THE KEOHANE INITIATIVE
About
The Keohane Initiative calls Duke alumnae forward as key drivers of MADE FOR THIS: The Duke Campaign. This initiative builds a distinct community of women who are giving at the highest level and are deeply invested in Duke—with a goal of inspiring more than 200 alumnae to make seven-figure commitments during MADE FOR THIS, impacting the trajectory of Duke. By sharing experiences and their stories of support, members of the Keohane Initiative are outstanding ambassadors and advocates, inspiring other Duke alumnae to join. Bringing together this exceptional group not only helps Duke—it also connects interesting, influential women who benefit from each other, creating opportunities for both institutional impact and personal enrichment. The campaign cannot succeed without the full force of its accomplished graduates; the Keohane Initiative invites and inspires women graduates to lead Duke into its second century.
“From the vigorous leadership of graduates of the Woman’s College, through the creative involvement of the most recent alumnae in supporting the university, Duke women have always made a huge difference for good. The Keohane Initiative recognizes this powerful force in the current campaign, and I’m honored to be associated with this exciting adventure.” — Nan Keohane
Nan Keohane, Duke President 1993-2004
In 1993, Duke welcomed its first and, to date, only female president, Nannerl Overholser Keohane. As the eighth president, Keohane was a transformational leader, moving Duke from a nationally renowned university to one with an international reputation. She was a bold and strategic fundraiser, successfully leading the Campaign for Duke – at the time, the fifth-largest campaign in the history of American higher education. Toward the end of her tenure, President Keohane initiated the Women’s Initiative, a groundbreaking study examining the experiences of female students, faculty, staff, and alumnae that led to fundamental improvements in the status of women at Duke.
Membership Criteria
In the spirit of President Keohane’s vision for women’s leadership, members of the Keohane Initiative are Duke alumnae and change-making philanthropists who have given $1 million or more in philanthropic commitments during the MADE FOR THIS campaign, July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2029. This includes gifts, pledges and matching corporate gifts. Revocable planned gifts from donors who will be 65 by June 30, 2029, are counted at present value; irrevocable planned gifts from donors of any age are counted at face value.
The Keohane Initiative Experience
The initiative will build a distinct community of Duke’s most generous alumnae donors who will connect with one another annually through bespoke experiences, special regional gatherings, social media and more. We invite members to be engaged in ways they find most meaningful, with opportunities to inform plans and shape this community of which they are a part. Members of the Keohane Initiative – along with their collective impact – will be celebrated, recognized, and connected throughout the campaign.
Keohane Initiative Impact in MADE FOR THIS
As of the public launch of MADE FOR THIS, 106 qualifying Keohane Initiative members have committed nearly $500 million in support during the campaign. Members of the initiative are impacting every area of Duke University and the Health System – across schools and units, campaign priorities and evergreen priorities including professorships, fellowships, scholarships, and championships.
| USE | $M |
|---|---|
| School of Medicine | 105.26 |
| Trinity College | 66.16 |
| Office of the President | 50.32 |
| Nicholas | 43.12 |
| Cancer Center | 34.51 |
| Athletics | 32.54 |
| Office of the Provost | 21.32 |
| Other | $M |
|---|---|
| Library | 4.73 |
| Sanford | 4.02 |
| Duke University Health System | 3.56 |
| Other | 3.45 |
| Chapel | 2.33 |
| Jewish Life | 2.19 |
| Gardens | 1.94 |
| Office of the Ex. VP | 1.82 |
| Graduate School | 1.02 |
| Doc Studies | 0.01 |
| USE | $M |
|---|---|
| Pratt | 21.18 |
| Divinity | 15.15 |
| School of Nursing | 14.31 |
| Law School | 10.77 |
| Fuqua | 8.77 |
| Nasher | 7.62 |
| Office of UG Financial Aid | 6.20 |
| Student Affairs | 5.48 |
Contact
Kelly Gleason
Senior Philanthropic Director &
Director of the Keohane Initiative
kelly.gleason@duke.edu
