Dear Sanford Alumni and Friends, 

With orientations complete and classes in motion, Sanford students are stepping boldly into this year’s scholarly journey! I hope this season brings back fond memories of your own First Day of Classes at Duke. 

Last week, it was a pleasure to present the Sanford State of the School 2025. In my presentation, I highlighted the many ways our faculty, staff, and students advanced the Sanford mission over the past 12 months.

Even in a year marked by uncertainty, the Sanford community conducted remarkable research, taught and supported students, wrote influential articles, and hosted outstanding speakers, including Liz Cheney, Joy Buolamwini, and David Brooks. We remain an esteemed and top ranked public policy program at the undergraduate, graduate, and PhD levels. 

It was easy to share examples of new heights and milestones reached by our Centers this year. Read the Full Blog

Manoj Mohanan

Interim Dean and Creed C. Black Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy

September 25, 5:00-6:15pm, Page Auditorium  

In conversation with Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, this timely talk will explore the critical intersections between governance and the pressing challenges facing American society today. Drawing on his experience at both local and federal levels, Former Secretary Buttigieg will examine the evolving political landscape, the role of local government in crisis response and progress, and the urgent need to address misinformation in public discourse to strengthen civic trust and democratic resilience. 

This lecture is part of the David M. Rubenstein Distinguished Lecture Series. David M. Rubenstein is a Duke alumnus and former chair of Duke’s Board of Trustees.  

This event is open to Sanford Alumni, Duke Faculty, Staff, and Students. Due to space limitations, this event is not open to the public or guests of Sanford Alumni, Duke Faculty, Staff, and Students. The event will be recorded and will be available to anyone who registers to receive a temporary copy of the recording. 

Sanford Alumni - Register and Learn More 

Can't Attend in Person? Register to Receive the Recording 

Sanford Mentor Program 

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.   

Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence

An upcoming session in the series will feature Sanford Professor David Hoffman. The session titled Taking AI to Court - Ethics, Policy, and Platforms will take place on October 7 and will use a Spotify case study to explore privacy, transparency, and the responsibilities of tech companies in an AI-driven world.

Register and Learn More 

Sense of Self 

An upcoming session in the series will feature Sanford Professor Peter Ubel. The session titled Locating and Identifying Self will take place on October 23 and dive into how you deal with disappointment and misfortune will influence your life’s path enormously and may even affect your health. Building off his research and writing about the experience of serious illness, Dr. Ubel will reflect on how people overcome such challenges and how building your resilience can help you adapt to change, stay motivated, and succeed.   

Register and Learn More 

Angela Alsobrooks PPS’93

United States Senator from Maryland

U.S. Senator Alsobrooks made history in 2024 by becoming Maryland’s first Black senator and only the third Black woman ever elected to the United States Senate. A Maryland native, Alsobrooks has served the state in multiple roles since 2010. 

Today, as a U.S. Senator, Alsobrooks brings a deeply grounded perspective shaped by her community, her family, and her education.

Learn More About Angela'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!

Amelia Wise PPS'14 B'20 - Payton Little PPS'23 

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 engagement opportunities from the Sanford Career Services team: 

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

- Want assistance with career pivot? Make an appointment with a career advisor. 

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

- Want to know what current students and recent graduates have been up to? Check out the 2024-25 Annual Report. 

Sanford School Alumni & Giving 

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