A ‘perfect’ weekend to celebrate Duke’s history

On Friday, September 27, the university will host a dedication ceremony for the Wall Center for Student Life, honoring the legacy of George and George-Frank Wall, the first faculty members of Trinity and Duke University.

Over the weekend, Duke will also award the University Medals, the university’s highest honor, which recognizes individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the institution.

Sheeran will headline the Centennial Founders’ Day Celebration and Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, in Wallace Wade Stadium. The program and concert, open to Duke students, alumni, faculty, staff, and special guests, is just part of a weekend of celebration that highlights Duke’s history and moves the university into the future.

The winner of four Grammy Awards and with 17 nominations, Sheeran, 33, has regularly topped the pop charts since 2011 with songs like “Shape of You.” His wife, Cherry Seaborn Sheeran, is a Duke alumna with a master’s degree from the Fuqua School of Business.

He is joined by DJ and music and film producer and 9^and Wonder, who teaches music at Duke with Mark Anthony Neal, and Retta, a 1992 Duke graduate who has appeared in “Parks and Recreation,” “Good Girls” and other TV shows and films.

Here’s a full schedule of events:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26

4:00 PM – Discussion between current and former presidents of Duke University.

President Vincent Price will be joined by former presidents Nannerl Keohane and Richard Brodhead to share insights from the past and explore the opportunities that lie ahead for Duke. The panel will be available both live and via livestream. The session will be moderated by Duke alumna and trustee emerita Judy Woodruff, the former anchor and current correspondent for “PBS NewsHour.” Reynolds Industries Theater, Bryan Center.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27

4:00 PM – Dedication of the George and George-Frank Wall Center for Student Life. After Trinity College moved to Durham in 1892, Trinity janitor and handyman George Wall later moved to Durham and began working as a janitor on the new campus. Purchasing a small property near East Campus, Wall became a leader in the growing working-class community, which was eventually called “Walltown.” East Campus.

7:30 PM – Founder’s Day Centennial Celebration and Concert

Ed Sheeran with 9^and Wonder and Retta. The program and concert are for the Duke community and special guests. Seating is limited.. Tickets are free; registration is required. Ticket registration opens next week. Information will be emailed. Wallace Wade Stadium.

Saturday September 28th

TBA – Homecoming football game against the University of North Carolina.

For the first time in recent history, Duke will play its archrivals in the homecoming game. Special guests will be recognized during a Centennial halftime program. Wallace Wade Stadium.

Sunday September 29

11:00 am – Chapel service on the occasion of the Centennial Founder’s Day

The weekly service is led by Duke Chapel Dean Rev. Luke Powery. All are welcome. Duke Chapel. A reception on Abele Quad will follow immediately following the service.

There will be special weekend activities on campus, including centennial-themed exhibits at the Nasher Museum of Art and Duke University Libraries, Duke Gardens tours, and the self-guided Duke Campus History Tour. The community will host the annual Durham Pride Parade and related events on Sept. 28 and 29.