DCI inaugurates a room in honor of Elizabeth Beguinet

DURHAM, North Carolina – With the help of the Fence for the Fight campaign in 2023, a room at the Duke Cancer Center was named in memory of the late Elizabeth Beguinet.

Elizabeth, director of administration and recruitment for the Duke fencing program, passed away on December 17, 2022 after a long battle with breast cancer.

The Duke fencing team raised $72,979.70, the most raised in a single season by a Duke Athletics Olympic Sport/Duke Health partnership.


Elizabeth, the wife of former head coach Alex, wasn’t just the team’s recruiting coordinator, travel coordinator or uniform seamstress. She was the confidant, coach, mother and family on campus for 38 years.

“Duke Fencing is a special team because of the family and culture that Elizabeth and Alex created. Elizabeth was the heart of that family – strong, kind and endlessly dedicated to the team. Her passion for the sport and the team was contagious and unmatched. Through Fence for the Fight, we can honor Elizabeth’s memory and support those in our community battling breast cancer,” said Christina Ferrari, Finn Hossfeld, Terence Lee And Zsofia WalterFencing Captains 2023

For more information on Duke fencing, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook And Instagram by searching for “DukeFEN”.

Duke’s Centenary
In 2024, Duke celebrates its centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen connections and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. Learn more at 100.duke.edu

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