Published February 23, 2026 Nearly 40 years ago, Melissa and Doug Bernstein started what would become a beloved, multimillion-dollar company, Melissa & Doug Toys. Melissa, a 1987 Duke alumna, with husband Doug in 2013 created another meaningful venture: the Melissa and Doug Entrepreneurs program with Duke University’s Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E). Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs is Duke’s premier program for student entrepreneurs.