A Conversation With Jerome P. Lynch
Duke’s New Vinik Dean of Engineering discusses his background, joining the Pratt School of Engineering and his plans for the future
In this issue: A Conversation with New Duke Engineering Dean Jerome Lynch, The Duke Quantum Center Launches a New Era of Computing, Students and Faculty Alike Adapt to the “New Normal”, How First-Year Design Affected Its Inaugural Class and more.
Editor-in-Chief: Talya Jeter E’23
Talya Jeter is a junior from Cleveland, Ohio majoring in biomedical engineering and neuroscience while minoring in African & African American studies. She’s passionate about writing, college and career readiness, so in her free time she helps high school students apply to college. She also loves to play video games and is on the Duke League of Legends Esports team. Other activities that she’s involved in at Duke are Duke eNable, Project Tadpole and Bass Connections.
Shyamal Hitesh Anadkat is a graduate student in the Artificial Intelligence for Product Innovation program at Pratt. Shyamal earned a dual bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is passionate about software engineering, machine learning and entrepreneurship. Outside of work, he loves to run and read.
Katie Cobb is a senior from Vienna, Virginia studying mechanical engineering with the certificate in Energy and the Environment. On campus, she is involved with the Duke American Society of Mechanical Engineers. She enjoys baking, playing the piano and crossword puzzles.
Prakruti Kumar is a graduate student pursuing a Masters in Engineering Management. At Duke, she’s involved with the media club and helps lead photography events. During her free time, she loves to travel, explore cultures and photograph people and places.
Sunggun Lee is a sophomore studying biomedical engineering and electrical and computer engineering. He is interested in developing tools and models for global health and enjoys learning about different cultures. Sunggun is also involved in Duke Engineers for International Development and a global health Bass Connections team on campus. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, playing soccer and is currently attempting to learn the electric guitar.
Johnson Li is a sophomore majoring in ECE with a minor in biology. When not stuck in his room doing homework, he enjoys spending his free time reading, going on runs and taking naps.
Philip Liu is a senior from Austin, Texas majoring in mechanical engineering, minoring in economics, and pursuing certificates in Innovation & Entrepreneurship as well as Philosophy, Politics & Economics. At Duke, he is an inaugural A. James Clark Scholar, tour guide for the Pratt School of Engineering and alumnus of the Duke in Silicon Valley program. His interests include technology, business, innovation, service and storytelling. Recreationally, Philip enjoys music, movies and sports.
Piyush Mishra is a first-year Master of Engineering Management student. An experiential learning advocate, Piyush has worked as a technical consultant and a content developer. When not busy with coursework and assignments, he spends his time running an Instagram channel and exploring places.
Ishaan Mehrotra is a freshman majoring in biomedical engineering major on the premed track while simultaneously pursuing an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate. Ishaan was born in Connecticut but grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. His favorite hobbies include playing sports (especially soccer and table tennis), going to the gym, hanging out with friends and discovering new music.
Nikhila Murali is an international student from India, currently pursuing her Masters in Engineering Management. She is an aspiring product manager and was a consultant at Deloitte prior to attending Duke. She is also actively involved as an executive member in the MEMPDC Consulting club as well as in the External Engagement wing of the DUU. In her free time, she likes to travel and enjoys spending time with the nature.
Bio not provided.
