Working@duke - June/july, 2008

WORKING@DUKE

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SIREN SYSTEM

An Outdoor Warning System is being installed on campus to broadcast alerts during life-threatening emergencies.

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REMEMBERING RAY COFER

Ray "Wiley" Cofer, a master steamfitter in Facilities at Duke, was known for his quick-wit and expert craftsmanship.

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SUSTAINABLE DUKE

Duke University Press is one example of a department working to leave a lighter environmental footprint.

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Born To RN

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Duke nurse Carolyn Juettner reads to her son, Jack, while sitting on a cozy window seat built with bonus money Juettner received for referring another nurse to Duke University Hospital.

$ 5 , 0 0 0 R E F E R R A L B O N U S N E T S N U R S E S F O R D U K E ’ S H O S P I TA L S hen Carolyn Juettner and her husband bought a 96-year-old farmhouse in 2005, it required renovation, but progress was slow with a tight budget and birth of their first child. Then, Juettner received the first half of a $5,000 bonus from Duke, and construction picked up. The money was enough to refinish hardwood floors and construct a toy box that doubles as a window seat. Now Juettner enjoys curling up on the cozy seat in her Chapel Hill home to read about animals to her 2-yearold son, Jack. The remodeling was possible because Juettner, a clinical nurse in the Intensive Care Nursery at Duke Hospital, simply referred a fellow nurse and friend, Simone Christiano, to work at the hospital. “I wanted to bring good, experienced staff here,” said Juettner, 39, who has worked as a nurse for 18 years. “If you’re in nursing, and you’re working next to someone, you want them to be reliable.” Eight years ago, Duke University Health System created the Nurse Referral Program. It encourages nurses like Juettner to recruit other nurses – who are in critically short supply across the country – to work at Duke Hospital. The program has expanded, and today, any Duke employee can cash-in on $5,000 by referring a qualified nurse who joins one of Duke’s three hospitals, including Durham Regional Hospital and Duke Raleigh Hospital. “We knew word-of-mouth was the best recruitment mechanism, and Duke nurses can sell the organization,” said Mary Ann Fuchs, chief nursing and patient care officer for the Health System. The program is an important recruitment tool that also improves retention by paying the bonus in two installments – half when the new nurse completes a 90-day orientation period and half after completing the first year. Recruitment and retention are increasingly important in light of a national nursing shortage, Fuchs said. Hospitals are short about 116,000 registered nurses nationally, resulting in a national vacancy rate of 8.1 percent, according to a report released by the American Hospital Association in July 2007. Duke University Health System often uses higher cost temporary staff to fill nursing vacancies, which are slightly higher at Duke than the national average. Fuchs said she hopes the referral program will help reduce the need for temporary staff by increasing the number of permanent Duke nurses.

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2007 Gold Medal, Internal Periodical Staff Writing 2007 Bronze Medal, Print Internal Audience Tabloids/Newsletters

“We’re actually very lucky because due to our reputation, we receive a lot of applicants,” Fuchs said. “We hire about 500 nurses a year, some of whom are returning to Duke after taking time to pursue advanced nursing degrees. We’re also growing as an institution and need more nurses for that expansion.”

Return on Investment Although the $5,000 is an enticing benefit, Duke nurses like Juettner said making a referral is about more than just money. “Simone and I worked together in New Jersey years ago, and I knew she was a good nurse,” Juettner said.

The nurse who is referred also feels some accountability because they don’t want to disappoint the person who referred them. Both people’s reputations are tied to it.”

Sylvia Alston

— Sylvia Alston, Associate Chief Nursing Officer/ Recruitment and Hospital Administrative Systems

That personal accountability makes the Nurse Referral Program work, said Sylvia Alston, associate chief nursing officer for Recruitment and Hospital Administrative Systems. “The nurse who is referred also feels some accountability because they don’t want to disappoint the person who referred them,” Alston said. “Both people’s reputations are tied to it.” Alston said it’s become tougher to find experienced nurses, like Simone Christiano, for many reasons, including increased demand nationally, an aging workforce, and because nurses are moving on to second careers. But, recruitment numbers are up at Duke, and Alston >> See BORN TO RN, PAGE 5

This paper consists of 30% recycled post-consumer fiber. Please recycle after reading.

LOOKING

AHEAD @ DUKE JUNE 14 : : 12th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure; join Duke Raleigh Hospital and help raise funds to support the fight against breast cancer through the Komen for the Cure foundation; Duke Medicine is the presenting sponsor of this year’s race; 7 a.m., Meredith College, 3800 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. Register at www.komennctriangle.org.

