Dear Sanford Alumni and Friends,
Just a few weeks have passed since we gathered to celebrate the remarkable , and the uplifting spirit of that May 9th commencement still resonates deeply. The ceremony was a powerful reminder of the dedication of our students, the unwavering support of their families, and the profound commitment of our faculty and staff.
Our PhD, Masters, and Undergraduate graduates form an exceptional cohort, and it was inspiring to recognize their journey.
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As we've highlighted in they are not just prepared but are already embarking on diverse paths to tackle pressing policy challenges, from shaping international relations and championing social justice to driving economic development and serving in government at all levels. Their passion for service is truly the hallmark of a Sanford education.
At this contentious juncture for public policy globally and domestically, the importance of Sanford's mission has never been clearer. The thoughtful analysis, ethical grounding, and practical skills we impart are essential for navigating ambiguity and forging effective, principled solutions. The entire commencement experience, from Professor Hillman’s insightful address to the inspiring dedication of our Class of 2025, reinforces my own profound conviction in the vital role our school plays in preparing leaders for these very times.
Read the Dean's Blog
Manoj Mohanan
Interim Dean and Creed C. Black Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy
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Alumni Events & Opportunities
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| Anthems to Algorithms: The Role of Music in the Climate Movement
June 25, 6:00 PM - 9:15 PM GMT
Oslo, Hackney, London
Join Duke Deep Tech and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and Duke research fellow Tift Merritt for an evening that blends music, environmental consciousness, and emerging technology.
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This special London Climate Week event will explore the history of music’s role in the environmental movement—and how artificial intelligence may shape its future.
From folk anthems of protest to modern AI-generated compositions, music has long been a force for cultural and political change. As AI transforms how we create and connect, what happens to music’s emotional power, authenticity, and activist roots? Tift will reflect on these themes in a pre-show discussion with and and reception, followed by a live performance at the Oslo.
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Reception in Celebration of the Duke Global Policy in Geneva Program
June 27, 6:00 – 8:00 PM, GMT+2
Brassiere Les Halles de I’ile, Geneva
Join fellow Duke alumni, students, DGP participants, and parents for a special celebration of the Duke Global Policy in Geneva Program.
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The evening will include a welcome from and , founding faculty member of the program, will present an engaging trivia game titled "How Well Do You Know Duke?"
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| Forever Learning Summer Academy
June 22-28 and July 13-19
Duke University
Combining the intellectual energy of college with the camaraderie of summer camp, the Forever Learning Summer Academy will provide a dynamic and immersive week-long educational experience for Duke University alumni and friends. Participants will engage with a captivating course curriculum, exclusive access to campus experiences, and exciting outings around Durham. is one of the faculty participating in this experience.
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What happens when you combine Duke's Centennial celebration, the enduring legacy of Terry Sanford, and the "outrageous ambition" of the Duke alumni community? Something truly remarkable takes root, it turns out.
In January 2024, the Development and Alumni Relations team at the Sanford School of Public Policy launched "," inviting all Duke alumni worldwide to honor these milestones and plant seeds of change in their communities through service. The initial goal felt ambitious yet fitting: collectively contribute 100 hours. However, what blossomed from that initial seed surpassed all expectations, quickly transforming a celebratory idea into a vibrant, ongoing movement of impact that resonated across the entire Duke family.
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| It is the last month of our fiscal year and we need YOU!
Your support of the Sanford Annual Fund provides crucial and immediate support for Duke public policy students. Act now to make an impact and help us reach our goal by making a gift by June 30. Thank you to everyone who has provided support to the Sanford School of Public Policy during the fiscal year 2025!
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Because of Sanford, I am Made For... |
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Kristin Walker MPP'06
State Budget Director for North Carolina
As the State Budget Director for the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, Kristin choreographs the intricate dance of policy and dollars that shapes the lives of millions of North Carolinians. But her deep connection to Duke and Sanford is more than just a portion of her impressive resume; it's a through-line in her career of dedicated public service. From her days as an MPP student and teaching assistant to her recent role as an Adjunct Professor at Sanford teaching Public Budgeting and her long-serving tenure on the MPP Alumni Advisory Board, Walker's commitment to her alma mater runs as deep as her passion for sound governance – and perhaps, her enduring enthusiasm for Duke basketball.
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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?
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Thank you to our amazing alumni volunteers who recently volunteered with Sanford, on regional boards, and with affinity groups this year!
