America at 250
As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we look at the milestone through our work and engagement across campus and in the community. Follow along to see how Duke is committed to the fundamental tenets on which our country was built.
- Students walking toward the camera in front of the reflecting pool in Washington, DC with the Washington Monument in the background
- A screen that says “I voted early” in the Karsh Alumni & Visitors center where early voting is held for Durham
- The American, North Carolina and Duke flags flying in front of the Allen building on campus
- ROTC members in fatigues huddle and discussing plans in Duke Forest
- A wall of art reflecting on democracy in the Nasher and students coloring in said art
- Duke students chatting at the base of the Washington monument with American flags waving in the wind
Checks and Balances
Duke scholars reflect on how their fields can help push forward our founding ideals.
Lessons From the Declaration of Independence
Duke faculty write about the meaning of the Declaration of Independence and its impact on their fields today.
A Psychologist on Belonging
Sarah Gaither
A Computer Scientist on the Pursuit of Happiness
Jian Pei
A Mathematician on What Drives Our Society
Jonathan Mattingly
Voices and Histories
The Nation’s Evolving Identity
A Duke and Durham collaboration explores who “the people” have been and who we hope to become – with performances, exhibitions and conversations through 2027.
Collective Action
How Curiosity is Key to Democracy
In this podcast, historian Gunther Peck and student Hannah McKnight (T’22) discuss the importance of listening to and learning from each other.
Equality
From education to healthcare, Duke is committed to advocating for equal protections and opportunities.
Opportunity For Youth
Hands-on Experiences in Healthcare
The first group of local students enrolled in the Durham Early College for Health Sciences concluded its first year. The program allows the students to graduate with their high school diploma while earning an associate degree or workforce credentials — at no cost.
The Right to Education
Support for a Vulnerable Population of Students
A Duke law clinic went to bat for incarcerated juveniles whose right to special education services had been denied.
Fundamental Freedoms
We celebrate the First Amendment with an unrestricted exchange of ideas — from inviting a range of speakers to Duke to encouraging ways to talk across differences.
Diverse Voices
Maintaining Collegiality
Justice Amy Coney Barrett on Making Big Decisions
Justice Barrett talks with Duke Law students about the influences that have shaped her thinking.
Transformative Ideas
Arthur Brooks on Finding Happiness
The author joins a campus discussion about how we can make our minds more receptive to seeking and identifying meaning.
Divergent Perspectives
Two Senators Find Common Ground
The Sanford School of Public Policy hosted the two senators to talk about the potential for bipartisan healthcare policy.
Reconciliation
Navigating Conflict in Houses of Worship
A Duke Divinity School program helps church leaders mediate disagreement within their congregations.
Pursuit of Progress
The pursuit of new ideas, discoveries and entrepreneurship in science, health and technology improves lives and moves the world forward.
Design Studio
Train Troops to Think Like Professional Innovators
An intensive program gives service members the tools to pitch, prototype and scale defense innovations that address real battlefield needs.
Hands-on Learning
Preparing the Next Generation of Strategists
The American Grand Strategy program is a living classroom where students recreate historic American military campaigns where they actually happened.
Public Health
A Statewide Effort to Break Records in CPR Training
A partnership among researchers at Duke Clinical Research Institute, emergency medical services, hospitals and law enforcement agencies throughout North Carolina aims to improve outcomes for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims.
Real-World Needs
A Global Partnership Will Lead to Better Solutions in the U.S.
A cross-Pacific initiative is designed to build sustained research and education collaborations that can move promising ideas towards real-world impact, at home and globally.
Better Outcomes
Reimagining the Veteran’s Journey
When military service ends, veterans ask, “What’s next?” A lab tackles how veterans adjust to civilian work life.
Help for PTSD
Where High-Tech and Neuroscience Meet to Provide Relief for PTSD
Neuroscientist Nanthia Suthana uses virtual reality, brain implants and immersive neuroimaging to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) find relief.
Promote the General Welfare
Our community service and partnerships aim to create meaningful impact in Durham and throughout North Carolina.
A New Kind of House Call
A Telehealth Program Is a Lifeline for Homebound Patients
A program launched by Duke medical students addresses the needs of homebound patients in Durham.
Rural Outreach
Bringing Healthcare to Where People Are
A mobile health program goes into rural communities to conduct health screenings. Students met with more than 700 local residents on a trip to Pamlico County.