Nauture & Nurture | Campaign News

Evolution of a Bequest
The Creation of the J. Douglas Glaeser Fellowship

Grace Glaeser Campbell will establish the J. Douglas Glaeser Fellowship with a bequest in memory of her son, J. Douglas Glaeser. Glaeser, a former geology professor and consultant for the oil industry and the government of Indonesia, loved the study of geology, especially the evolution of barrier islands. These “Restless Ribbons of Sand,” aptly named by Orrin Pilkey, James B. Duke Professor Emeritus of Geology and a colleague of Glaeser’s, are flexible and dynamic, two words that also describe Glaeser.

Doug Glaeser graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Penn. and majored in geology. “He fell in love with the subject when he took an introductory course. Geology became his life,” remarked his mother. Glaeser received his master’s degree from Miami University of Ohio and his doctoral degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill.

An excellent student and dynamic writer, Glaeser did not discuss his accomplishments. Unaware that her son had published an article in a major journal, Campbell “walked into his fraternity house and found a plaque commemorating his achievement. I was extremely proud and surprised.”

In 1978, Glaeser authored “Global Distribution of Barrier Islands in Terms of Tectonic Setting” published in the Journal of Geology. According to Pilkey, “Doug’s article was one, if not the first, of the early studies of the world’s barrier islands. His work inspired me to delve deeper into the development of these dynamic geologic features.”

Dr. Pilkey’s latest book, A Celebration of the World’s Barrier Islands, cites Glaeser’s article as source material. “His work was tremendous, especially since Doug had no satellite images to examine and relied solely on maps. That would be like working with one hand tied behind your back.”

After graduating from Northwestern, Glaeser taught at City College of New York. “Doug lived in Manhattan and welcomed me whenever I visited the city. In fact, I recovered from running the New York Marathon in his apartment!” said Pilkey. After leaving CCNY, Glaeser demonstrated his flexibility once again when he worked as a consultant and an adjunct faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and co-taught a course with Pilkey at the Duke Marine Lab. “He loved teaching,” said Campbell. “The students meant the world to him.” Adds Pilkey, “Doug was successful in the classroom because he was an excellent listener and had a great sense of humor.”

This dynamic individual was always on the move.Recruited by a major oil company to work in the Indonesian oil fields, he later consulted for the government. “He always dreamed of working overseas,” said Campbell.

Throughout his life, Glaeser faced many challenges, including a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Ever the modest individual, Glaeser did not talk about his accomplishments or his challenges, while excelling at almost everything he attempted. In the end, cancer, not multiple sclerosis, ended his life at an early age.

Campbell was surprised to learn that her son had bequeathed her a sizeable estate. “I am sure Doug thought I would spend the money on myself. His gesture touched me deeply. I believed the most meaningful thing I could do was give the money to Duke and UNC, institutions that meant the world to Doug.” Campbell’s estate will establish endowments at both universities in Doug’s name.

“In addition to honoring Doug’s memory, it is satisfying to know that the Glaeser Fellowships will assist young people who wish to obtain an education at the Nicholas School and will use that training to help others,” said Campbell. “It would be an added bonus if future Glaeser Scholars are as flexible and dynamic as Doug.”

“Everyone in the Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences would like to thank Mrs. Campbell for memorializing Dr. Glaeser in such a meaningful way. Thanks to her bequest, generations of students will benefit from her generosity,” said Peter Haff, chair of the Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences.

If you would like additional information about bequests, planned gifts or other funding opportunities, contact Anita Brown, director of advancement, at 919-613-8019 or anita.brown@duke.edu.