Background
Semans, Mary Duke Biddle Trent was born on February 21, 1920 in New York, United States. Daughter of Anthony Joseph Drexel and Mary (Duke) B.
Semans, Mary Duke Biddle Trent was born on February 21, 1920 in New York, United States. Daughter of Anthony Joseph Drexel and Mary (Duke) B.
Attended, Hewitt School, New York City. Bachelor of Arts in History, Duke University. Doctor of Laws (honorary), North Carolina Center University, 1963.
HHD (honorary), Elon College, 1965. Degree (honorary), Davidson College. Degree (honorary), North Carolina Wesleyan College, 1982.
Degree (honorary), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Degree (honorary), Duke University, 1983. Doctor of Laws (honorary), Furman University, 1993.
Trustee emeritus Duke University, 1961-1981. Chairman The Duke Endowment, 1960-2001. Various positions North Carolina School Arts, since 1981.
Former trustee Davidson College, North Carolina Museum Art, 1961-1983, Shaw University, Converse University, Lincoln Hospital. Vice chairman The Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, since 1960. Chairman Angier B. Duke Memorial, Executive Mansion Fine Arts Committee, since 1965, Friends of Duke University Library.
President Durham Homes, Inc., 1968. Member board directors Goodwill Industries of the Research Triangle Area, since 1964, First Union Corporation, 1980-1982, North Carolina State Library, 1958-1961, Durham Public Library. Numerous other positions.
Member Durham City Council, 1951-1955. Mayor pro-tem City of Durham, 1953-1955. Commencement speaker Duke University, 1983.
Member League of Women Voters, Business and Professional Women's Club, Altrusa Club, Half Century Club, Rotary Club.
Married Josiah Trent. Married James H. Semans.