Dear Duke Engineering Family,

As we enter this holiday season, we’re filled with gratitude for your continued support of Duke Engineering and the Pratt School of Engineering. This year has been full of energy and optimism, marking an exciting period for both schools.

From groundbreaking advancements in quantum computing and AI to the renovation of Hudson Hall, Duke Engineering is leading the way in innovation. Our First-Year Design and Computing courses continue to inspire resilience and passion in our students, and we’re excited about the new collaborative hub between Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science.

The Duke Centennial offers a chance to reflect on our extraordinary past and look ahead to a bright future. Under Dean Jerome Lynch’s leadership, we’re poised for even greater achievements, thanks to the unwavering support of our alumni, parents, friends, students, faculty, and staff.

As we approach this historic milestone, it’s a great time to be a Duke Engineer. Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to sharing more exciting moments with you in the year ahead.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season!

With appreciation,

Jim Ruth E'01
Senior Associate Dean and Director of Development & Alumni Affairs
Duke Pratt School of Engineering

Tomorrow is Duke Giving Day—let our engineers lead by example by supporting Duke Engineering and shaping the future!

Early last month, we were excited to once again host a vibrant and engaging meeting with dozens of members of our Board of Visitors. The weekend began with a Thursday panel by the Women’s Impact Network on overcoming imposter syndrome, making strong first impressions, and hiring tips. This was followed by a career speed networking event hosted by the Society of Women Engineers, where students practiced their elevator pitches in mock interviews with the Board and received valuable feedback.

On Friday, the group heard exciting updates from Dean Jerry Lynch on the new Computational Center and the Hudson Hall renovation. Daniel Ennis, Executive Vice President at Duke, shared a strong financial outlook for Pratt, while Lisa Huettel, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, discussed advancements in computational design and student advising. Dave Kennedy, VP of Alumni Engagement and Development, and Chris Clarke, Senior Associate Vice President for Campaigns at Duke, wrapped up with a look at upcoming development priorities for the university.

After a lively lunch with Pratt students, the Board of Visitors convened in their respective committees for in-depth discussions on topics including sustainability, education, student experience, funding, innovation, research translation, and DEI. These collaborative efforts are driving progress and supporting Pratt’s continued growth and impact.

The Board of Visitors plays a vital role in shaping the future of Pratt, and your engagement can help drive meaningful change across these critical areas. If you're interested in becoming more involved—whether by volunteering as an alumni mentor or guest speaker or by participating on the Engineering Alumni Council or Board of Visitors—please reach out to a member of our team.

The Pratt School of Engineering's Development and Alumni Relations team works closely with the Pratt Corporate Relations team to offer engineering students tailored opportunities to advance their careers. These programs, in collaboration with the Duke Career Center, include alumni mentorships, career workshops, mock interviews, and resume reviews, which prepare students for Duke’s Career Fair, Tech Connect, and other opportunities. These programs highlighted below are key in preparing our students for successful careers and help them build meaningful connections within the Pratt community.

Now in its fifth year, this program pairs students with alumni mentors to provide guidance on career development, industry insights, and personal growth. With 425 students participating this year, the program helps them build skills, gain confidence, and create lasting professional relationships.

This workshop taught students how to maximize their time at career fairs with strategies for effective communication, networking, and storytelling. Students learned how to engage with recruiters and make lasting connections.

An essential workshop for students, Networking 101 covered strategies for building professional relationships that can lead to internships and job opportunities. Students gained confidence in their networking abilities, a critical skill for any career search.

Co-hosted with the Career Center, this session helped students craft a strong personal brand and refine their elevator pitches. Participants learned how to communicate their skills and qualifications to stand out at career fairs and networking events.

"I loved this event! It was the perfect practice for my elevator pitch, especially with the SWE Conference coming up. I got great feedback and enjoyed meeting every alumnus I spoke to."
–Emma Buchko E'27

This event helped students fine-tune their resumes to attract recruiters. Engineering alumni shared tips on structuring resumes, tailoring them for specific jobs, and highlighting achievements to stand out in the job market.

Students practiced their elevator pitches in virtual one-on-one sessions with alumni. Each student participated in multiple 10-minute conversations, receiving constructive feedback to refine their communication skills.

"I gained confidence and insight into what recruiters are looking for, along with personal feedback from the mock interviews."
–Amanda Nemshin E'27

Pratt Corporate Relations hosted eight “Career Journey/Industry Connector Tech Talks,” some featuring alumni, which offered students the opportunity to hear from engineers about their career paths and learn about various industry sectors including aerospace (Blue Origin/SpaceX), renewable energy (Siemens Energy), and the semiconductor industry (arm, Marvell and NVIDIA).

“I had the chance to seek advice from alumni across various industries and made connections I wouldn't have otherwise had. I truly gained exposure and advice from engineers in all the career paths I'm interested in."
–Grant Janish E'27

A panel discussion focused on overcoming imposter syndrome, making strong first impressions, recruiting tips, and decision-making in hiring. It was followed by an alumni-student Career Speed Networking session where students practiced their elevator pitches in a series of 10-minute mock interviews with alumni. Each student received valuable feedback to help improve their interview skills and confidence.

None of these helpful and insightful opportunities would be possible without the help and support of our incredible alumni network. If you have any interest in sharing your own expertise and advice through these events, here are a few upcoming opportunities:

For more information or to get involved, contact Pam Hanson or Kirsten Shaw.

■ Capital/Program Support: $10.14M

■ Corporate/Research Support: $5.54M

■ Scholarships: $5.35M

■ Annual Fund: $4.79M

■ Planned Giving: $2.55M

■ Faculty Endowments: $2.0M

■ Current use: $16.72M
Funds for research, program and unrestricted support

■ Permanent Endowment: $13.65M
Interest supports scholarships, faculty and programs

Total dollars raised: $30.37M
Includes matching funds from the Lord 100 Scholarship Challenge.

Update your alumni information » | Give to Duke »