Duke alumni welcome 2026 grads with advice for the journey ahead
BY ADRIANA V. DIFRANCO
During Commencement Weekend this May, Isabel Nackley ’21 had a surprise for her graduating sister Elise.
Just weeks earlier Isabel had written a note of advice for her sister at a notecard booth on campus sponsored by Duke Alumni Engagement and Development with the goal of welcoming the newest class of graduates to the Duke alumni family.
Was there a way to get her note to her sister on graduation day Isabel wondered?
Enter Molly Warren, social media strategist for Duke Alumni Engagement and Development, who told Isabel she’d find a way — and as students gathered in their caps and gowns for commencement festivities, that’s exactly what happened.
“It’s from my sister!” Elise Nackley ’26 said as she opened the hand-delivered note. “You’re going to take the world by storm. I love you so much, and I am so honored to welcome you to the Duke alumni family.”
Isabel Nackley was one of several hundred alumni who wrote notes of advice for graduating students to symbolically welcome them to the Duke alumni family. The newest graduates brought the total number of Duke alumni to more than 212,000 worldwide.
Here are a few sentiments they shared with the Class of 2026:
“Don’t let the world dim your fire and passion. You can change the world in whatever way you want.” – Christina Travers ’01
“Keep going! Small setbacks are just stepping stones to your next assignment.” – Khadijia Tribie Reid ’96
“I’m proud of you. Take a moment to honor your work. You are enough. You are special just the way you are. Congratulations! – Jim Sink ’00
My biggest advice is not to just take the safe path. Challenge your own thinking about what you want to do and who you want to be. Don’t let fear guide your decisions. You have the world at your fingertips. Take full advantage!” – Rich Herbst ’88
“You are embarking on your next Duke adventure! There are 200K alumni everywhere who want to meet you and help you out.” – Reid Lewis ’84
“Congratulations! Follow your dreams, even if they change a couple of times. Not everyone gets it right the first time.” – Lauren Barry Tolles ’06
“Aim big and stay on the path. It all works out in the end.” – Autumn Blamoville ’21
“You have to invest your 401K it doesn’t start automatically!” – Rachel Barra ’21
“You are a graduate, so it’s fine to stop preparing and start doing! You want to be a writer? Write every spare minute; you want to make a difference? Dive in and help others! You got this!” – Gordon Runte ’86
Just remember…nobody actually knows what they’re doing. Have confidence and just do your best. You will be surprised where that’ll take you! –Jack Heller, ’16
“Don’t settle!” – Joe Hoerner ’11
“You will likely one day realize that the most difficult parts of your life are the most beautiful. Embrace challenges in your life as they are opportunities to grow and learn. You will do great!” – Karly Kaplan ’01
“Never stop believing in yourself and always surround yourself with people who see things in you that you don’t see in yourself. And follow your dreams! –Linda Zaleski Winikoff ’76
“Everything will be okay. Make sure to get enough sleep and call your parents.” – Lexx Pino ’21
“Congrats! The best is yet to come, though Duke will always be a part of your heart.” – Bailey Bogle ’20