Newsbriefs Working@Duke wins national award

Duke using reclaimed water to irrigate

Working@Duke received the Grand Prize for Best Newsletter in the annual Ragan Recognition Awards for 2008. The award was presented in May by Chicago-based Lawrence Ragan Communications, a preeminent professional association for corporate, internal and employee communications. Working@Duke also received honorable mention for Best HR Story for “Opening Doors to Higher Education,” a cover article about Duke’s dependent tuition benefit, and another honorable mention for Best Non-Profit Newsletter. Developed by Duke’s Office of Communication Services, Working@Duke was among 401 total entries in various categories from business, industry and higher education. Award winners in other categories this year included BB&T, H&R Block, SAS Institute Inc., among others.

A water truck with a Green Devil logo will begin rolling across campus this summer, providing an alternative to irrigating with drinking water. Instead of using potable water to irrigate certain areas, Duke will use reclaimed, or non-potable, water from the city of Durham. Reclaimed water is treated water that meets state water quality standards. The reclaimed water will be used on select plants and athletic fields for maintenance to enhance player safety. “Using reclaimed water is another way to help us conserve drinking water,” said John Noonan, associate vice president for Facilities at Duke. “We’re determined to continue conserving as much water as possible.” Duke joins about 40 water consumers enrolled in the city’s reclaimed water program. The athletic fields that will be watered at Duke are Wallace Wade Stadium, Jack Coombs Field (baseball field) on West Campus, Field 4 on West Campus, Field 5 on Cameron Boulevard (751), football practice field on West Campus and Koskinen Stadium. Although the use of reclaimed water is new in Durham, many areas of the country such as Florida and Arizona have relied on reclaimed water for decades.

JUNE 19 : : “Too tired to ask – everything you wanted to know about sleep disorders,” sponsored by Duke Prospective Health and Duke Integrative Medicine; free; call (919) 416-DUKE to register.

JUNE 22 : : Investment seminar, learn about retirement options through Duke Human Resources, 1 p.m., Conference Room 03, 705 Broad St.; free; registration required at www.hr.duke.edu/benefits.

Calling mother nature Duke Gardens offers cell phone audio tours Visitors to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens usually turn off cell phones to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. But mobile phones are an integral part of the Gardens’ new Guide by Phone audio tours. By dialing (919) 595-1109, visitors can listen to descriptions of various areas in the Gardens. Along with information about specific plants, the tours offer recommended growing conditions and other tips. Signs in designated areas have a number that visitors can dial to hear a recorded description of that area. They may listen to as many descriptions as desired, in any order, by simply pressing the corresponding numbers. The Guide by Phone tours are free, other than the cost of minutes from cell providers. The Gardens also offers summer workshops and weekend courses. For information, visit www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens.

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Letters to the Editor must include name and contact information. E-mail letters to [email protected] or mail them to Working@Duke Editor, Box 90496, Durham, NC 27708. Fax letters to (919) 681-7926. Please keep length to no more than 200 words.

For more events, check the university’s online calendar at http://calendar.duke.edu

Duke Continuing Studies offers employee discounts Want to learn Spanish or hone your management skills? Duke Continuing Studies offers classes ranging from professional development programs for employees and personal enrichment classes for retirees to academic summer camps for sixth graders and test prep courses for college-bound students. Each semester, Continuing Studies offers Duke employee discounts on various courses. Savings range from about 10 percent to 20 percent off each course. Discounts for courses starting in September include several professional certification programs such as human resources management, along with evening and weekend courses on topics ranging from foreign languages and literature to history and philosophy. Registration is now underway for summer classes and in August for fall courses. Most classes are held in the Bishop’s House on East Campus. For more information about Continuing Studies’ employee discounts, registration deadlines and course descriptions, visit www.learnmore.duke.edu or call (919) 684-6259. To request the employee rate when registering online, add the code “Employee” to the form.

