Dear Sanford Alumni and Friends,

From the moment that I arrived at Sanford, I immediately observed that our alumni engagement and impact are key factors that make the Sanford community strong and resilient.  I am excited to deepen and grow the interactions and partnerships between future students, current students, and our outstanding alumni. And I’m not the only one noticing.  Sanford alumni were recognized in three of the four Duke Alumni Awards categories this year, honoring their leadership, service, and dedication to Duke and their communities.

These accomplishments are worth celebrating—but they also raise an important question: How can Sanford draw more fully on the experience, ideas, connections, and commitment of its alumni as we look to the future? In my latest Dean’s Blog, I share how the new Graduate Program Alumni Council and October’s virtual “Meet the Dean” conversations will help begin that work. I look forward to listening, learning, and exploring what we can accomplish together.

Read the Full Blog

JR DeShazo

Joel L. Fleishman Dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy

As the United States marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Romney will reflect on the health of American democracy, the values that have sustained the nation, and the responsibilities citizens and leaders share in shaping its future.

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Celebrating 40 years of Hart Leadership: Then, Now, and Next 

October 21, 6:30 – 8:30 pm EST 

New York City, New York 

Join us for a special conversation with Bruce Payne, founding director of the Hart Leadership Program, and Andrew Nurkin, its current director. Together, they will reflect on Hart’s origins, lasting impact, and the opportunities ahead as the program looks to the future. 

Founded in 1986 through a generous gift from the Milledge A. Hart III Family Endowment, Hart was the first endowed leadership program for undergraduates in the United States. For 40 years, Hart has championed the belief that leadership is for everyone; that critical thinking, mindful reflection, and ethical consideration are essential to effective leadership; and that the best way to learn leadership is by doing.  

Register and Learn More 

Meet the Dean - Virtual Conversations  

October 28, 7:00 – 7:45 pm EST 

October 29, 9:00 – 9:45 am EST 

October 29, 12:00 – 12:45 pm EST 

Join fellow Sanford alumni for a virtual conversation with our new Dean, JR DeShazo. Hear about his vision for the Sanford School, learn how alumni can support and engage with the school’s work, and take part in a Q&A and alumni networking opportunity. 

More Information and Registration to Come 

The Sanford Mentoring Program is recruiting MIDP, MPP, and PPS alumni for the upcoming academic year. The program provides MPP students and MIDP fellows the opportunity to develop a partnership with Sanford’s alumni network. The goal is to offer opportunities for relationship building and guidance during student’s last year as they navigate their future as policymakers. Mentors are responsible for meeting with their mentees monthly from October to April - meetings can include phone calls, video calls, or in-person meetings when applicable.

Madeline Wade Quasney MPP'17

Partner and Founder at Brumidi Group 

Madeline is a partner at Brumidi Group and a public policy and government relations professional whose career has spanned Capitol Hill, political advocacy, and strategic consulting. Since graduating from Sanford, she has helped organizations navigate complex policy questions and advance practical solutions, with a particular focus on climate, conservation, and public lands. We are profiling Madeline this month because her career shows how policy expertise, coalition-building, and steady, incremental work can create meaningful progress at a time when national challenges often feel difficult to influence.

Learn More About Madeline's Journey

Each month, we want to share updates from our alumni.

Do you have a new job? Receive a promotion or an award?

Celebrating a wedding, birth, or other milestone?

Thank you to our amazing alumni who recently volunteered!

Angela Wei MPP'25 B'25 - Claire Kidwell MPP'24 - Dean Ischiropoulos PPS'18
Emily Button PPS'21 - Eni Owoeye MPP'25 - Himanshi Jain MPP'17
Kavya Sekar MPP'18 - Lucy Colangelo PPS'25 - Madeline Wade Quasney MPP'17
Mary Grace Stoneking MPP'21 - Michele Farquhar PPS'79 - Mimi Bliss PPS'88
Pat Thompson PPS'11 D'13 - Peter Mills MPP'17 - Tonya Robinson PPS'92

Your participation brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the table for fellow alumni and current students, and we greatly appreciate your efforts. As a Duke alum, your unique experiences and talents have the power to make a difference in the lives of others. Consider lending your support as a volunteer to strengthen the Duke network while giving back.  

Engage with the Sanford Career Services Team  

As Sanford embarks on a new academic year, below are alumni resources and engagement opportunities from the Sanford Career Services team:  

- Want assistance with a career pivot? Check out resources available or make an appointment with a career advisor 

- Interested in engaging with current Sanford students as it relates to their career preparation? Complete this brief survey 

- Interested in recruiting Sanford current and recent talent? Post your internship and jobs opportunities 

- Want to know what current students and recent graduates have been up to? Check out the 2025-26 Annual Report 

Sanford School Alumni & Giving 

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