Adam Gabay PPS'16 - Alec Lintz PPS'19 - Alex Elliot PPS'16
Allison Breuer PPS'15 - Amy Bowen MPP'17 - Angela Alsobrooks PPS'93
Angeli Sharma PPS'20 - Anne Anwood PPS'05 - Anne Farland PPS'05
Ashley Gray PPS'07 - August Mao MPP'16 - Ben Marglin MPP'99
Bianca Broom PPS'99 - Carmen Simon MPP'05 - Cat Cronin MPP'20
Catalina Haaga PPS'02 - Catherine Abbott PPS'91 - Charles Hadlow PPS'01
Chase Olivieri PPS'11 - Chris Lam PPS'98 - Christine Ericson PPS'87
Christine Scott PPS'05 - Cristy Choi PPS'07 - Crystal Brown PPS'02
Daniel Karslake PPS'87 - David Garcia PPS'98 - Dennis Sills PPS'06
Derek Rhodes PPS'15 - Ed Brandon PPS'97 - Ed Joullian PPS'13
Edith Hawkins MPP'00 - Elisa Oliver PPS'15 - Elizabeth Field MPP'00
Emma Welch PPS'16 - Erin Henderlight MPP'05 - Faraz Usmani PhD'19
Gerri Kramer PPS'87 - Gonzalo Pertile MIDP'17 - Graham Williams PPS'85
Gretchen Calcagni MPP'12 - Haley Sanon PPS'17 - Himmat Patel MIDP'15
Janet Piller MPP'90 - Jeff Harris PPS'07 - Jennifer Moreno PPS'15
Jennifer Yam PPS'14 - Jodi Berlin PPS'94 - Jodi Ganz PPS'94 P'25
Joe Stevens PPS'89 - John Keener MNSP'23 - John Tolsma PPS'95
Jordan Rodriguez PPS'13 - K Derhem MPP'15 - Karen Gottlieb PPS'89
Karen Tracy PPS'83 - Kaylene Lewek PPS'07 - Kimberly Page PPS'98
Kristin Walker MPP'06 - Kurt Engleman PPS'01 - Laura Baird PPS'04
Lauren Bledsoe PPS'12 - Lauren Frazier PPS'97 - Lisa Lawson PPS'89
Liz Burger PPS'07 - Lora Mason PPS'85 - Madeline Pongor PPS'11
Madison Mastrangelo PPS'19 - Mariela Graham PPS'02 - Max Irvine MPP'15
Megan Cheney PPS'10 - Meredith Bunnel MPP'17 - Meredith Ragno PPS'12
Meril Pothen MPP'20 - Michael Brown PPS'08 - Michelle Swartz PPS'98
Mimi Bliss PPS'88 - Monique Tuttle PPS'90 - Nick Johnson MPP'94
Pat Thompson PPS'11 - Patrick Nevins MPP'16 - Paul Brathwaite MPP'93
Priyanka Kanal PPS'17 - Quauhtli Herrera MPP'17 - Rachel Leng PPS'13
Rajitha Bearden PPS'02 - Ray Li PPS'15 - Renee Thorne PPS'99
Rishonda Thomas MPP'16 - Robert Hammock PPS'93 - Robert Mason MIDP'14
Russ Richards PPS'03 - Samantha Murray PPS'01 - Sandra Brooks MPP'04
Sarah Gibbs PPS'02 - Sarah Scott PPS'06 - Shiyi Zhao PPS'06
Sofia Balino MPP'11 - Stevan Pardo PPS'81 - Steve Boland PPS'19
Steve Columbaro PPS'97 - Susan Nance PPS'84 - Susan Wilkerson PPS'83
Sydney Howland PPS'15 - Tameka Austin MPP'13 - Ted Ebel PPS'92
Tess Risi MPP'15 - Toni Friess PPS'91 - Ubong Akpaninyie PPS'12
Vincent Whalen MPP'18 - William Niver MPP'17 - Yash Bajaj MPP'20
Yori Hook MPP'23 - Zack Guffey MPP'21
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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.
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Career Advising Appointments
In light of recent federal workforce reductions and their effects across various sectors, Duke University is extending temporary career advising services to alumni adversely affected by these developments. For Duke undergraduate & Ph.D. alumni and Master’s alumni from Biostatistics, Divinity, The Graduate School, Nicholas, and Sanford.
- Alumni will request a Handshake account by visiting https://duke.joinhandshake.com/login (to expedite the process we suggest you sign up for an @alumni.duke.edu email account.)
- Refer to the Getting Started with Handshake article for more information.
- Duke Career Center staff will review these requests, confirm that the person requesting is a Duke alum, and grant access. Please allow 2-3 business days for verification and approval of account.
- Alumni will have access to the two designated part-time advisors via Handshake Appointment: Alumni Career Advising.
- Advisors will also provide referrals to professional school career centers if they serve alumni.
What Alumni Can Expect from Advising Appointments:
Career advising appointments will cover these topics:
- Career exploration, career transition, career decision-making, interviewing, application material reviews, negotiation strategies, networking, and job search strategies
- For questions/needs outside this scope of practice, referrals may be made to outside organizations or Duke offices, as appropriate.
We also encourage you to consider the list of Alumni Career Coaches curated by Duke Alumni Engagement and Development. These alumni are trained professional coaches you can engage to work with you in your process.
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Resources for Alumni in Job Transitions
Sanford’s alumni network is a powerful and supportive community, and we are actively mobilizing to provide guidance and resources. If you have job leads, mentorship opportunities, or insights to share, we invite you to extend a helping hand to fellow alumni in transition. We will continue to look for ways to strengthen our network and provide meaningful assistance during this season.
Sanford’s Career Services team offers resources to alumni, in particular the latest addition of alumni in job transition resources. Check back often to access the most recent resources.
Update Your Duke Alumni Profile
Keeping your alumni profile up to date ensures that your most current information and interests are viewable to all Duke alumni. The directory allows you to filter by location, affinities at Duke, your professional connections, and more.
Utilize Ask a Blue Devil
Ask a Blue Devil is a Duke alumni resource that connects you with the best alumni experts. This tool is a way for alumni to pay it forward by offering advice and introductions or asking for advice and introductions. With over 200,000 Duke alumni around the world, this tool is a great connector.
Update Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a great way to share your professional background and highlights, all while connecting with fellow alumni. Be sure to follow Duke Sanford and explore the multiple LinkedIn groups affiliated with Duke, including Duke Sanford School of Public Policy Career Group.
CivicMatch
Civic Match by Work for America is a nonpartisan program connecting federal workers and campaign staff with meaningful roles in state and local governments across the country. Connecting top public sector talent with essential local government jobs.
Supporting Federal Employees Through Change
This hub is a resource that the questions Partnership for Public Services are frequently asked about how various proposals may affect federal employees, to create a safe space for information sharing and community building, and to respond to what they need in this moment and in the months to come.
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The Sanford Memo will be on summer break in July. Look for your next issue in August. |
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Sanford School Alumni & Giving
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