Outdoor siren system to blast warning tones, messages y the start of the academic year, a new outdoor In a emergency, or test, people will hear a tone warning system will be installed on campus as part followed by a voice message that can travel up to oneof the DukeAlert emergency notification system. half mile from each pole. The system is part of a broad The state-of-the-art system will feature seven emergency notification strategy designed to reach people strategically placed, pole-mounted sirens with speakers outdoors, where other information methods such as that blast warning tones and recorded or live voice e-mail are ineffective. messages to instantly alert students, “People in most buildings will not faculty, staff and visitors during lifehear the outdoor sirens, but we can threatening emergencies. reach them in other ways,” Graves We will use the “This is part of a multi-layered said. “Duke’s approach is to build notification system designed to address system to give you redundancy into rapid notification and one audience – people outdoors – so offer a multi-pronged approach using rapid instruction to go inside, a combination of voice, Web and ethey can take immediate action,” said Aaron Graves, associate vice president mail to reach as many people as take shelter in a secure for Campus Safety and Security. “The possible.” outdoor warning system will be For example, a new text messaging location or take some other supplemented with e-mail alerts, text system is in the works. Students, action for your safety.” messaging and police runners.” faculty and staff will have the option Designed by Federal Signal Corp. this fall of subscribing to emergency — Aaron Graves, in Illinois, Duke’s outdoor warning alerts through a service that sends Associate Vice President for Campus system may be tested occasionally in messages to mobile devices. Details Safety and Security the coming months to help familiarize will be available soon. people with tones that will be used Since the shootings at Virginia during actual emergencies such as a tornado sighting Tech last year, Duke has adopted a formal crisis or an armed and dangerous person on campus. communications and management plan and developed a “We will use the system to give you rapid instruction mass DukeAlert e-mail and emergency Web site with blog to go inside, take shelter in a secure location or take some updates, RSS feeds and more. other action for your safety,” Graves said. “Duke has enhanced its emergency communications Federal Signal, has provided systems for more than planning in many ways over the past year,” said David 25 colleges and universities, including UNC - Chapel Hill. Jarmul, associate vice president for News and Communications. Over the summer at Duke, concrete foundations will be “These new systems are the most obvious sign of this but, poured to erect 40-feet-tall galvanized steel poles on West, behind the scenes, a lot of work has also been done to Central and East campuses, as well as near the Sarah P. strengthen our protocols and make sure we’re ready Duke Gardens and the medical campus. The system will to alert people quickly and effectively.” be installed in accordance with Federal Emergency — By Leanora Minai Management Agency guidelines. Editor, Working@Duke

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Duke’s Outdoor Warning System is part of a broad emergency notification strategy designed to reach people outdoors. People will hear a tone followed by a voice message that can travel up to onehalf mile from each siren. The above is an example of a pole-mounted siren at another institution.

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WWW.EMERGENCY.DUKE.EDU

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The loss of Ray Cofer, an outstanding member of the Duke family, reminds us all of how precious and valued our employees are.” — Clint Davidson, Vice President for Duke Human Resources

Remembering

Ray Cofer

A Generous Friend and Master Craftsman ay Cofer was a whiz steamfitter. He would stand in front of a building, size up its angle and pitch, and with a few taps on a calculator, determine how much pipe to run. “He could go from ground level to the top of the roof,” said Eric Terry, 57, a licensed master plumber in the Facilities Management Department (FMD) at Duke. “The man – my God – was amazing in my book. Very smart in the pipefitting field. He taught me quite a bit.” Cofer, 63, a Duke Meritorious Service Award winner, died May 14 when a steam line ruptured in the Levine Science Research Center (LSRC) on Research Drive. A master steamfitter with FMD for nearly eight years, Cofer was working in the basement when the accident occurred. “The loss of Ray Cofer, an outstanding member of the Duke family, reminds us all of how precious and valued our employees are,” said Clint Davidson, vice president for Duke Human Resources. “We are deeply saddened whenever tragedy strikes one of our own, and our thoughts and prayers are with Ray’s family during this difficult time.” Flags flew at half-staff on Duke’s campus May 15 as staff members reminisced about a colleague they described as funny, generous and an expert at his skilled craft. Cofer, known to friends and relatives as “Wiley”, was quick with a wink or trademark thumbs up sign. Erma Gray, a staff specialist with facilities, ate lunch almost daily with Cofer and other facilities employees in the Smith Warehouse plumbing shop. “There were times he would make everyone laugh so hard that our stomachs would hurt,” Gray said. “We’re going to miss him at the lunch table. It won’t be nearly as fun without him.” Cofer, who lived in Franklinton with his wife, Suzanne, a member of the Rolesville Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors, loved NASCAR, his dogs and fishing for bass on his new boat on Kerr Lake. Before joining Duke in 2001, Cofer worked at Quate Industrial Services, a Durham-based contractor that fabricates and installs commercial and industrial piping systems. “He was a multi-talented individual, an extremely hard worker, very intelligent and had a great sense of humor,” said Rusty Quate, co-owner of Quate. At Duke, Cofer received many accolades from his department and university. He was honored with the 2003 Meritorious Service Award, a top employee honor at Duke. In the nomination, Timothy Dunlap, a plumbing and steam fitting Facilities supervisor, described Cofer’s involvement in developing improvements to the university’s steam system, resulting in financial savings and efficiency. It also noted that Cofer was responsible for responding to all steam-related emergencies. “Rayford is one of the hardest working people at Duke University,” Dunlap wrote. “His drive to excel and make improvements is second to none.” Claude Stubblefield, a friend and Facilities supervisor, said Cofer’s devotion to his church was evident in his daily actions. They recently worked on a community service project at the Durham Rescue Mission’s Good Samaritan Inn, a shelter for women and children. They renovated a room, installing bathroom tile, building closets and painting walls. “Ray put so much effort and love into that room,” Stubblefield said. Terry, the master plumber in Duke facilities, knew Cofer for 10 years and worked with him on many campus projects. More than anything, Terry said, Cofer’s legacy will be his generosity and open heart. During an ice storm several years ago, Cofer opened his house to Terry, who had lost power at his own home.“My home is your home,” Cofer told him. “I love you, brother. You’re family to me.”

