About the Duke University Retirees Association (DURA)

The Duke University Retirees Association (DURA) was established in 1983 to help Duke retirees stay connected to one another and to the University. The idea for DURA was first proposed by Charles B. Huestis, former Senior Vice President, at the Quarter Century Club banquet in 1982. Through the efforts of several dedicated individuals, the association was formally launched the following year, with Elon Clark serving as its first president.

DURA is governed by a Board of Directors, which exercises all association powers except those reserved for the general membership.

 

Privileges & Memberships

Duke employees are eligible for a number of privileges and memberships at Duke after retirement.

Retirement Planning Guide

Register/Change Information

After your official retirement date, register online to join DURA as a new member or to provide DURA with updated personal information.

DURA Registration & Address Update Form

Membership and Engagement

DURA supports Duke retirees through newsletters, social and educational events, and volunteer opportunities. While volunteering is optional, member involvement helps keep DURA active, engaged, and visible on campus.

Membership is open to all Duke retirees. Information and membership applications are provided during retirement planning sessions through Duke Benefits. Retirees may also apply online following their official date of retirement.

Newsletters and Events

Members receive the DURA newsletter twice a year (Spring and Winter), along with email notifications about special events and programs, when scheduled. To stay informed, please ensure your email address is current and included when submitting your registration.

DURA Membership Card and University Store Discount

After joining, members receive a digital DURA Membership Card. This card should be saved and presented when needed.

  • Present your card at the Duke University Store (Bryan Center) to receive a one-time annual discount equal to your years of service (up to 30%)*.
  • The discount may be used once per year, at any time, and the card must be presented at purchase.
  • Some exclusions apply.

*Exclusions include: caps and gowns, class rings, custom orders, blazers, alumni chairs, books, electronics, computers, school supplies, greeting cards, consumables, and select other items.

Volunteer Opportunities for DURA Members

Volunteering has many benefits, from meeting new people and sharing your skills to feeling needed and appreciated. It also gives you the personal satisfaction of knowing you are helping others. If you want to get involved, consider these Duke volunteer opportunities.

  • Duke Health Volunteers
    Duke Health volunteers can be of service to patients, their families, the staff and the greater community. Please visit each program's web page for more information about current or upcoming volunteer opportunities:

Duke University Hospital
Duke Raleigh Hospital
Duke Regional Hospital
Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital 
Duke HomeCare and Hospice

  • The Duke Children’s Office of Development
    Do you love to greet people at special events?  Can you stuff envelopes and packets like no one else?  The Duke Children’s Office of Development has volunteer opportunities throughout the year to fit everyone’s interests and availability! If you have additional questions about volunteer opportunities, please visit the Duke Children’s Development Office volunteer website or contact the Duke Children's Development Office at dukekids@duke.edu. 
  • Sarah P. Duke Gardens
    Volunteers play a pivotal role in bringing Duke Gardens to life, assisting with gardening tasks, leading tours, greeting visitors, educating students and more.
    Please visit the Sarah P. Duke Gardens volunteer website for more information.
    Questions about volunteering?
    Contact the Sarah P. Duke Gardens at 919-668-3694 or GardensVolunteer@duke.edu.
  • Duke Lemur Center
    Volunteers are essential to the daily operations here at the DLC. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities that require different time commitments and focus on different interests. 
    Visit the Duke Lemur Center volunteer website for more information.
  • Volunteer at Duke Forest
    As a Duke Forest volunteer, you are directly involved in improving the Forest and helping to carry out their teaching and research mission. Duke Forest’s active volunteer program is based around engaging and rewarding long-term volunteer programs that directly assist the staff and the Forest. 
    Visit the Duke Forest website for more information.
  • Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
    The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an inclusive community of nearly 2,000 adults who share a love of learning. By becoming a member, you’ll join peers who seek to foster connection, exploration, and engagement. 
    OLLI members can find volunteer opportunities on the OLLI volunteer website. 
  • Duke Partnership Platform
    The Partnership Platform is a digital hub providing access to resources, data, and service opportunities that facilitate campus and community partners creating connections and amplifying their collective impact.
    Visit the Duke Partnership Platform website for more information.

Register or Update Your Information

Register online to:

  • Join DURA as a new member (Join after your official retirement date)
  • Update your name, address, email, or other personal information
  • Request a replacement DURA membership card

Important Information

Keeping your information current ensures continued access to newsletters, events, and member benefits.

To remain on the DURA mailing list, you must notify DURA of any changes to your contact information. Returned mail or bounced emails may result in removal from the mailing list.

Contact Information

DURA is supported by Staff & Family Programs, a division of Duke Human Resources.

  • Email: DURA@duke.edu
  • Phone: 919‑684‑9040