Matching grant
for library
endowment grows

Second year progress
has brought the fund to
at $48,750 with a goal
of $100,000 with more
than 3 years to go.

By Jaclyn Loveless
 

Fred and Beverly Davis Dukes, former educators and CSUB scholarship contributors, have died. Mrs. Dukes died on May 15. Her husband of more than 41 years died on June 8.

The couple had a great influence on the education community with their generous contributions and dedication. They helped form the 60+ Club at CSUB in 1986, which serves as a link between the university and the community of retired people. They also established the Fred and Beverly Dukes Endowed Scholarship Fund for students studying to become teachers at local community colleges and CSUB. The Dukes contributed more than $100,000 to the university.

“They leave a remarkable legacy in terms of commitment and dedication to the education community, and dedication to service and to serving others in the community,” said Mike Chertok, vice president for university advancement. “We’ll miss their energy and the tasks that they did for us. Their service was a true commitment. What they did was out of dedication not to bring attention to themselves.”

Born May 6, 1930, Mrs. Dukes graduated from Redlands High School in 1948. She went on to attend Randolph Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va., for two years and returned to Redlands to complete her college work. She graduated with a teaching credential from the University of Redlands in 1952.

She was a physical education and health teacher with the Kern High School District.

Mr. Dukes was born on July 1, 1920, in Santa Maria. He received his bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential from Whittier College and later a master’s in educational administration from the University of Southern California.

He began his career in Bakersfield where he taught and counseled in the Bakersfield City School District. He became principal of Mount Vernon School in 1956. Later he served as principal of Millie Munsey, Peter Pan, and College Heights elementary schools.

On Dec. 21, 1963, the couple was married. Mr. Dukes was a principal with the Bakersfield City School District at the time and Mrs. Dukes resigned from her teaching position at the end of that school year.

Together they were active in the Congregational Church and the community.

Mrs. Dukes served as a board member to many community-based organizations including the Kern Epilepsy Society and the United Way. She was also involved with the Kern Division of the California Retired Teachers Association (CRTA) and CSUB’s 60+ Club.

Mr. Dukes served as treasurer for the CRTA and helped secure scholarships for students wanting to become teachers.

After Mr. Dukes retired he spent years in service to CSUB, first as an advisor to student teachers, then on the scholarship committee, and as a member of the 60+ Club.

He received several honors including the Alfred Harrell Man of the Year Award for volunteer service from The Bakersfield Californian in 1986, and Outstanding Friend Award from CSUB in 1997.

The couple both received the CSUB 2003 President’s Medal for their dedication and service to advancing education in the community.