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Eric Terry, left, a licensed master plumber in Facilities, knew Cofer for 10 years. Of Cofer, right, he said, ““The man – my God – was amazing in my book. Very smart in the pipefitting field. He taught me quite a bit.”

Master Steamfitter Ray Cofer, right, confers with Facilities Supervisor Gary Teeter at work this past August.

— By Leanora Minai, Missy Baxter, Jill Jenkins and Elizabeth Michalka, Working@Duke

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Parking permit renewal begins MONTHLY RATES RISE BETWEEN 25 CENTS AND $3.25 IN AUGUST

2008-09

arking permit rates will rise slightly for 2008-09 to help compensate for increased operating costs such as transit bus fuel and parking lot maintenance. Rates will increase between 25 cents and $3.25 per month, depending on location. “We worked to keep the increases as low as possible,” said Chuck Catotti, director of Duke’s Event Management who oversees Parking & Transportation. “The demand for parking spaces and transportation services continues to grow at Duke as the workforce and campus expand. Plus, fuel costs have climbed recently, and as a result, our operating costs continue to rise.” To help keep parking expenses to a minimum and reduce impact on the environment, Duke officials continue to urge faculty, staff and students to explore alternative transportation, such as carpooling, riding buses and bicycling to work. Instead of driving alone in a car to campus, Duke community members can make a difference by considering other commuting options. About 600 members of Duke’s workforce currently use carpools or vanpools, according to nearly 6,000 Duke University and Hospital employees who took part in the 2008 SmartCommute Survey by the Triangle Transit Authority. Duke officials hope more people choose alternative transportation and are taking steps to encourage more participation. That’s possible, according to feedback from the survey. About 25 percent of survey participants said they were “somewhat likely” to try carpooling. Carpooling to Duke not only reduces fuel use and emissions, it saves money. The cost of a parking permit for a car with three or more commuters is less than a dollar a week for each participant. Additionally, late this summer, Parking Services will be adding preferred locations for carpool participants. For times when carpoolers need to drive separately, each member will receive up to 24 free daily parking passes. For details on alternative transportation, visit www.parking.duke.edu/alternatives.

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Monthly Parking Permit Rates UNIVERSITY Remote Lots

$9.65 Gated/Proximate Lots $30.50 Premium Lots

$62.50 Universal Access

$80 Reserved Spaces

$96.50

MEDICAL CENTER Remote Lots

$6.80 Gated/Proximate Lots

$34.75 Garages

$52.25 Premium Lots

$62.50 Universal Access

$80 Reserved Spaces

$96.50

FAST FACTS Parking permit renewal for Duke faculty and staff begins June 9. Notices about rate changes in 2008-09 are being sent by e-mail to current permit holders. New 2008-09 parking permits must be displayed starting Aug. 16.

W ITH PAYROLL D EDUCTION • 2009 Permit Holders: Most permits are valid for two years. If your permit has a 2009 expiration date, don’t discard it. Your payroll deductions will continue, and the new 2008-09 rates take effect Sept. 1. • 2008 Permit Holders: If your permit has a 2008 expiration date, your payroll deductions will continue with new rates effective Sept. 1. A new permit will be mailed to your home or work address – the address Parking & Transportation Services has on file. If you have moved, bought a new car or want to confirm your mailing address, visit http://work.duke.edu, using NetID and password for access.

W ITHOUT PAYROLL D EDUCTION If you do not use payroll deduction, you must complete an application available online at www.parking.duke.edu. The form can be sent through campus mail to Parking & Transportation Services, Box 90644, along with payment, or visit the Coal Pile Drive office before Aug. 15. The office accepts cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard. For more information, call (919) 684-7275.

