Gargoyles too scary for donors

DURHAM, N.C. -- The stone gargoyles perched atop the doors to Duke University's new Gothic dormitory were meant to surprise and honor two wealthy donors.

The university succeeded at surprise: Aubrey and Kathleen McClendon, who gave $5.5 million to build the dorm, were shocked to find their own likenesses staring down from the hall that bears their name.

So shocked that the sculptures will be taken down at the couple's request.

"They were grateful," said Peter Vaughn, spokesman for Duke's development office. "They just didn't approve of the way we showed our appreciation."

The caricatures resemble bobble-head dolls, with oversized smiling heads and tiny bodies.

The sculptures of Aubrey McClendon, a 1981 graduate and CEO of Chesapeake Energy Corp. in Oklahoma City, and his wife, Kathleen, a 1980 graduate, will remain on McClendon Tower until new ones are crafted to replace them, university officials said. A plaque will honor the couple instead.

In addition to the gift to Duke's charitable trust, the McClendons' have given other gifts to the university, including a $1 million donation to the Duke Basketball Legacy Fund.

The McClendons were traveling Thursday and could not be reached for comment. A message left at McClendon's office was not returned.