The students are UNC's first class of Robertson Scholars, who launch their studies today. The scholars will live at UNC but take at least five classes at Duke University during their college careers.
The Robertson Scholarship, which was awarded to 15 incoming UNC freshmen and 15 incoming Duke freshmen, aims to boost interaction between the neighboring campuses. Each of the scholars will take classes on the other campus, as well as live there the second semester of their sophomore years.
"At this point, I don't know much about Duke so it will be exciting to get to know their campus and a whole new set of people," said Ann Warshaw, a scholar from Cincinnati.
Eric Mlyn, Robertson Scholars program director, said most scholars will be staying on their home campuses this semester. He said they will get to meet and interact with fellow scholars at monthly dinners and on a retreat to Brown Summit on Labor Day weekend.
The scholarship covers tuition, room and living expenses for UNC students and tuition for Duke students. It also funds summer experiences, including a community service internship, travel abroad and a research project.
UNC alumnus Julian Robertson and his wife, Josie, funded the program with a $24 million gift shared between both universities. One of the Robertsons' sons graduated from Duke, while another graduated from UNC.
While the two schools are known for their rivalry, most scholars said they are comfortable attending both. "Personally, I have always hated Duke because I'm a Tar Heel fan, but it's strictly a basketball thing," said Che Ramos, a scholar from Brooklyn, N.Y. "I'm not going to hate you because you're from Duke, but come basketball season the gloves come off."
One participating student said the scholarship will allow her to take advantage of academic departments at both schools. "I'm really interested in the history program at Duke and the English department at UNC," said Sarah Pickles, a scholar from Temple, Texas. "You can find what you like at each school and not be pigeonholed into one place."
The scholars' journey between the campuses will be made easier by a new express bus route between the schools. Arriving every 30 minutes, the bus will pick up passengers at Morehead Planetarium and deposit them at Duke.
