a.m. — an impressive feat in itself. At Bella Union, icons make the coffee. Sophie Levenson, Vol. 120 sports managing editor

@thedukechronicle

To read more about Duke’s icons, See ICONS on Page 3

INSIDE Gothic Grill Duke's newest restaurant, Gothic Grill is open for business in the Bryan Center, and students are already fans. PAGE 9

Baldwin Scholars Title IX lawsuit A "reverse discrimination" activist filed a federal complaint against the program for female-identifying students. PAGE 10

Duke Athletics Band

A look behind the scenes of the band where musically gifted Blue Devils show their school spirit. PAGE 12 |

©2024 The Chronicle


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