Duke’s New Vinik Dean of Engineering discusses his background, joining the Pratt School of Engineering and his plans for the future
New CEE faculty member Andrew Jones III is pursuing ways to remove tough biofilms and bring water equity to communities
The Duke Quantum Center has the excitement of a startup and the ambition to match as it races to compete with the likes of Google and IBM
How Duke Engineering instructors and students shifted to hybrid in-person and remote classes during the pandemic
A look back at the critical role EGR 101 played in the future of its first class of Duke Engineers
While the menu items or décor may change, Twinnie’s Cafe was, is and shall forever remain an inseparable, salient feature of Duke Engineering
An inside look at Duke’s growing Space Initiative that brings together resources from across campus
An account of the first year in as Duke ‘AIPI’ student
Fred M. Fehsenfeld, Jr. is a third-generation Fehsenfeld family business leader, currently serving as Chairman of The Heritage Group Holdings Company Board
Laurie Conner is president of The Detection Group, an emerging growth company providing cloud-based IoT water solutions for the built environment
Nicholas Naclerio develops and commercializes innovative technologies in semiconductors, genomics and health care
Leslie Voorhees Means is the co-founder and CEO of Anomalie, the first direct-to-consumer wedding dress company
Lisa Burton O’Toole provides investment and resources for early-stage, women-led startups across media, data, health care and technology
Andrew Waterman is chief engineer at SiFive, where he designs high-performance microprocessors
George Truskey has been at Duke for nearly three and a half decades serving in a wide variety of roles
Adrienne Stiff-Roberts’s impact over nearly 20 years can be felt throughout every corner of the school and even into the surrounding community
During nearly 25 years at Duke, Linda Franzoni has served in many capacities for many organizations ranging from student groups to international boards
It’s an honor to welcome you to the pages of the longrunning DukEngineer Magazine as the new Vinik Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering. The content within is a credit to the accomplishments of my predecessors, most recently Ravi Bellamkonda and Jeff Glass. My thanks to both for everything they have done to make Pratt the preeminent engineering program I feel so excited to lead.
I was drawn to this opportunity because of the unique qualities that distinguish Duke from its peers. Duke students enjoy an educational experience equally shaped by design, innovation and a rich offering of co-curricular opportunities afforded by a liberal arts institution. Distinct areas of excellence such as biomedical technology, quantum computing and materials grow ever-brighter with the addition of talented new faculty. And there is a youthful energy that makes anything seem possible, as evidenced in the ambitious visions of the Pratt 2039 strategic exercise.
Last fall, I was lucky enough to get to know the community better through events such as the Board of Visitors meeting and the celebration of the grand opening of the Wilkinson Building. It quickly became clear to me what it is that makes Duke Engineering such a special place: the people who call it home.
I have already begun meeting with faculty one-on-one to learn about their programs and aspirations, as well as staff and student groups that are working to make Duke Engineering a more vibrant and inclusive community. In an effort to match the high level of engagement I’ve encountered across the entire campus, I am also beginning a regular series of small gatherings called Table Talks to hear from anyone who wants to join me in discussion.
“I wholeheartedly believe that Duke and Pratt are ready to rise to meet the challenge, and I look forward finding out just how high we can go together.”
One thing that I have already heard loud and clear is that we have much work to do—both as engineers living within a world full of grand challenges and as people living and working together to meet them. I plan to start my tenure as dean by redoubling our efforts to create a diverse and inclusive community. We must also continue to explore and amplify our investments in frontier research areas such as climate solutions, artificial intelligence, robotics and digital health.
None of this is easy. All of it requires leadership. It requires innovation. And it requires diversity of thought and approach. But I wholeheartedly believe that Duke and Pratt are ready to rise to meet the challenge, and I look forward finding out just how high we can go together.
Jerome P. Lynch, PhD, F.EMI
Vinik Dean of Engineering
Engineering Student Government (ESG) is proud to serve as a liaison between administration and engineering students to help improve the experience of Pratt students. As we begin our new board year, ESG has set out three main initiatives: build a stronger sense of community within Pratt, improve major and career advising for students, and ensure accessible mental health resources that are tailored to our needs. With these initiatives, we aim to solve the most pressing issues that Pratt students face.
As our lives continue to shift toward pre-pandemic norms, ESG is choosing to prioritize rebuilding community amongst engineering majors. We are excited to provide spaces for students to connect with and inspire each other such as E-Socials, E-Picnics and E- ball, among other activities. In the past, “E-Socials” have served to allow students to network amongst each other and to meet recruiters in a more intimate setting. This year, we are proud to announce E-socials will be back in person! In addition to weekly networking events, we are excited to bring back larger scale (and well-loved) ESG events each semester including E-Picnic and E-Ball. These extra-curricular events promote interpersonal connection that benefits students’ lives inside and outside of the classroom.
