The Duke Club took time to celebrate a historical fundraising year, by hosting a Saturday, January 21st event in the Bridgeforth Stadium Club Room.  Duke Dog Pride Celebration drew over 150 Duke Club members from across the state.  Featured speakers at the event were Coach Paul Gooden (Women's Golf), Coach Spanky McFarland (Baseball), Brian Barlow (Sr. - Football), and Leah DeMasters (Sr. - Women's Tennis). 

The event brought a celebratory close to 2011, a year which saw the Duke Club welcome over 1,400 new members, and grow overall membership by 42%.  The Duke Club's membership total moved past some of the most recent benchmarking numbers from peer institutions, such as Old Dominion, Montana, and Appalachian State.  Annual donations in 2011 grew from $1.42M to $1.95M.

Also highlighted at the celebration were the 2011 Duke Club Rep Awards.  These awards are presented annually to volunteers who help grow Duke Club membership and organize JMU events in areas throughout the state.  Those winners were as follows:

Rep of the Year -  Denise Gibson

Rookie Rep of the Year -  David Ahearn

Iron Rep of the Year -Craig Phaup

Co -Chapter President of the Year - Ashley Sumner/Hampton Roads

Co-Chapter President of the Year - Laura Cilmi/NOVA-DC   

Chapter of the Year - Charlottesville

Social of the Year - Casino Night - Charlottesville

Most Improved Chapter - Hampton Roads

Fundraiser of the Year - Rockfish Tournament - Hampton Roads