A low-angle external view of the Sanford School of Public Policy.
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Duke University

Alumni Couple’s Gift Boosts Innovation and Graduate Education

Alumni Lori Cashman ’94 and Gillis Cashman ’97 are making a major commitment to Duke University, with a primary focus on the Sanford School of Public Policy. Their $1 million gift will establish the Gillis S. and Lori Wood Cashman Fellowship Fund to support graduate students at the Sanford School, provide the lead investment to the Tony & Teddie Brown Dean’s Innovation Fund and support the Sanford School Annual Fund. In addition, their gift will support specific Trinity College funds: the Duke Financial Economics Center Fund and the Trinity Annual Fund.

Lori Cashman said the timing of the gift was very important for the couple.  

“We had been supporting Duke and Sanford for some time, and the continued commitment was very important to us. The timing of this new gift aligned with several factors: 50 years of public policy at Duke, Dean Kelley’s Strategic Priorities, my leadership of the Sanford Board of Visitors and my husband’s Reunion year,” she said. “It was a perfect time to make this commitment. For both of us, it’s a way to thank Duke for believing in us, to show Duke how grateful we are, not just for our education and opportunities, but also the relationships we developed.” 

Sanford Dean Judith Kelley said this commitment is invaluable to the school. 

“There are so many Sanford alumni making a difference in the world and to Sanford – and the Cashmans are true alumni leaders. This gift is indeed timely, also for Sanford. Sanford is at a wonderful point in history. With our legacy of 50 years of public policy at Duke, we are at an inflection point to expand our vision. This gift sets us up for greatness in the future,” Kelley said.