Victor Strandberg joined Duke University in 1966, arriving from Vermont with big dreams and a published book. His wife advised against applying to schools in the South, saying it was a turbulent time due to racial segregation. However, Duke’s generous salary of $2,000 more than his previous job swayed their decision, and he became a part of the university’s rich history.
Fast forward sixty years and Strandberg is retiring at age 91. During his career, he taught over 10,000 students, igniting their passion for literature classics by authors like Faulkner, Eliot, Morrison, and Hemingway. Some students even call him a “legend.”
Strandberg’s journey reflects not just his personal achievements but also the evolution of Duke University itself. Once a regional institution, Duke has gained prominence and is now ranked just below Ivy League schools. He’s seen the university grow and adapt, becoming home to Nobel Prize winners under strong leadership.
One key to his success? Connecting with students. Even in large classes of 200, he held personal interviews to learn about their backgrounds and interests. This commitment to knowing his students helped them feel valued and engaged. He also snapped photos of his students, keeping these memories alive for years to come. “I’ve got thousands of those original index cards,” he said. “In my retirement, I’ll thumb through them.”
Strandberg believes literature teaches us about life and society. He considers Faulkner as America’s greatest writer and noticed changes in his student body over the years. For instance, his Faulkner courses once had high enrollments, but in recent years, interest has declined. He acknowledges, “A great artist like Faulkner seems to have gone into eclipse. But it won’t be permanent.”
Looking back, Strandberg sees his role as a catalyst for understanding. He wants students to remember the writers, not just him. He takes pride in opening horizons for young minds, emphasizing that the joy of reading is what truly matters.
Even as he retires, Strandberg plans to continue teaching as a volunteer. He aims to share his wealth of knowledge with those eager to learn, such as through Duke’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) and local book clubs. For him, it’s about keeping the love of literature alive without the pressures of grades and exams.
“It’s been a great privilege to teach at Duke,” he reflects. His journey is not just a testament to his dedication but also a mirror of the broader transformations in education and literature appreciation over the decades.
For more insights from Victor Strandberg, check out his [Farewell Letter](https://english.duke.edu/news/farewell-letter-vic-strandberg).
