Dear Sanford Alumni and Friends, 

Icy roads and snowfall in Durham have offered an unexpected pause—a chance to think about what it means to be prepared. Preparation can be as simple as stocking up on batteries or throwing an ice scraper in the trunk. Unexpected weather reminds us of the choice to prepare - assembling supplies and checking in on loved ones. It reminds us that preparation has value even when outcomes remain uncertain.

The discipline of public policy is a way of thinking about what is coming that you cannot yet see. One of the strengths of a Sanford education is its interdisciplinary approach, which prepares students for a wide range of careers in policy and public service. Through coursework in civil discourse, economics, ethics, statistics, leadership, writing, technology, and policy design, students build a robust toolbox of analytic and management skills. Just as importantly, they develop a framework for decision-making—one that seeks new data, understands legal foundations, evaluates evidence, and values collaboration. This kind of preparation allows leaders to act thoughtfully, even when information is imperfect, and conditions are changing.

Preparedness by our Sanford-trained leaders and policy-making institutions is especially critical now. I’d like to highlight some examples of how Sanford faculty is preparing students:

Read the Full Blog

Manoj Mohanan

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

Sanford Alumni and Student Mixer  

February 11, 5:30 – 7:00 pm EST  

Fleishman Commons, Duke Sanford 

Calling all Duke Sanford alumni in the Triangle! Join us for an engaging alumni-student networking reception designed to spark connection, conversation, and community.

We are especially pleased to welcome J.J. Johnson PPS ’88, Chair of the Sanford Board of Visitors, who will share personal and professional insights into the power of building meaningful networks.  

This gathering is a great opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, meet current students, and offer your perspective on navigating and succeeding in the policy world. Light refreshments will be provided. This event is co-hosted by Sanford Career Services and the Sanford Development and Alumni Relations Office. 

Register and Learn More 

The Power and Policy of Online Verification 

March 18, 6:30 – 8:30 pm EST 

New York City, NY 

Join us for an engaging evening exploring the rapidly evolving world of media and online verification. Professor Robyn Caplan, whose work sits at the intersection of platform governance and media policy, will share insights from her research on how organizations shape content moderation and digital trust. Her latest scholarship traces the history and influence of the verified badge—the iconic blue checkmark—and what it reveals about authority and authenticity online. 

During the conversation, Professor Caplan will address timely questions such as - How can history guide our understanding of digital shifts in the modern era? What role can individuals and institutions play in navigating AI-driven verification? Why is Duke uniquely positioned to advance policy and research at the nexus of science, technology, and society? 

All Duke alumni, parents, and friends are invited to join us for this special event. A big thank you to Eric Dinallo MPP'87, P'24 for hosting the event and for our Interim Dean Manoj Mohanan for joining us at the event!

Register and Learn More 

Career Conversation:

Sanford Distinguished Fellow Danny Werfel MPP’97 

March 18, 5:00 – 6:00 pm EST

Virtual 

Join Duke alumni, parents, and current students for Duke Career Conversations featuring Sanford Distinguished Fellow Danny Werfel MPP’97, former Commissioner of the IRS. Danny will be interviewed by Paul Teller T’93, the President of Teller Strategies. Danny will share his experience in government service as well as in the private sector. This event is co-sponsored by Duke DC, Sanford Development and Alumni Relations, and the Duke Policy & Politics Network. 

Duke Women’s Weekend 2026 

February 19-21, Duke Campus 

Duke Women’s Weekend offers an engaging environment for meaningful conversations, new ideas, and lasting connections. Duke alumni, faculty, staff, and students from across disciplines and backgrounds come together to share experiences, exchange insights, and inspire one another. As the schedule unfolds, you will see some Sanford Faculty and Alumni as speakers on the agenda.

This event celebrates the many ways women impact and strengthen communities around the globe. Women’s Weekend is open to all. 

Register and Learn More 

More information about each speaker and registration details can be found here. Please email Sanford Events at sanfordevents@duke.edu with any questions.

Over 92% of contributions to the Sanford Annual Fund directly supports our students by providing essential financial aid, scholarships, and internship opportunities. Your support empowers them to achieve their academic and professional aspirations.

We invite you to help set the table during our Sanford Coast to Coast Campaign from February 18- 20, 2026. Your generosity helps shape the future of Sanford students, and as a token of our appreciation, donors who contribute $25 or more during this special giving period will receive an exclusive Sanford coaster set, perfect for any table, anywhere!

Freddie Hicks MNSP’24 

Senior Logistics Manager at USSOCOM

Freddie Hicks served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, much of his career spent in logistics, acquisition, and operational leadership roles supporting special operations forces. His work required precision, accountability, and stewardship of both people and public resources. The MNSP program helped shape his thinking about leadership, responsibility, and the real-world consequences of decisions made far from the field.

Learn More About Freddie'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!

Aaron Hsu MIDP'16 - Abe Katz MPP'18 - Alexis D’Agostino MPP'12
Alisha Pinto MPP'16 - Alison Goetsch MPP'09 - Andy Allison MPP'92
Anna Kawar MPP'13 - Ashley Wagner MPP'15 - Fabiola Rueda MIDP'07
Gina Adams MPP'84 - Hasan Anwer MPP'14 - Inna Dergunova MIDP'02
Ivan Urlaub MPP'04 - Kate Anderson MPP'04 - Madhu Vulimiri MPP'18
Marcella McClatchey MPP'13 - Mariette Aborn MPP'23

Mary Grace Stoneking MPP'21 - Nina Thomas-Diggs MPP'14 - Noorin Nazari MIDP'07 Paul Quinlan MPP'06 - Rachel Schmidtke MIDP'18 - Shaun Barry MPP'93

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.  

Duke National Advanced Jobseekers Network (AJN) 

Are you an alum with a minimum of 10 years professional experience searching for your next opportunity? Or someone who wants to help job seekers? Join the National Advanced Jobseekers Network (AJN) to meet and support other alumni, and share job search contacts, resources, and best practices. 

Upcoming virtual networking dates - all sessions are 12:00 - 1:15 pm EST: 

- Thursday, February 12 

- Friday, March 20 

- Friday, April 17 

- Friday, May 15 

Designed for mid- and senior-level Duke alumni currently without a job and actively seeking one, this group will provide structure to connect with other Dukies and share valuable resources and tips.  

Register and Learn More 

Sanford School Alumni & Giving 

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