Choose a new commute – hop on a bus, save money breeze rustled trees along Flowers Drive behind the Allen Building as Susan Brooks sat at a Durham city bus stop. “This is a nice way to end the day,” said Brooks, an administrative coordinator with the Center for Genome Ethics, Law and Policy, as birds chirped nearby. “Having this extra time outside as part of my commute is one of the many benefits of riding the bus.” Brooks, who has worked at Duke 24 years, typically commutes to campus several times each week on a Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) bus. The 3.5-mile trip from her home in the Northgate Park area of Durham takes about 40 minutes each way and involves a transfer at the downtown terminal. But the extra effort is worthwhile, she said, because it saves fuel costs and helps the environment by reducing traffic congestion and transportation emissions. “Some people ride the bus because they don’t have or want a car and others because of rising gas prices, and others, because of the expense and hassle of campus parking,” Brooks said. “It’s also a good way to do our part for the environment. Some riders might not think about how they’re helping the environment, but they are by riding the bus.”

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Susan Brooks, an administrative coordinator, waits on Flowers Drive for a Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) bus. She is among a growing number of Duke commuters using alternative transportation.


WANT MORE DATA? VISIT: HTTP://DATA. DURHAMNC.GOV

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Regular DATA bus fares range from $1 for a singleride ticket to $36 for a 30-day pass. “For most people, that’s much cheaper than driving,” said Brooks, who recently began a three-year term on the DATA Board of Trustees. Plus, she enjoys the perks that come with commuting. “I ride the bus even more in the summer,” she said. “It’s great that time of year to hop on a bus that’s already nice and cool. It’s also a good way to get some insight into the Durham community beyond Duke. And early morning riders can take advantage of free Herald-Sun newspapers available on DATA buses.” In a poll of 6,000 Duke employees who participated in the 2008 SmartCommute Survey, about 300 said they ride local and regional buses to work on a regular basis. Along with commuting to Duke, Brooks often rides DATA buses on weekends to a part-time job near Brightleaf Square and occasionally for shopping around town. She encourages others to hop on the bus. “Riding the bus to campus fits with Duke’s sustainability efforts and the idea that small individual changes taken collectively can make a big difference,” she said. — By Missy Baxter Senior Writer, Office of Communication Services

Born To RN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 attributes that success, in part, to the Nurse Referral Program, which was expanded to make all faculty and staff eligible. Also, the bonus rose from $2,500 to $5,000 in 2007. Last year, 175 faculty and staff used the program to refer nurses, and 649 total nurses were hired. With about 370 open nursing positions across all organizations in Duke University Health System, it’s important to attract qualified entry-level nurses like Beth Doktor, 29, who moved to the area from Massachusetts. Entrylevel nurses play a key part in building the nursing workforce, Alston said. Doktor was Beth Doktor, left, pursued a nursing position at Duke Medicine based on glowing recommended by high-school friend Ken Childs, recommendations from her friend Ken Childs, right, a computer project manager computer project manager in Anesthesiology at at Duke University Hospital. Duke Hospital. “So much goes on at Duke,” Doktor said. “Back home, I wouldn’t get to see the same kinds of Easy Sell diseases and medical conditions. Patients come to Duke Three years ago, Simone Christiano came down from from all over.” New York to visit Juettner and fell in love with the Doktor accepted a position at Duke Hospital shortly Durham area. Soon after, she moved to Bahama, just north after attending the first Duke Medicine Nursing Expo last of Durham. Christiano first went to work at University of July. The event aims to recruit experienced nurses from North Carolina Hospitals. But in the fall of 2007, she across the country by offering continuing education credits traded a lighter shade of blue for the darker Duke variety. and job interviews, while highlighting the benefits of Christiano wanted a shorter commute to work, and she working at Duke. was impressed by Juettner’s experiences at Duke Hospital. Duke Medicine is hosting the next Nursing Expo on Juettner has been happy with the benefits and flexible work Aug. 3 and 4 at the Durham Marriott at the Civic Center. hours that allow her to spend time with her son. Juettner Alston is hoping at least 200 people attend. As a result of also is encouraged to see nurses receive promotions or move last year’s expo, 59 nurses were hired. around the organization for additional experience. “One of the main reasons I picked Duke was because it has the most variety of nursing positions, and I like the idea of being able to move around and still stay in the same health system,” Juettner said. That also appealed to Juettner’s friend Christiano, who left UNC Hospitals and joined Duke Hospital last fall as a nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Christiano was attracted by Duke’s status as a Magnet Hospital, a designation by the American Nurses Association that recognizes hospitals providing the highest level of nursing care. “I take my license and my profession seriously, and I wanted to be affiliated with a place that respects its nurses,” Christiano said. “It’s not easy to get Magnet certification, but it means that the nurses are top notch, and that there’s a great commitment to patient care.” — By Elizabeth Michalka Communications Specialist, HR Communications

Plan yo ur

August 3–4

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One of the main reasons I picked Duke was because it has the most variety of nursing positions, and I like the idea of being able to move around and still stay in the same health system.” — Carolyn Juettner, Clinical nurse, Duke Hospital

DUKE MEDICINE HOSTS NURSING EXPO DUKE MEDICINE HOSTS ITS SECOND ANNUAL NATIONAL NURSING EXPO AUG. 3-4. FOR DETAILS, VISIT WWW.DUKENURSING. ORG.

vacatio n. Plan your ca ree

Durham Durham Marriott at th e Civic , N.C. Center

Simone Christiano was one of 649 nurses hired at Duke Medicine in 2007. She was referred by friend and Duke nurse Carolyn Juettner.