As you know, being an engineering student is difficult. ESG wants to work to make the lives of engineering students as easy as possible and give them a strong sense of support. With students facing rigorous courses and busy schedules, we want to reduce the stress that comes along with deciding on a major and career. Career events will give Pratt students an understanding of what potential careers will be a good fit for their skills and interests. To address these challenges, and minimize the time commitment associated with these big decisions, we are planning a major fair where students can stop in and understand their options along with an expansion of online resources students can access on their own time.
“ESG wants to work to make the lives of engineering students as easy as possible and give them a strong sense of support.”
The final goal for ESG is improving mental health among Pratt Students. Thus far, we have begun conversations about projects that can improve student well-being and mental health. We aim to create safe spaces where students can convene, share about their experiences, and understand they are not alone in their struggles. Support specific to the Pratt experience will foster an environment more conducive to vulnerability, empathy and overall better mental health.
I am so honored to take over this role as Engineering Student Government President. I feel a strong sense of responsibility and pride having been given the chance to improve the lives of Pratt students. I am inspired daily by my peers in a plethora of ways and especially by their resiliency throughout this pandemic. I look forward to enacting the changes Pratt students want and need.
Best,
Nikita Suri
Engineering Student Government President
It is February 2022, effectively two years since I was moved from in-person to virtual classes. It has been two years since a large shift in the way our community has been operating. During this time, the Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC) has been working hard to fulfill our purpose, to facilitate pathways for building holistic relationships throughout Pratt and to foster a welcoming and safe learning environment. We have had to be extremely creative to generate safe, comfortable, inclusive spaces that allow us to create that sense of community that is so important.
We tested out virtual events and orientation, which went well but, as we all know, are not a substitute for in-person events. But thankfully it seems like we are starting to turn a corner and are moving toward rebuilding our in-person gatherings and events (fingers crossed). At the beginning of this school year, we enjoyed some really exciting in-person events again. We hosted Pratt chats, outside and socially distanced, with a great energy that felt nearly back to normal. We celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with some moon cakes in the E-quad for the first time ever. In true Duke colors, we hosted a watch party for a basketball game and hosted a professional headshot event.
While I truly enjoyed all these events, I joined EGSC because I want the graduate community to feel close-knit. Close enough where when you are stuck on a problem, you know what peer will help you overcome that problem. That is why I am really looking forward to some future events that will be ongoing. We will celebrate this resilient, hard-working and focused group of graduate students by showcasing their projects, successes and activities. We will continue to find ways to facilitate connections between students, so you have that network to lean on whenever you need it. “Envisioning the Invisible” is an example of one of those events that is ongoing right now, as a contest that showcases the unseen beauty of research and, in doing so, what we at Pratt are working on. I am especially excited to start hosting more events like this. We are looking forward to working with the new Vinik Dean of Engineering, Dr. Jerome Lynch, to bring more events to life and bring the Pratt community closer together.
“We will celebrate this resilient, hard-working and focused group of graduate students by showcasing their projects, successes and activities.”
I look forward to both the end of this school year and the beginning of the next, with the progress and evolution that Pratt is going to experience. I am thankful and appreciative of the hard work this team of graduate students has been putting forward to help continue to bring Pratt together in a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment. This team includes:
I am looking forward to continuing to serve and be a part of the Pratt community through EGSC.
Karsten Poulsen
EGSC President
Dear Duke Engineering Alumni:
2021 was a year of change and adaptation, yet there is much to celebrate as the Pratt community continues to find ways to optimize the student experience and increase meaningful interactions among alumni and students. The Engineering Alumni Council (EAC) continued virtual engagement initiatives throughout the year, and while we are grateful that these programs have become even more impactful through expanded access to a broader range of alumni, we are invigorated by the prospect of returning key events to campus.
