After a long eighteen months of distancing and hybrid learning, Duke University students returned to campus for a celebration to kick off the new academic year.
The muggy heat of August and the masking precautions did little to hamper a night of excitement and celebration of being together. Hosted by Student Affairs, the Blue Devil Return event marked an important moment in Duke’s history and provided a reminder to all in attendance of what Duke is about—community.
The 2024 class photo kicked off the event, completing a tradition for the class who was unable to capture their photo last year. Beginning in 2006 for the class of 2010, the class photo is typically done on East Campus with the first-year students shortly after move in. The Class Photo has become an important tradition for incoming students but the circumstances of COVID in 2020 prohibited the gathering of students on campus and many students chose to defer or remain at home for remote learning. Returning to campus early this year, the Class of 2024 came together to create their own iconic photo and celebrate one of the few times the class will be together as one until they meet again in three years at commencement.
“It was a hard year not getting to socialize with people. The fact that we all got through it and we're here right now all together is strong.”
– Lily Root, Class of 2024
The lineup for the class of 2024 included a star-studded cast sharing words of excitement and encouragement for the year ahead. Seniors Grant LoPresti and Natalie Ezem emceed the event and introduced a cast of Duke administrators including University President Vincent Price; Mary Pat McMahon, vice provost and vice president for student affairs; Gary Bennett, vice provost for undergraduate education; Duke men’s basketball associate head coach Jon Scheyer and Duke football head coach David Cutcliffe, who has led the students through the last decade of class photos.
“We know you guys have been through a year unlike any other and we are just thrilled to see you.”
– Gary Bennett, vice provost for undergraduate education
“Thank you for being here. We're super proud of you and we think you are absolutely amazing!”
– Mary Pat McMahon, vice provost and vice president for Student Affairs
“As we walked on campus and seeing you all out here made me so happy. I can tell you we missed you guys big time in Cameron last year.”
– Jon Scheyer, associate head coach and next head coach of Duke men’s basketball
“It is so great to have you out here. Yours is a class that made history. You're making history today. You're not wearing the same shirts we usually wear. You're lined up in front of this incredible Chapel. You've waited a year for this moment. And this is a moment delayed, not denied.”
– President Vincent E. Price
“We’re really appreciative of you guys coming in a year ago under the most unusual circumstances any class has ever entered Duke University and you did it so well.”
– David Cutcliffe, Head Coach, Duke Football
As sophomores, the Class of 2024 broke from tradition to have their photo taken on West Campus instead of East. They wore blue shirts instead of white. And, although Duke Chapel lends its presence as a picturesque backdrop, its symbolism in the heart of campus couldn’t be missed by those in attendance.
“It finally means that we have community and we get to be a real member of Duke. It's so exciting.”
– Sami Meyers, Class of 2024
In 2006 then band director Jeff Au introduced a new song to the band’s performance. Cascada’s “Every Time We Touch” was played during the 2006/2007 Duke basketball season and has since been adopted as an unofficial anthem among the students. “It’s our song!” exclaimed a student upon hearing the first notes at the end of the photo.
The FACs (First-Year Advisory Counselors) took to the sidewalks to lead students through the dance moves.
Though the Class of 2024 kicked off the event with their photo, the Blue Devil Return event culminated in ALL students turning out for celebration of being together. The atmosphere was positive and upbeat. Laughter and hugs were shared by all. Even though the concern of COVID remained, for the first time in what seemed like forever, the heartbeat of campus life could be felt.
The culmination of the Blue Devil Return event was the entire party counting down to a fireworks display in the heart of campus. As the students counted down the last seconds before the show, a faint “Happy New Year” was heard. For all students arriving on campus for Fall 2021, it was the kickoff to a happy new year, indeed.
We’re excited to get back to the classroom but there are still some things we should all do to keep Duke and Durham safe. Watch the video below to see what our student leaders would like us to do to make this a successful semester.
Special thanks to Shaun King and Rebecca Fiorentino
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