How The $5,000 Bonus Works Faculty and staff of Duke University and Health System are eligible to refer a nurse to Duke Medicine. The referral program applies only to nurses hired at Duke University, Durham Regional and Duke Raleigh hospitals. The $5,000 incentive is contingent upon the referred nurse’s acceptance of a job offer. It is paid in installments ($2,500 after referred nurses complete their 90-day trial period, and $2,500 after a year of continuous service). Other limitations and exceptions apply. For complete guidelines, review the Nurse Referral Program policy, and download the referral form online at www.hr.duke.edu/referanurse, or call 1-800-232-6877.

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Cheer On Duke

Employee athletic pass offers bargain season tickets

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he college football season is a few months away, but Wes Brown is already looking forward to spending Saturday afternoons at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Wes Brown, associate dean for external relations at Duke’s Divinity School, has participated in the Employee Athletic Pass program since 2002.

VISIT WWW.GODUKE.COM OR CALL (877) 375-DUKE.

STAY INFORMED To receive a daily Duke Police e-mail about significant campus crime, send e-mail to [email protected]. Leave the subject line blank and type only subscribe policenews in the message body – do not include a tagline or signature.

Duke lab technologist Keith Warshany is among the motorists at Duke whose catalytic converters were recently stolen.

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“I’m very excited about the new season,” said Brown, associate dean for external relations at Duke’s Divinity School. “I think Coach David Cutcliffe is going to bring a new sense of excitement and anticipation for all of us who are fans and want Duke to win.” Duke faculty and staff who share Brown’s passion can get season tickets now as a part of the Duke Employee Athletic Pass program. The pass offers a season ticket to every home Duke football and women’s basketball game at a reduced rate. Each pass costs $90, which averages out to about $5 a

game. The cheapest single-game ticket is $15 for football, $7 for women’s basketball. A family of four can buy a pass for $199; each additional person is $49.75. Pass holders receive a fan item such as a car flag or T-shirt. “It’s a fine family activity at a great price,” said Brown, who has participated in the offer since 2002. He collects Duke memorabilia – a piece of the Cameron floor and autographed basketballs and caps. He said he’s a lifelong, “through good seasons and not-so-good seasons” Duke sports fan. The pass program started nearly 10 years ago as a way to drum up support among Duke faculty and staff for the teams. The program is open to all faculty and staff, and participation has ranged from 700 to 1,600 people. “We’re trying to find many different ways to grow our fan base,” said Bart Smith, director of promotions for Duke Athletics. “These are people right on this campus, and we want to give them the option to come to games at a discounted rate. It’s important for us to get those people out to games.” In addition to football and women’s basketball, the promotions department offered men’s basketball tickets for select, non-conference games this past year. Smith said every employee pass holder had a chance to purchase a ticket for at least one men’s basketball game. He said that Athletics plans for more games to be available with the coming season. The Duke football season kicks off at home Aug. 30 against James Madison. “Duke offers terrific sports experiences for graduates and friends and people who enjoy sports,” said Brown, a 1976 Divinity School grad who has worked at Duke since 1981. “The opportunity employees have to be part of that for so many games at a very modest price, it’s a winner.” — By Tim Candon Working@Duke Correspondent

Stayingsafe TY SAFREST FI

HOT THEFT TARGET: VEHICLE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

uke lab technologist Keith Warshany got an unpleasant surprise recently when he started his Toyota truck in a campus parking lot. “It sounded like an airplane,” said Warshany, 27, who works in Duke’s Adult Bone Marrow and Stem Cell program. “I know a bit about cars, so I knew it was probably something wrong with my exhaust system, but I also knew that I couldn’t have lost my muffler on the way to work without realizing it.” Warshany crawled under his 2003 Tacoma and discovered that the catalytic converter – a device attached to vehicle exhaust systems to reduce emissions – was missing. It had been removed with a metal cutting tool. “At first, I couldn’t imagine why anyone would steal a catalytic converter, but when I looked it up on the Internet, I found out that it’s going on all over the country,” he said. Catalytic converters are prime targets for theft nationwide, including the Triangle area. They contain traces of platinum, palladium and rhodium, precious metals whose value is soaring. At least 10 converters have been stolen on campus, primarily from cars in the H Lot on Anderson Street and the Best Lot on Hillsborough Road. Duke Police said Honda CRVs, Nissan Frontiers and other SUVs are being targeted because they are easy to slide under.