Following two years of canceled plans, this spring we are thrilled to host the Engineering Awards Banquet to honor Distinguished Engineering Awardees for 2020, 2021 and 2022. To further recognize their achievements, all nine awardees are featured in this issue of the DukEngineer. I encourage you to read more about the accomplishments and service that make them each uniquely deserving of distinction and hope you will join fellow alumni, former professors and current students in celebration at the Washington Duke Inn on April 22.
The EAC’s ambitious year-round Pratt Mentoring Program continues to grow, engaging more than 700 alumni and students this year. Our goal is to expand the scope of the mentoring relationship to embrace student purpose, character and well-being as a complement to Pratt’s 360 Coaching advising strategy. Students have requested further engagement opportunities, and we look forward to including career panel discussions and connections to internship opportunities as the program matures.
“Your involvement helps drive an enriched experience for our current students and other alumni.”
Transition to an online platform has also significantly expanded alumni participation in the EAC’s resume and mock interview workshops and aligns the student experience with current interviewing norms. Our two-hour virtual event in January engaged over 600 Pratt alumni and students. With interview sessions blocked for eight minutes, students were able to be matched with multiple alumni, resulting in 1,795 total interactions. The virtual platform efficiently delivers multiple opportunities for the students to engage with alumni, hone their resume and interview skills, and seek general advice on work and networking.
Pratt alumni play a key role in supporting students and maintaining a vibrant exchange of knowledge and resources. On behalf of the EAC, my heartfelt thanks to the many alumni who give freely of their time and consistently demonstrate overwhelming dedication and willingness to connect with current students and the world-changing ideas they are forming.
Thank you for staying connected to Duke and the Pratt School of Engineering. Your involvement helps drive an enriched experience for our current students and other alumni. Contact pamela.hanson@duke.edu to get involved in our signature initiatives and for more information on the 2022 Engineering Awards Banquet. We look forward to seeing you back on campus or at a virtual event soon. Forever Duke!
Tracy Nickelsburg E’88, P’22, P’25
President, Engineering Alumni Council
George W. Shepherd III G’72 worked for 39+ years at Exxon Chemical, after three years as a US Navy officer onboard USS Thomaston LSD-28, homeport San Diego. George retired June 2013 and began four years consulting for Calumet Specialty Products as an international sales manager. He also continues his 16+ years as a volunteer EMT.
Jessica Foley E’01 and husband Dr. Ian D. Simon celebrated the birth of Luka Daniel Foley Simon on March 19. The family is doing well, and his big siser Liana is particularly excited!
Hafeez Dhalla E’07 was interviewed for his contributions to a Duke bioengineering team that developed laser technology to combat diabetic retinopathy.
Matthew Burke E’08 was promoted to managing director at Greenbriar Equity Group.
Dr. Ming De Lin G’08 was elected to Tau Beta Pi’s executive council.
Ivan Wang E’09, G’11, G’13 and his wife had a beautiful baby girl, Olivia, on February 14, 2021.
Inka Johnson E’14 was featured in Design World as a prominent individual in the engineering field.
Robert S. Raisch E’51, 91, passed away on February 11, 2021, surrounded by his family. Born in Detroit, Michigan to Aileen and Albert Raisch, he dreamed of flying jets and had a deep love of country. He graduated from Cranbrook High School, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 1947 and joined the Holloway V-S program before attending Duke University to receive his major in mechanical engineering. He was the student team manager of the Duke basketball team ’47 and ‘48 and a member of the Duke lacrosse team. He was such a proud Blue Devil and always supported the school any way he could. He was commissioned into the USMC Reserve in 1951. He served in the Korean War and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service in the Marine Fighting Squadron 224. As a civilian, he was the owner of The Supersine Co. for more than 50 years, a sign manufacturing business that he created with his father and later ran with his daughters.
James Arthur Cavenaugh, Jr. E’56 died on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. He was born in Wilmington, North Carolina to the late Elizabeth Grady and James Arthur Cavenaugh.
