Bill and Melinda Gates drop in on Durham

Sep 24 2009, Posted by Will Robinson in Alumni, Breaking News, Durham News, News, 0 Comments

Blogger Kevin Davis had speculated earlier that Bill Gates and his wife Melinda French Gates, Trinity ‘86 and Fuqua ‘87, would be visiting the Durham Public Schools’ Performance Learning Center on West Club Boulevard today.

Turns out he was right.

The couple made a surprise visit to the Center this afternoon. The Gates Foundation also supports similar educational facilities across the country, according to NBC 17.

The appearance marks Trustee Emerita Melinda French Gates’ first public stop in Durham since the dedication of the French Family Science Center at Duke in 2007, but today’s visit is unrelated to this weekend’s Homecoming festivities.

“There won’t be any surprise presentation on the football field,” said Michael Schoenfeld, vice president for public affairs and government relations. “It’s up to them if they want to show up.”