Victor L. Duke 413 S. Main, Monmouth, Ill.

Victor LeRoy Duke earned his A.B. degree from Shurtleff College, a Baptist school in Alton, Ill. in 1897, followed by a master's degree in 1903. At Shurtleff he taught mathematics for 12 years after completion of his undergraduate degree. In 1909, President Field hired Duke to teach math at University of Redlands. In addition to his role as professor, Duke played on men's athletic teams during the early years of the school in order to ensure enough players on the field. He was promoted to dean of the University in 1913 and was appointed president in 1915, serving in that capacity until his death in 1933. During Duke's presidency, the University experienced remarkable growth both in the student body and the campus itself, with such notable buildings as the Hall of Science (later renamed in his honor), the Hall of Letters, Currier Gymnasium, and Memorial Chapel constructed in this period.

Publication: Redlands Daily Facts February 13, 1957 UR Science Hall To Be Renamed Duke Hall

The Board of Trustees of the University of Redlands voted yesterday to rename the Hall of Science, constructed in 1920 Duke Hall, in honor of Dr. Victor Leroy Duke, second president of the University. Trustees voted to place a bronze plaque commemorating the services of Dr. Duke, a member of the first faculty in the Department of Science and Mathematics. Dr. Duke was a graduate of the Shurtleff college and received advanced degrees from the University of Chicago. He joined the faculty of the University in 1909 as professor of mathematics and as treasurer. Upon the resignation of President Field in 1915, Dr. Duke was elected second president of the University and served in that capacity until his death in 1933. The Board of Trustees and faculty both felt it appropriate to honor Dr. Duke because he had been intimately connected with the University more than 24 years, was known and respected by students, and that since he began as a member of the faculty and was identified with the mathematics and science department, it would be more appropriate to name an academic building for him. The award of funds from the estate of Fred Hornby specifically designates that the new science building now under construction should be named in his honor, trustees felt. In honoring Dr. Duke in the designation of the hall constructed under his leadership in 1920 it will be possible to distinguish between the two buildings housing science programs.