He graduated from Goldsboro High School in 1952 and Duke University in 1956 with a BS in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, Jim was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy and served three years on active duty, followed by 18 years of reserve duty, retiring with the rank of commander. He served as commanding officer of three Naval Reserve units in Winston-Salem.
After release from active duty, Jim was employed by Archer Aluminum Division of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company and advanced to vice president of manufacturing of RJR Archer Incorporated, retiring from RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company with 35 years of service. He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, Forsyth Country Club, and the Y-Men’s Club. Jim came from humble beginnings and worked hard throughout his life to provide opportunities for his family. He enjoyed traveling the world, fishing, spending time at Ocracoke Island, and attending Duke basketball and football games.
On September 20, 1958, Jim married the former Patricia True Marshall of Goldsboro, North Carolina, who preceded him in death on September 30, 2000, after 42 years of marriage. On December 28, 2002, he married Nell Brame Parker, who survives him.
Jim is survived by two sons, James Arthur Cavenaugh III (Evan) and Kenneth Marshall Cavenaugh (Pam), all of Winston-Salem; five grandchildren, Katherine Hearn Cavenaugh, James Arthur Cavenaugh IV, Catherine Elizabeth Cavenaugh, Meredith McGuire Cavenaugh, and William Marshall Cavenaugh
Also surviving are Nell’s three daughters, Gwyn Wackerhagen (George) and sons Joshua and Jim; Tate Leftwich (Bill) and daughters Tate and Jane; and Jennifer Booker (David) and sons David, Jonathan, and Joshua. He is also survived by a first cousin, Dr. H. Maxwell Morrison of Southern Pines.
W. John Swartz E’56 died Friday, May 21, at age 86. As he fervently wanted, he was here at home in Fearrington Village, North Carolina, with me, Dorothy, and our sons, John C. and Jeff, close by. In the past five years, he had several serious illnesses, and although he fought to overcome each, this day was long anticipated. Even so, his absence now hurts badly.
John was born in Hutchinson, Kansas. Following his parents’ lifelong emphasis on the value of education, he graduated from Duke (BME), George Washington (JD), and MIT (MBA). He served in the US Marine Corps, followed by a 30-year career with the Atcheson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company in Chicago, Illinois, retiring as president of the railroad. His thoughtful decisions in business and with family and friends were all expressed with wit, generosity and kind consideration. We are very proud of him.
He believed in the potential goodness of each individual and looked for rational rather than divine ways to solve mankind’s problems. It was his wish that rather than be honored at a funeral and/or memorial service, he be remembered as a humanist.
Robert W. Anderson E’59 of Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 19, 2021 at Carolina Meadows.
Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1937. He grew up in Chicago and Kenilworth, Illinois and attended New Trier High School and later graduated with honors from the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University in 1959. While an undergraduate at Duke, he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and played lacrosse, earning three letters. Following his graduation, he worked in the oil industry in Nigeria, West Africa for Mobil Oil for a brief period. He returned to enroll in Northwestern University’s Graduate Engineering Program where he developed an interest in the newly emerging field of biomedical engineering. Dr. Anderson received a medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in 1964 and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business in 1994. He completed residency training in general and cardiothoracic surgery at Duke University Medical Center, where he was appointed to the Duke faculty in 1973 as assistant professor of surgery.
Bob was married to Taimi Toffer in 1960 and they have three sons, Michael (Lee), Jeffrey (Melissa), and David (Jenny), and six grandchildren. He was an active member of numerous surgical organizations and participated in community affairs every place he and his family have lived. He always considered his family to be the most important factor in his active and engaged life and was dedicated to education at every level. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed sailing and all water sports. He and Taimi were both dog lovers and always has a canine companion (or two), who they enjoyed spoiling.
