The Julia Harper Day Award for Documentary Studies is an annual $500 prize established in 1992 in memory of CDS’s first staff member, a photographer and writer. Duke Center for Documentary Studies recognizes a graduating Duke senior for excellence in documentary studies and significant contributions to CDS programs.
The award is presented in Durham during Commencement Weekend at the Trinity College Arts Award Ceremony. Duke Arts listed Dhruv Rungta ’26 as the 2026 recipient, confirming that the award remains active.
Benefits & funding
- The recipient receives $500.
- The award is presented at the Trinity College Arts Award Ceremony during Commencement Weekend.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be graduating Duke seniors.
- Selection recognizes excellence in documentary studies and significant contributions to CDS programs.
- Almost all past recipients were involved with CDS for three or four undergraduate years; Duke describes this as a pattern, not a formal requirement.
- The public award page states no nationality, residency, gender, age, or work-experience restriction.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
Bachelor Enrolled
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Review the official award page and its two published selection criteria.
- 2The public page provides no application or nomination instructions; email CDS at docstudies@duke.edu to ask how the current cycle is handled.
Program timeline
May 4, 2026
Duke Arts announced Dhruv Rungta ’26 as the 2026 recipient.
Commencement Weekend
The award is presented at the Trinity College Arts Award Ceremony.
Not published
Application or nomination deadline.