Alumni Spotlight: Allen Dukes ’93 and Andrea Meals Dukes ’92
The Dukes’ son, Carter, is a senior at VWU, carrying on family traditions
University News | November 26, 2024
As Homecoming and Family Weekend approached in October this fall, alumni Allen Dukes ’93 and Andrea Meals Dukes ’92 had an especially exciting reason to anticipate the event. For the first time, Allen would lace up his cleats to play on the alumni lacrosse team against his son, Carter ‘25, a senior member of the Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) team. The highly awaited Alumni Game proved to be both competitive and heartwarming, with Andrea cheering both teams on.
“This was the first year the current lacrosse team was able to play the alumni in the Alumni Game, and there was a lot of smack talk leading up to it,” Andrea shared. “After the game, Allen was just grateful that Carter— or anyone— didn’t hurt him! He was a bit humbled when Carter easily scooped up a ground ball they both went for, a reminder of Allen’s own advice to his players about knowing the field.”
A dedicated supporter of VWU lacrosse, Allen is always on the lookout for potential future players and is deeply invested in the growth of the program. As Andrea noted, “He truly cares about the program and is committed to helping in any way he can. Starting next year, Carter will do the same.”
Andrea graduated from VWU in 1992 with a degree in the Liberal Arts Management Program (LAMP), now known as Management, Business, and Economics, with a concentration in marketing. During her time at Virginia Wesleyan, she was a cheerleader, a member of the Chamber Singers, a founding member of Delta Xi sorority (now Tri Sigma), a tour guide, an admissions counselor, and even participated in the college’s production of “Carousel.”
Allen earned his degree in history in 1993 and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, as well as a player on the very first varsity men’s lacrosse team at VWU.
Their son, Carter, is now a senior at VWU, majoring in business, following in his mother’s footsteps, and playing lacrosse, just like his father.
“For Allen and me, the best part of our experiences in college were the lifelong friendships we made at Virginia Wesleyan,” Andrea reflected. “We can reconnect with friends we haven't seen in years, and it feels just like old times. Our fondest memories are filled with activities and just hanging out in the dorms like we did in Rose, Kellam, and East Halls. We laugh about how different things are today— students don’t hang out in the halls like we used to!”
It was at Virginia Wesleyan that Andrea and Allen first met, becoming part of the same circle of friends, although they didn’t begin dating until after graduation. Now, they celebrate 27 years of marriage and have two children.
Allen serves as an Investment Advisor for Truist and is a volunteer assistant lacrosse coach at Randolph College. Andrea has dedicated 28 years as a school counselor at Brookville Middle School and continues to share her love for music as a singer at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg. She is also a member of the VWU Parents Council. The Dukes recently moved to a newly renovated home on 10 acres in Rustburg, Virginia. Their younger child, Elizabeth, is studying equine studies at Emory and Henry.
“Carter grew up attending lacrosse camp at VWU, along with various alumni events such as homecoming and golf tournaments,” Andrea explained. “He felt very comfortable at Virginia Wesleyan. During his college search, which coincided with the pandemic, options for exploration were limited. He also applied to Hampden Sydney and St. Mary's in Maryland, but ultimately chose VWU to follow in his father’s footsteps with lacrosse.”
Allen, who joined the lacrosse team during its transition to varsity status, developed a passion for the sport that continues to this day.
“He has loved the sport ever since,” said Andrea. “It’s remarkable how many of the guys he played with at VWU remain actively involved in youth, high school, and college lacrosse programs across the country, even years after their own playing days ended.”
Carter is set to graduate in May 2025 with a degree in business. While he is exploring his options for the future, he remains open to finding a career that allows him to pursue his interests in fishing and bird hunting.
Both Allen and Andrea believe their son shares a common thread with their own experiences at VWU, particularly the valuable connections forged with friends and professors.
“One thing I can assure you is that Carter has made many good friends, just like we did, and I’m confident they’ll keep in touch long after graduation. He has favorite professors too, such as Dr. Sewell and Dr. Pantelides. In our day, we enjoyed the guidance of Professors Clayton, Garraty, Ferguson, Cass, and Mansfield.”
Andrea also acknowledged significant changes on campus since their time in the 90s. “We try to share with Carter what used to be here and there— but those are our memories, not his. Current students at VWU don’t know about our humble beginnings. I remember performing in Hofheimer's black box theater and cheering in Cunningham gymnasium. Allen recalls playing games where the climbing tower now stands. Today, the campus features so much cutting-edge technology and exciting opportunities. We tell others they should visit to see how Wesleyan has evolved—we think they would be amazed!”