Bob served as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corp. for two years and was director of the Walter Reed Surgical Shock and Trauma Research Unit in Washington D.C. and the Republic of Vietnam. He served as professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Minnesota from 1977 to 1984 and then returned to Northwestern University as professor and chairman of surgery at Evanston-North-Western Hospital and chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Northwestern Medical School. He held joint appointments as professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University prior to his appointment at Duke, where he was appointed professor of surgery, professor of biomedical engineering, and adjunct professor of business at the Fuqua Business School. He always enjoyed telling the story of how he had operated on Mr. Fuqua during his first year on the staff at Duke because all of the senior staff were at a meeting and unavailable for this very important patient. He would then relate that, “Duke got the Business School and I got a dozen golf balls.”
At the time of his passing, Dr. Anderson was the Emeritus David C. Sabiston, Jr. Distinguished Professor and chairman of the Department of Surgery at Duke University Medical Center and was a practicing cardiovascular surgeon for thirty-three years. After retiring as chairman of surgery at Duke, he remained on the Duke faculty as professor of surgery as an investigator and teacher whose interests focused on the areas of health care technology, economics and cardiovascular device innovation. He served as an advisor and board member on several Duke start-up companies and has served as a consultant to numerous corporations, medical centers, and government agencies both in the U.S. and abroad. He served as a member of the Pratt School of Engineering’s Board of Visitors, the Duke IRB and the Coulter Grant Steering Committee. Dr. Anderson was the recipient of peer reviewed research funding from the National Institutes of Health and American Heart Association for 24 years and served as chairman of the Research Review Study section of the NIH Surgery and Biomedical Engineering Group and the American Heart Association Surgery and Radiology Group. He has published 350 peer reviewed articles, chapters and books dealing with clinical cardiovascular surgery, myocardial function and ventricular mechanics, the surgical treatment of cardiac arrythmias, cardiac transplantation, the artificial lung, and the economics of surgical care.
Dr. Anderson was a dedicated teacher who showed a great commitment to the education of medical students and the surgical residents who he worked with both in the classroom and operating theater. He took great pride in the many residents who he helped train and followed their impressive careers and accomplishments with great joy.
He enjoyed spending free time with his family. In Minnesota, sailing on Lake Minnetonka in regattas with his sons and spending vacations fishing in the North Woods. Upon returning to North Carolina, he spent vacations relaxing with frequently visiting family in a vacation home in the mountains near Asheville. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his loving wife of 60 years, Taimi.
His conviviality, generous spirit and always-engaging conversation will be missed by family, friends and colleagues. We love you and miss you Bob, Dad Papa.
Mr. Richard P Seidel E’61 died January 11, 2020. He always credited his success to Duke University and the United States Marine Corps. He entered Duke’s School of Engineering in 1953 and was on the swim team before Duke invited him to leave in his junior year for basically lack of attention to duty, i.e., school. He joined the Marines within the year (had the highest score of his entire recruiting class), served the two years he signed for and talked his way back into Duke. He returned even though he had to add a year because the curriculum had changed. He graduated in 1961. Duke had been the only college he had applied to when he entered in 1953. He and his wife were married 53 years, and had two children and eight grandchildren.
Grant Thomas Hollett, Jr. E’64, known to many of us as Terry, age 79, of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina passed away on August 1, 2021.
Born in Ishpeming, Michigan, Grant was preceded in death by his parents, Grant Thomas Hollett and Mary Wildey Hollett, as well as his brother Dr. Robert Bruce Hollett.
Surviving are Grant’s loving wife of 56 years, Lynn Conrad Hollett, his brother John S. Hollett, and his children Kristin Hollett Lieb (Eric), Grant Thomas Hollett IV (Courtney) and Traci Hollett (Scott). He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Ryan Lieb (Victoria), Justin Hollett, James Hollett, Benjamin Lieb, Andrew Lieb, and Lindsey Hollett, along with one great granddaughter, Emery Lieb.
Grant attended Duke University, earning his degree in mechanical engineering and a commission as a US Navy ensign in 1964. His active-duty Navy career included service on the USS Hull and the USS Enterprise, and he was selected by Admiral Rickover to serve as a nuclear power trained surface warfare officer.
