mary duke biddle trent semans, philanthropist

By Helen Yu

Semans shaped Duke and Durham through her public service and philanthropy. As the great granddaughter of Washington Duke, Semans lived a life of immense wealth and privilege; however, she used her privilege to elevate others.[1] Semans served as a trustee of The Duke Endowment for fifty-five years and was its first female chair from 1982 to 2001.[2] She also served on the Duke University Board of Trustees from 1961 to 1981, on the Lincoln Community Hospital Board of Trustees from 1948 to 1976, and was mayor pro tem of Durham from 1953 to 1955.[3] In 1951, Semans and Kathrine Evere became the first two women elected to Durham City Council. Semans ran on a platform to ensure African American voting rights.[4] Several named buildings honor her.

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[1]. Duke Today Staff, “Mary Semans, Champion of Duke and Durham, Dies,” Duke Today, January 25, 2012.
[2]. “Trent Semans Center,” Duke University School of Medicine (Accessed 2018 Feb. 16).
[3]. Duke Today Staff, “Mary Semans, Champion of Duke and Durham, Dies,” Duke Today. Jan. 25, 2012.
[4]. Taylor, Alicia, “Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans: Foundation Leader,” North Carolina Heritage Calendar (2016 Sept.)