Azusa Pacific University (APU) in Azusa, CA, recently honored Dr. Russell Duke with a luncheon marking his retirement (effective May 31) from employment with APU. Russell is pictured at right, addressing the gathering.
Russell worked at APU for 20 years, as Director of the Ambassador Center (1997-2006); Director, General Studies (2003-2006); Associate Dean, School of Theology (2007-2008); Acting Dean, School of Theology (2008-2010); and Professor and Associate Dean, Academics (2010 to present).
During the luncheon, APU Provost Mark Stanton announced that Russell has been named “Professor Emeritus.” Congratulations Russell!
Note: Russell will continue his employment with Grace Communion International and with Grace Communion Seminary, working in his current roles in both places.
Congratulations, Dr. Duke! I’ve always appreciated your leadership, your wisdom, and your willingness to give of your time to students.
Congratulations Dr. Duke! What a milestone! We appreciate you more than you know. May our Lord continue to keep you and bless you and give you peace.
Congratulations to Russell and Phyllis for many years of faithful service to APU (and of course continuing, GCI). It was an honor to have you as an elder in our congregation.
Thank you Russell for your steady example of leadership at APU and with GCI. You have been and continue to be a blessing to the church. With appreciation and respect.
Dr. Duke –
Thank you for your leadership and steadfastness. What a journey. You contribution to WCG, GCI and APU life, theology, academics and eduacation is so appreciated. You are a key figure in so many people’s lives. For myself and Anne back in the Big Sandy days (85-87) and as I entered the Masters program w/ GCS. Thank you.
Professor Emeritus. What a nice and appropriate distinction.
Blessings, Peace and Grace Always,
Mark and Anne Stapleton
Congratulations, Russell, for your many years of excellent service and leadership in the theological/academic world. It is obvious your contributions are valued by many.
Dr. Duke.
You are a gift to the Body of Christ in ways I pray you fully see on both this and the other side of heaven. You have blessed my life personally as my Advisor for my Masters thesis. But I also count you as a brother and friend on my Christian journey.
I know the thousands of students who have been impacted by your submission to Jesus will celebrate with you and continue to make an significant impact on churches, families, mission fields and in personal contexts. May you continue for the rest of your life to receive the “flowers” on behalf of Christ for the service you have joined Him in.
Sincerely,
Jeff Broadnax
Congratulations Russell and Phyllis! Thank you for your many years of wonderful service. May God continue to bless and guide you in the years ahead! Ray and Carol Meyer
Dear Dr. Duke,
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to you for the many years of faithful service to Jesus’ church. At such an unstable time as ours steadfastness and loyalty is becoming an increasingly rare virtue.
“Where the battle rages, there the loyalty of the soldier is proved.”
― Martin Luther
What a fruitful life so far, affecting so many people—me included. Thank you for remaining active in GCI and GCS. You will continue to be an agent of learning and personal change for many yet to come!
Congratulations on a long career of faithful service in God’s Word. Best wishes and prayer for a a well earned rest and a new chapter of life for you and Mrs Duke.
Dear Dr. Duke and Phillis,
A special thanks from my family to you and your wife for the wonderful service both of you have contributed to, as a team as husband and wife. The works of the Lord Jesus is evident for us all within your years together and the years of solid teaching for so many! From our house to yours, Thank You both and congratulations, David and Linda Husmann.
Congratulations are in order Professor Duke. I have addressed you as Professor, because I eagerly look forward to the Grace Communion Seminary (GCS) course: Nature of Humans and Salvation, for the Summer Semester. I am happy to know that you are still working in your current role at GCS. I look forward to our interaction.
Blessings to you and the rest of the family.
Al Barthelmy
Thank you, Dr. Duke! You made Big Sandy, Texas and the church a special place for us. We are inspired by your continuous dedication to make the world a better place.
Congratulations Mr. Duke for your years of service and teaching and leadership. God bless you and your wife for what you have meant for others.
Congratulations, Dr. Duke, for you many, dedicated years to GCI/WCG and Azusa Pacific.
You are a wonderful example to all who know you. I know you will continue to serve and honor The LORD JESUS CHRIST WITH YOUR DEDICATION TO HIM AND THE PEOPLE YOUR SERVE AND HONOR.
Thank you for your love, kindness and service to people everywhere!
I am honored to know and love you and Phyllis!
Have a wonderful time on this excursion to Ireland which will be here sooner than you realize.
Lovingly,
Mary L. Terry
Our most sincere congratulations. May the Lord continue to bless you and your significant contribution to His work in the days to come.
Congratulations Professor Emeritus!
We are so proud and happy for your success!
Love,
Angie and Saddie