In Memoriam
Our friend and colleague, David R. Duke, died on Thursday, January 3, 2008.
David was a fine historian and scholar, having published five books during his academic career. His most recent book was a United States history textbook that was unique in the field for its emphasis on the Mexican American experience as a central part of the American story. He had two additional books under way. One of these was a monograph focusing exclusively on Mexican American history. The second, was a collection of historical documents that sought to explore the American past through the words of American people -- some well-known, others simply "average" citizens -- whose letters and journals commented on the times in which they lived.
David was an outstanding teacher, having won a variety of awards and recognition -- including regular inclusion in Who's Who Among America's Teachers and the Stell Ball Award for teaching and student advising while at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. Students recognized and appreciated his ability to help them make sense of the past and apply it to their lives. His courses, whether United States History or Western Civilization, were always in great demand and his students at Del Mar College thought highly of him. This was seen in the stream of students who stopped by each day, some to talk about class, others simply to chat with their teacher.
David was a really good person. He was very happily married to the love of his life, Rosie. They had recently adopted three children, Lucinda, Angelica, and Jose and gotten them out of a potentially dangerous environment. A colleague of David's has said of this that that David and Rosie "saved those children." That is absolutely true. David's love for and joy in his life with Rosie, Lucinda, Angelica, and Jose was obvious any time he talked to them. Each conversation, whether face to face or by telephone, ended with David saying "I love you."
David represented the things that are good and important about college teaching. He was a friend and a colleague. He will be missed.