That’s right: the President of the United States recently visited Duke’s Armadillo Grill. That, or someone decided to use a fake name when filling out their order slip.
For some reason, it seems that being asked to supply a name for a food order compels people to create a fake name, or assume the identity of a celebrity.
“We get celebrity names occasionally,” said Audrey, a Dillo employee. “We get Weezy, we get MacGyver, we get Obama a lot. This one kid always comes in and uses Lil Jon.”
Why do customers choose to mask their identity when ordering food? Do they fear people judging their food selection, or are they just after a laugh? Unfortunately, these imposters are hard to track down, since their clever prank keeps their name a mystery.
Whatever the reason, this trend is not just limited to Duke’s campus. According to online ordering website Allmenus.com, “Jennifer Lopez” has sent in 218 orders in the past year, while the deceased Michael Jackson has ordered 160 times.
Learn from this data, readers: next time you hear someone shout out “Lady Gaga” at a restaurant, be skeptical. After all, it is probably just President Brodhead trying to remain anonymous.
This year Duke ranks among the Peace Corps list of the Top 25 medium sized colleges and universities producing Peace Corps volunteers. There are currently 21 alumni serving abroad, earning Duke the twenty-fifth spot on the list.
Since the programs’ inception in 1961, 649 Duke Alumni have heeded John F. Kennedy’s challenge “to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries.” Marques Anderson, Duke’s campus recruiter and ex-Peace Corps volunteer, believes student applicants benefit from this large network of alumni.
“At Duke, students come in contact with people who already have experience,” Anderson said. “They can ask particular questions, and get a close and personal look.”
Duke’s emphasis on global education and programs such as DukeEngage also provide students a glimpse into international service work said Anderson. However, he noted that this does not necessarily give Duke students an edge.
“These programs are helpful but not necessary,” said Anderson. “We look at [an applicants’] skill sets and their passion to go abroad, and for the people who want it the most.”
This year the Peace Corps celebrates 50 years of service. The program currently works in 77 countries worldwide on issues related to education, health & HIV/AIDs, business development, youth development, the environment and agriculture. Volunteers serve for a minimum of 27 months.
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