Grant continued his successful military career in the US Naval Reserve, ultimately achieving the rank of two-star rear admiral (upper half).
Grant’s civilian career was just as successful as his US Navy career. He held positions of progressive leadership at Procter & Gamble and Miller Fluid Power (Flick-Reedy Holding Company). Grant then joined Cherry Electrical Products, eventually reaching the position of president, followed by a position serving as chairman & CEO at EaglePicher Technologies.
He also served several terms on Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering’s Board of Visitors, as well as terms on the Reserve Forces Policy Board and the US Army Science Board.
Alfred J. Hooks E’68 completed his race and humbly submitted to the Master’s call and drifted into eternal rest on January 18, 2022.
Alfred was born on February 19, 1947 in Savannah, Georgia to the late Oscar C. and Eva Hooks. He married Clara Johnson on May 07, 1994, in Peoria.
Alfred will be lovingly remembered by his devoted and loving wife of 28 years, Clara; a daughter, Lori (Malcolm) Cawthorne, of Chestnut, MA; a son, Malcolm (Andrea) Hooks, of Chicago, IL.; two stepdaughters, Tiphanie Morris, of Montgomery, IL, Nakita Morris, of Peoria, IL.; a step son, Levar (Julia) Morris, of Evansville, IN.; two sisters, Alma (Merrill) Russ, of Vero Beach, FL., Janis (James) Hornsby, of Bedford, TX.; nine Grandchildren, Mariah, Nia, Kellian, Mason, Kelis, Jordon, Tyson, Parker, Madison, one Great granddaughter, Ryan.
Alfred was preceded in death by father and mother Oscar and Eva Hooks, one brother, Oscar C. Hooks, Jr., and sister, Pam Hooks Steverson.
Alfred graduated from St. Pius X High School. He enrolled into Duke University and graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in 1968.
Alfred worked at Caterpillar Inc. for 40 years as a marketing manager when he retired. He was a diligent worker who exemplified professionalism.
He enjoyed playing racquetball, reading, skiing and even flying planes. Alfred obtained his pilot license in 1993. One of the most special places that Alfred and Clara flew was where he was raised, in Savannah, Georgia. Alfred came from humble beginnings. He felt good about this accomplishment.
He was a man of excellence, character and integrity who loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He was continually active in the community. He was a member of Peoria Opportunities Foundation Board of Directors, Police and Fire Commission, NAACP, CAAR (Concerned African American Retirees), former board of directors of Peoria YMCA, National Brotherhood of Skiers, Peoria PAC, and a former board member at Quest Charter Academy, Dunlap High School Mentoring Program, and a former board member of LISC. He was inducted into the African American Hall of Fame. Alfred was awarded the Geraldine Mitchell Public Service Award for dedicating countless hours of service to the Peoria area.
Alfred’s legacy will live on through those he touched, mentored and inspired; the impact of that legacy will flourish by those he loved.
The Engineering Annual Fund is essential to propel Pratt forward, and its most loyal donors are a pivotal part of that. In order to highlight and recognize the Annual Fund’s most loyal donors, we have the Cornerstone Society. Undergraduates who have supported the Annual Fund every year since graduation (or since our computerized records began) are further recognized as lifetime donors. Membership in the Cornerstone Society is renewable annually. Our fiscal year is from July 1 through June 30.
Listed below are those Engineering Alumni that showed their affinity for the School by supporting the 2020-2021 Annual Fund Campaign. We are most grateful to those who donated to the School because they allowed us to reach 31% participation. Our goal is to reach a 36% participation rate in 2021-2022. Please don’t let your consecutive giving lapse by missing a year!
To recognize consecutive giving over the years, we are placing the number of years you have supported the School next to your name. We will update the list each year to continue recognizing our loyal alumni.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Duke has a number of leadership giving societies so that our most generous donors are recognized for their philanthropy and generosity. Listed below are members of the Pratt School of Engineering’s Annual Fund Leadership Honor Roll for 2020-2021.