Former Speaker of the N.C. House Dan Blue. Humanitarian Paul Farmer. Dean of Students Sue Wasiolek. They're some of Duke's most talented alumni, people who have made lasting contributions to the university and the world. And each of them relied on financial aid to obtain a college education—the springboard that would launch them on their distinguished careers.

Every year, Duke opens its door to hundreds of students with similar promise—and similar financial obstacles. In 2004-2005 alone, we invested some $59 million in undergraduate student financial support. Duke remains among the relatively small number of universities committed to meeting 100 percent of a student's demonstrated need through a combination of work-study opportunities, low-cost loans and outright grants. We give need-based financial aid to more than four out of 10 of our undergraduates and an even higher percentage of graduate and professional students.

Attracting stellar students—regardless of their economic background—greatly enriches the intellectual experience for everyone at Duke. The accomplishments detailed in this annual report demonstrate how Duke's exceptional faculty, groundbreaking research and energetic spirit offer enormous opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

The Duke experience is why so many of our alumni go on to great things and to make great contributions. We’re committed to making that experience available to all the gifted students we admit, which is why we're committed to increasing the financial aid endowment. After all, investing in their talent is an investment in society's future.