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Duke Police officers are stepping up patrols in parking lots, and they’re looking for something unusual. “Officers patrolling parking lots will be looking out for anything suspicious, including legs sticking out from under cars,” said Major Gloria Graham, Duke Police uniform patrol commander. Since stealing a converter doesn’t require entering the vehicle, most car alarms won’t help, she said. Graham urged the Duke community to report suspicious activity in parking lots or other campus areas and to park in well-lit areas. “If you see someone under your car when you’re walking up to it, or under any other car, don’t confront them,” Graham said. “Immediately go to a safe area and call 911 or use a Help phone.” Used catalytic converters fetch about $200. Replacing the part can cost between $400 and $1,500, automotive experts say. Vehicles in North Carolina must have one to comply with state emission standards. For Warshany, a replacement for his Toyota cost about $1,000. “I had to pay a $250 insurance deductible to cover it,” he said. “What blows me away the most is that the people buying these converters or the metals from them have to know they’re stolen. Unfortunately, with today’s economy, I don’t think thieves are going to stop stealing them.” — By Missy Baxter Senior Writer, Office of Communication Services

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Duke University Press rolls with bright ideas s the publisher of about 30 journals and 120 books annually, Duke University Press is known for innovative thinking. Many publications receive literary and professional awards, thanks in part to a staff of about 100, ranging from book designers to copy editors. With many creative minds, it’s no wonder that Duke Press is generating bright ideas to leave a lighter environmental footprint. Not only has the press switched to printing many books on recycled paper, it also offers publications online. In addition to big picture initiatives, Duke Press employees pitch in by recycling and conserving energy and natural resources in their downtown Durham Brightleaf Square office and nearby warehouse. Neal McTighe, an assistant managing editor in the books division at Duke University Press, installs a compact florescent light bulb into an office desk lamp. “There are a lot of “R” words flying around Duke University Press,” said Judy Melvin, logistics coordinator at Duke Press. “Along with reducing, reusing and recycling, we’re reclaiming and repurposing everything we can.” As an example, she pointed toward a chair in the reception area. “We got that chair from Duke’s Surplus Program, so you could say it’s reclaimed, and we had it reupholstered – another great “R” word,” she said, laughing. “Plus, this is a repurposed building – a former tobacco warehouse.” Melvin and other staff members – including director Steve Cohn, who bikes from his Durham home to work and around campus –- are serious about being green. That’s evident with Duke Recycles collecting approximately three, 96-gallon containers of recycled paper, plastic and aluminum each week from Duke Press. “Our employees are really dedicated to the environment, and part of my role is to look at ways we can conserve more resources, so it’s definitely a team effort that involves everyone,” Melvin said. The Duke Press staff also recently formed two groups to foster eco-friendly initiatives. The Duke Press Green Team meets regularly to brainstorm ways to practice sustainability at the office – from installing compact fluorescent bulbs to recycling shipping cartons. And the Sustainable Living group has about 20 employees who meet monthly during lunch to discuss books about environmental issues and ways to conserve at work and home. Some suggestions have already been implemented in the office. Individual paper John Rorem, an assistant managing editor recycling bins dot each desk. Compact fluorescent bulbs are in lamps. Procurement at Duke University Press, won a rain barrel receipts are scanned for digital storage, not printed. during Duke’s Primetime employee forum “I’m an avid recycler, so I suggested we get recycling bins for paper at our on sustainability in April. desks,” said Adam Hartz, a journals production coordinator. “It’s convenient because you can fill it up and then carry it down the hall to dump it in the main recycling container.” At home, many Duke Press staff members recycle and conserve natural resources. Take John Rorem, an assistant managing editor in the journal division. He recently installed a rain barrel at home. He won the rain barrel during a drawing at Duke’s Primetime employee forum on sustainability in April. Duke Press staff said it is important to talk about environmental issues to raise awareness – a key factor in creating change. “Once you start to learn about the environmental crisis we are in, you have no choice but to change,” said Amy Ruth Buchanan, a book designer who helps coordinate the Sustainable Living group. “It’s great to have a group of smart, supportive colleagues along for the challenge.”

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— By Missy Baxter Senior Writer, Office of Communication Services

HOW IS DUKE UNIVERSITY PRESS GOING GREEN?

