The Chronicle
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The independent news organization at Duke University
THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023
ONLINE DAILY AT DUKECHRONICLE.COM
ONE HUNDRED AND NINETEENTH YEAR, ISSUE 1
MEET THE 2022-23 CHRON15
This past year, Duke has experienced what seems like change after change. The implementation of a new housing system. A new football program. The launch of a new University-wide commitment to tackling climate change. Long-standing, beloved dining locations shutting down. From our office in Flowers, we’ve covered these changes over the past year, and this year’s Chron15 hopes to celebrate the icons, leaders and pioneers that have been so instrumental in making the University a place we’ll be proud of in the future, but also those who have made Duke the place we know and love today. From faculty who find innovative ways to help us learn to those who have made the University feel like home for years, this year’s Chron15 list seeks to highlight the contributions of 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, the members of this year’s Chron15 list are individuals and organizations that have worked tirelessly to improve the University’s academic programs. They are people who have played and coached their hearts out in athletic competitions. They are people who lend a listening ear when you need it most. They are people who, simply put, make our campus a better place to live. The members of this year’s Chron15 are what makes Duke, Duke. But more importantly, they are the people who teach your T-req classes, keep you fed even when you’re in a rush or stand next to you in Cameron Indoor Stadium. They are Blue Devils just like you and me, and a reminder of the potential of what passion with a purpose can accomplish. As you read the profiles of these fifteen outstanding people and organizations, we hope that you will take the time to think about not only their achievements and contributions but also those of the many people that didn’t make the list. The Chronicle names 15 winners each year, but our readers can thank countless more community members for all they do. Adway Wadekar and Kathryn Thomas chaired this year’s Chron15 committee. Wadekar is a Trinity junior and the Vol. 119 news editor. Thomas is a Trinity senior and the Vol. 118 news editor.
ICONS
Il Forno’s ‘Speedy’
For Il Forno’s Joquann Jones, more commonly known by students as “Speedy,” his time at Duke can be characterized by a singular phrase — interactions with guests. Speedy has been an icon in the Brodhead Center since 2018 and has created countless memories with students and faculty members who stop by the Italian dining hall staple. His heart, passion and infectious personality are the secret ingredient in every Il Forno pasta bowl that he makes, not the breadsticks.
COURTESY OF JOQUANN “SPEEDY” JONES
Speedy was originally drawn to Duke Dining because of its open kitchen layout and opportunities to connect with students, a stark contrast to his previous position at a barbecue kitchen with a closed kitchen format. He stayed with Duke for 2.5 years before leaving to work as a sous chef, where he made his way up the chain only to realize that Duke was the place for him. “I’m not gonna lie to you, it was the students, faculty members, the professors and the interactions,” he said. “Students come by, they ask how your day is, you have a quick four- or fiveminute conversation, you find out what they’re doing in class, little talks about music or anime — it really got in touch with my soul,” he added. Speedy strongly hopes students understand the impact they have on his experience, as much as he has on theirs, from checking up on him daily to writing appreciation letters. Seeing the Duke community supporting and valuing the work he does pushes him to “keep going no matter what.” “Personally, there will be no Speedy without you guys,” he said. “You guys make me whole.” Andrew Bae, Vol. 119 associate news editor
Drew Flanagan Drew Flanagan | SAMANTHA OWUSU
Over his four years at Duke, Drew Flanagan, Trinity ‘23, embodied a selfless commitment to improving the lives of undergraduate students and to making the University a more equitable and representative institution.
Flanagan, a Montclair, N.J., native, recently graduated with a major in statistical science and a minor in economics. He translated his passion for bettering the student experience into action by devoting his time to strategic and community-focused work. In his senior year, Flanagan served as an undergraduate representative for the Racial Equity Advisory Council and the Board of Trustees External Engagement Standing Committee. Through these roles, Flanagan collaborated with administration to help Duke live out its commitments to anti-racism and to building long-lasting relationships with alumni and donors. Flanagan also served as senior class president and chaired the Student Organization Finance Committee for two years. He worked with cultural and identity leaders to make SOFC more transparent and to increase diversity-related programming and was awarded the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award for Demonstration of Integrity for this work. As student director of belonging for Duke Student Affairs, Flanagan facilitated the building of community on campus by spearheading the Fun @ Duke initiative. He was awarded the Forever Duke Student Leadership Award and the Cornerstone Award at the end of his senior year, fitting accolades for a Duke student who tirelessly dedicated himself to the betterment of the University over his undergraduate career. Holly Keegan, Vol. 119 university news editor
Chloe Beck
Incoming graduate student Chloe Beck has been a crucial part of the Duke women’s tennis team for four years. The Watkinsville, Ga., native represents Duke’s cross-section of academics and athletics. While also qualifying for
fellow teammates Ellie Coleman and Brianna Shvets, allowing her to be placed on the All-American ballot later this summer and was an ITA Scholar-Athlete in 2022, 2021 and 2020. As the No. 1 singles player in the lineup this season for Duke, Chloe Beck collected her 100th career singles win on March 24, and was ranked No. 6 nationally in singles at the close of the season. But despite tennis being an individual sport, Beck is the ultimate team player, according to women’s tennis head coach Jamie Ashworth. “She’s a firm believer in team first. She would set aside most individual goals for the team,” Ashworth said in 2021. “In our sport, that’s not a common thing, because at the end of the day it is an individual sport.” Beck competed in the NCAA singles tournament, where she advanced to the Sweet 16 on May 23, continuing to embody the ideals that Duke represents. Anna Newberry, Vol. 119 sports staff writer
The Loop
CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO
Loyally serving salads, burgers, pizzas and milkshakes to Duke students since 2000, The Loop’s long-established reign came to an end this year when it ceased operations on May 5. Next fall, a new dining venue by Thrive Kitchen and Catering will replace its spot in the Bryan Center. Fortunately for the restaurant’s enthusiasts, The Loop is a franchise which includes restaurants across North Carolina and Florida, including another location in Durham on Broad Street. The Loop won The Chronicle’s “Best Place To Eat On Campus” Award in 2015, highlighting the establishment’s popularity amongst Duke students across the years. Its expansive space, groovy music and chic bar setting made it the go-to spot for To read more about Duke’s icons, see ICONS on Page 2
INSIDE Affinity groups fight for space Chloe Beck | MELISSA ADAMS
the 2023 NCAA Singles Tournament in May, Beck finished her undergraduate career, graduating summa cum laude with a major in psychology, a minor in neuroscience and a certificate in sustainability engagement. In addition, Beck earned All District Academic honors this spring, along with
Cultural affinity spaces were moved over the summer of 2022 after the Bryan Center announced renovations. PAGE 9
Yalla: an interfaith food truck
Yalla serves food that is both halal and kosher, looking to use cuisine as an interfaith bridge. PAGE 11
Class passing times reduced
Duke changed class passing times from 30 minutes to 20 or 25. PAGE 11