Duke TIP celebrates the life of Dr. John Hope Franklin
Contact: Katherine Thomson
Duke University Talent Identification Program
(919) 668-9127
katherine.thomson@duke.edu
Distinguished leader and scholar inspired Duke TIP students
Updated: June 11, 2009
DURHAM, N.C. — Today, the Duke University Talent Identification Program joins with the greater Duke community in remembering a special figure in its history: the late Dr. John Hope Franklin (1915 – 2009).
John Hope Franklin had a significant and prolonged impact on the life of his times. He is credited with founding the modern study of African-American history, and with teaching the world to view it as integral to American history. Dr. Franklin wrote extensively; his best known work is From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African-Americans, now in its seventh edition. He served as Chairman of the History Department of the University of Chicago, President of the American Historical Association and the Organization of American Historians, and as an esteemed member of the Duke University faculty. In 1995, Dr. Franklin was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
In 1991and again in 2007, Duke TIP was honored to present Dr. Franklin as the keynote speaker of the Grand Recognition Ceremony, an annual celebration honoring the most significant academic achievements in the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search. The nearly 400 honorees in attendance represented the top 2% of scorers out of approximately 70,000 Talent Search participants who took the SAT or ACT test as 7th graders.
Dr. Franklin’s perspective as a teacher, accomplished leader and role model conveyed inspiring messages to these gifted students. From an early age, Dr. Franklin learned the power of words and ideas from his parents. His father practiced law and his mother taught elementary school. Following his father’s lead, Dr. Franklin spent every evening of his childhood reading or writing, and continued doing so for the rest of his life. He encouraged Duke TIP students to foster and protect their love for reading and writing, and to never stop pursuing their dreams.
“Dr. Franklin was a national treasure, and we are truly honored to have hosted him twice as our keynote speaker,” said Duke TIP executive director and Duke professor Dr. Martha Putallaz. “On both occasions his presence was inspirational to the students and families, and his continued scholarship and courage provided powerful examples for these budding minds.”
“I was especially struck by Dr. Franklin’s patience and gentleness,” Putallaz continued. “He was the consummate teacher. Knowing what his presence meant to the students, and not wanting anyone to be overlooked, he took the time to personally shake each honoree’s hand and to offer heartfelt congratulations on their remarkable academic achievement. The students and families were spellbound.”
Olivia DeSena, a Talent Search participant and 2007 Grand Ceremony honoree, took Dr. Franklin’s address to heart.
“It was inspiring to see someone who has overcome so many challenges and achieved so much speak to us with words of wisdom to encourage us through our future barriers,” Olivia recalled.
"Dr. Franklin contributed to a magical day in our daughter’s life,” said Olivia’s mother, Jeannie Marendt DeSena. "Because Mr. Franklin was 92 years old when he spoke to us, his words carried extra weight: the weight of a lifetime of accomplishment. I was aware of his reputation as an author, historian, trailblazer and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. On our drive to Duke, I shared what I knew with Olivia and suggested that she listen especially attentively to Dr. Franklin's remarks. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have listened to Dr. Franklin and to have learned from his life and example.”
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About Duke TIP: The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a non-profit educational organization that is recognized as a leader in identifying and serving the educational needs of academically gifted youth. Through identification, recognition, challenging educational programs, information, advocacy and research, Duke TIP provides resources to gifted students, their parents, educators, and schools for the development of the students’ optimal educational potential.
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