■ Offering publications in online formats ■ Recycling paper, plastic, aluminum, cardboard and ink cartridges ■ Using compact fluorescent bulbs when possible ■ Providing recycling bins for paper at each desk ■ Turning off lights and machines not in use ■ Scanning procurement receipts as PDFs ■ Serving water in pitchers, not plastic bottles ■ Distributing reusable “Green Team” mugs to staff

Got A Sustainability Story? Influence others — Write us at

[email protected]

Judy Melvin, logistics coordinator at Duke University Press, empties a recycling bin into a larger Duke Recycles container.

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WWW.DUKE.EDU/SUSTAINABILITY

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WORKING@ DUKE

dialogue@Duke

HOW TO REACH US Editor: Leanora Minai

What do you enjoy most about Duke during the summer?

(919) 681-4533 [email protected] Assistant Vice President:

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Summer is the time when a lot of new staff and nurses start at Duke, and I really enjoy being able to meet them. Getting to know all the new nurses and staff is one of my favorite aspects of summer. We also have a program for professional nursing students that brings a lot of them to Duke during the summer, so that keeps it exciting and interesting, too.”

Paul S. Grantham (919) 681-4534 [email protected]

Shelby Hill-McCray, R.N., senior occupational health nurse, Occupational & Environmental Medicine 30 years at Duke

Graphic Design & Layout: Paul Figuerado Photography: Elizabeth Michalka and Missy Baxter, HR Communications;

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and Duke University Photography.

I like that the campus becomes quieter and being able to enjoy things like the Duke Farmers Market. I also like meeting new undergrad students that are coming in and working with the undergrads who participate in our department’s summer research experience.”

Support Staff: Mary Carey

Working@Duke is published monthly by Duke’s Office of Communication

Alex Crowell, Ph.D, research scientist, Department of Physics 15 years at Duke

Services. We invite your feedback and suggestions for future story topics. Please write us at

Duke’s campus is so beautiful this time of year with everything in bloom. I love being able to look out my office window at the greenery surrounding our building, especially the bamboo skirting the woods. It reminds me of being at the Organization for Tropical Studies’ field stations in Costa Rica.”

[email protected] or

Working@Duke, Box 90496, 705 Broad St., Durham, NC 27708 Call us at (919) 684-4345. Send faxes to (919) 681-7926.

Know any Duke staff or faculty on military duty – or have you recently served overseas? Write

[email protected]

Salley Gardner, administrative secretary, Organization for Tropical Studies 38 years at Duke

Call

— By Missy Baxter Senior Writer, Office of Communication Services

(919) 681-4533

Why is your health important? TELL US IN PICTURES – ENTER THE SECOND ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST o you have a photo that captures why your health is important? Duke Human Resources is seeking fun, interesting and creative photos from Duke faculty and staff to help promote Duke’s health benefits. Last year, Tanya Freeman of Duke Hospital won the contest with a photo of her twins, Katherine and Casey. Freeman selected the photo because she was hospitalized at 30 weeks for pre-term labor; fortunately, after three days, her contractions subsided. “I became the world’s best patient – nothing was worth endangering the lives of my babies,” she said. The snapshot of Freeman’s infants graced the cover of Duke’s 2008 “My Health. My Life.” Open Enrollment y e facult k u D guide. ’s e yea r of Duk f la st o n a r m e e n re ize win Ta nya F ins, ra nd pr st wa s her tw e t f n o o The g c oto photo

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his ff ph itted t a nd sta e subm h S s l. a a C ey. Hospit ft, a nd le , e in Kather

HOW TO ENTER • Go to www.hr.duke.edu/photos to upload your best (300 dpi) high-resolution JPEG photo or send it by e-mail to [email protected]. You can also send your print photo through campus mail to HR Photo Contest, Box 90496. Print photos will be scanned and returned. Details at www.hr.duke.edu/photos

DUKETODAY

“I felt just so passionate about the theme,” Freeman said. “I must have been one of the first to enter the contest.” Freeman won a weekend at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville. She hasn’t had time to get away yet and is still hearing comments as a result of the contest. “The twins are mini-celebrities,” she said. “Everyone at the hospital has adopted them. I’m asked all the time about how they’re doing. I’m known as ‘the mommy of the twins in the book.’ ” What image moves you? Send us your best shot with a testimonial of up to 50 words about why your health is important. The grand prize winner will receive a weekend for two at the The Sanderling Resort & Spa on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Others selected could win a $50 gift certificate to Whole Foods, Dick’s Sporting Goods or 9th Street Active Feet. Your award-winning photo may be used in Duke’s health benefit materials. — By Jill Jenkins Senior Communications Strategist, Human Resources

• Include your full name, phone number and campus box number. Only active Duke faculty or staff members are eligible to participate. • Provide full names of people in photo, and a onesentence description of the photo scene such as the place or event. • Describe in no more than 50 words how the photo represents why your health is important.

For daily news and information, visit www.duke.edu/today