James Todd
Duke University Chapel is recognizing Ruby Thompkins, manager of information services at Duke Police, with the Humanitarian Service Award for her efforts supporting education for African American boys in Durham.
Duke Chapel gives the award each year to someone who demonstrates both a long-term commitment to serving others and a lifestyle marked by simplicity.
Thompkins will be presented the award at a reception at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, at Bovender Terrace, which is just outside from the Divinity School’s Zweli's Cafe. In addition to her job at Duke, Thompkins serves on the board of trustees of Durham Nativity School, an independent, tuition-free middle school for boys from low-income backgrounds. For the school, she has led fundraising initiatives, helped guide its communications, and sought out assistance for students with particular needs. She also organizes Durham Nativity alumni to bring food and other essential items to people living on the streets in Durham. In addition to her service to Durham Nativity School, Thompkins is active at Peace Missionary Baptist Church where she helped organize a vaccination clinic this past spring. Learn more about her and the honor here.