Speeches & Writings Archive

Tells students to 'take possession of Duke and make it serve your aims'

President Brodhead joins Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans, former President Bill Clinton, Vernon Jordan and others in remembering the Franklins

Brodhead explores how universities and research parks can benefit each other at the IASP Conference in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Updates the Duke Community on how the downturn is affecting Duke, and the steps the university is taking to remain strong in the future

President Brodhead updates staff on university financial situation

Says the university has “a strong financial foundation”

Students should 'live up to the promise of your highest personal gifts'

President encourages students in baccalaureate address

President Brodhead issued this statement regarding the death of UNC-Chapel Hill student body president Eve Carson.

President Brodhead sent this message to NIU President John Peters in response to the tragic shooting incident.

In an update to Duke alumni, parents, and friends, President Brodhead discusses financial aid, DukeEngage, new academic leaders, athletics, the French Family Science Center, and future campus development.

President Brodhead expresses sadness over the death of Abhijit Mahato and notes his "great promise and endearing character."

President Brodhead writes that students from lower- and middle-income families should consider private universities in their college searches because of recent, dramatic improvements in financial aid offerings.

President Brodhead urges members of the Duke community to think creatively about saving water.

President Brodhead says Duke's international efforts should be more concerted and strategic.

Duke's president says the case taught him "a hard lesson about the criminal justice system and what it means to rely on it."

Duke's president cites the new DukeEngage program as a way to connect academic study with real-world problem-solving.

President Brodhead writes that this action is "a threat to all institutions of higher education."

President Brodhead discussed plans for Central Campus, Duke's relationship with Durham and the university's spirit of service.

President Brodhead urges graduates to seek adventure, but also ask where they're going and why.

President Brodhead, who received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree, told graduates to use their power to build a shared sense of community.

As part of a national tour to discuss Duke's contributions to the world, President Brodhead talks to a Triangle audience about service learning, the campus building boom and lacrosse.

President Brodhead tells a higher education conference that American higher education is often misunderstood and its leaders need to explain why universities matter so much to the nation's future.

President Brodhead urges the community to come together and work for a common mission.

President Brodhead addresses the Cleveland City Club on the contributions universities make to society.

President Brodhead's annual address focuses on financial aid and Duke's distinctive collaborative spirit.

Returning from a trip to Asia, President Brodhead notes how Asian educational leaders admire the U.S. higher education system and urges that the special strengths of our system not be overlooked amid efforts to address perceived weaknesses.

President Brodhead calls on new students to take advantage of Duke’s opportunities, show initiative and actively engage in their own educations. 

During President Brodhead’s 2006 trip to Asia, he received an honorary degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. In his keynote speech, he offers thoughts about how universities must change to accommodate an emergent global society.

In a letter to the Duke community, alumni, and parents, President Brodhead announces that the Duke University men’s lacrosse program will resume in fall 2006, with stricter administrative oversight and under new standards of behavior drafted by the players.

President Brodhead writes that university graduates will not be prepared for a rapidly changing world unless they are exposed to a mix of cultures.

In his parting remarks to graduates, President Brodhead encourages students to use the tools Duke taught them to shape the world.

In a letter to all members of the Duke community, President Brodhead cancels the men's lacrosse season and announces five committees to address issues raised by the March 13 incident, independent of any criminal allegations.

President Brodhead discusses with students how Duke’s planning process attempts to further the goals of stimulating inquiry and enlivening education.

President Brodhead updates the community about events at Duke during 2005.

President Brodhead discusses the need for funding for financial aid.

President Brodhead describes how a distinctive collaborative spirit defines Duke, and how financial aid will be crucial to ensure the long-term success of the university’s goals.

President Brodhead says Duke’s characteristic blend of learning and service sets it apart.

President Brodhead urges first-year students to “lose themselves” in education and to use Duke to develop a sense of the talents and service that will help them make distinctive contributions to society.

President Brodhead wrote a letter requesting Armenian leader’s personal intervention in the case.

Speaking to Durham community leaders, President Brodhead reflects on some lessons and facts he learned during his first year as president.

President Brodhead delivers the “President’s Charge” to graduating students, calling on them to continue to expand their curiosity and experiences.

Ten months after arriving at Duke, President Brodhead shares his observations about the university and urges students to seek opportunities to connect academics with real-world applications.

Q&A Following his talk, President Brodhead takes questions on a broad range of subjects, from Central Campus and social life to multiculturalism and celebratory bonfires.

Several months after the Palestine Solidarity Movement held a controversial conference at Duke, President Brodhead explains how Duke took the opportunity to showcase a variety of perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In preparation for developing a strategic plan, President Brodhead asks faculty to work with him to dream what university could be.

In remarks to new members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, President Brodhead extols the value of the humanities.

President Brodhead explains the controversy surrounding Duke’s decision to allow the Palestine Solidarity Movement to hold its annual conference at Duke, and he reaffirms the university’s commitment to academic freedom.

In a message to all alumni, President Brodhead discusses his inauguration and his first few months on the job.

President Brodhead formally accepts the presidency of Duke and embraces the task of making Duke a better university.

President Brodhead encourages students to let curiosity guide their education and reminds them that their own choices will determine what kind of community Duke will be.

Telling a brief history of Duke, President Brodhead encourages graduate and professional students to cross boundaries in their education and research.