Duke University Retirees Association (DURA)

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 details on how to join DURA are provided during retirement planning sessions through Duke Benefits. Retirees may also apply online following their official date of retirement.

The DURA newsletter will be emailed twice a year (Spring and Winter) to members, along with email notifications about special events and retiree opportunities as they are scheduled. To stay informed, please ensure your email address is current and included when submitting your registration.

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.

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 will result in removal from DURA. 

Use the online DURA Registration & Address Form 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

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

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

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 can be of service to patients, their families, the staff and the greater community. If you want to get involved, there are more than 30 in-person volunteer programs throughout the Duke Health system. Visit the Duke Health Volunteer Services webpage for information.

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.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute is an inclusive community of adults who share a love of learning. By becoming a member, you’ll join peers who seek to foster connection, exploration, and engagement. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Duke University seeks to engage the minds, elevate the spirits. Visit the OLLI website for more information.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens Adult Learning Programs

The Duke Gardens offers a wide range of engaging programs that will deepen your connection to plants, expand your gardening skills and introduce you to a new way of learning. Programs are led by experts on staff and in the community. Visit the Duke Gardens website for general registration information and current list of programs available.

Retirees can receive discounted memberships at fitness facilities across central North Carolina through the Duke Fitness Club. Stay healthy with convenient locations, comprehensive services, and great rates. Visit the Duke Fitness Club website for a full list of participating facilities and membership options. If you are interested in joining, contact LIVE FOR LIFE at 919-684-3136 (option 1) for assistance and answers to your questions.

Duke Human Resources has partnered with Working Advantage to offer a national discount program, now available to Duke staff, faculty, and retirees.

Through Working Advantage, retirees can access a wide range of discounts on hotels, automobile services, vacation experiences, restaurants, event tickets, and much more. This program is designed to provide added value and opportunities for savings across a variety of everyday and leisure activities.

To participate, retirees must first register directly with Working Advantage to gain access to the Duke National Employee Discount Program.

Please note:
Any questions, concerns, or requests for support related to the program or specific discounts should be directed to Working Advantage. Duke does not endorse or assume responsibility for the products and services offered by businesses promoted through the Working Advantage platform.

Duke retirees can continue or start a membership with the Duke Credit Union. The credit union is managed and operated by Duke employees, with a Board of Directors made up of member volunteers. Duke Credit Union is dedicated to helping the Duke community manage their finances and achieve their financial goals. Visit the Duke Credit Union website for more information. 

There’s a new way for you to pay for visitor parking at Duke. Blue Spot lets you purchase parking in seconds. Blue Spot was developed for the Duke community in a partnership between Duke Parking and Transportation, Duke OIT and Duke Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Parking with Blue Spot is convenient, easy and secure. Blue Spot allows you to extend your parking session from anywhere on campus. Visit the Duke Parking and Transportation website for more information.