September was packed with events hosted by the Hart Leadership Program— from ice cream at our Open House to a weekend retreat in the woods and a full-day symposium on public purpose. Here’s what might have been missed (and how to join in next time).
During the Open House, Professor Andrew Nurkin and Patman Fellows, Ranjan Jindal (T’26), Ishita Vaid (T’26), and Mariana Meza (T’26), talk with each other.
HLP Open House (September 3)
It was a positively buzzing afternoon—the weather was perfect, plenty of sweets, and a crowd that filled the space from start to finish. The second annual Hart Leadership Open House brought together representatives from multiple Hart programs to share their experiences and give students a firsthand look at the leadership opportunities available at Duke. By the end of the afternoon, new connections had formed, ideas were sparked, and many left inspired to explore the programs more deeply.
Laidlaw Scholars Fall Retreat (September 5-6, 2025)
Set against the peaceful backdrop of the Avila Center for Community Leadership in north Durham, second-year Laidlaw Scholars spent two days reflecting on their Research Summer, deepening their bonds as a cohort, and planning ahead for their Leadership-in-Practice summer experiences. The retreat blended creativity and reflection: Scholars mapped their journeys using river metaphors, wrote letters to their future selves, and shared s’mores around a campfire. The weekend closed with a circle of gratitude, as each Scholar lifted up a peer’s contributions and goals for the year ahead—a fitting reminder of the community at the heart of the program.
Group photo of the Laidlaw cohort outside at the Avila Center.
Public Purpose Symposium (September 24, 2025)
Major Richmond (Laidlaw Scholar) discusses his project to a student during the first student poster session.
A new annual event for Hart Leadership, the Public Purpose Symposium began with coffee, pastries, and rows of poster presentations that turned Fleishman Commons into a hub of ideas. Former Hart Fellows Corali Francisco (T’24), Rishab Jagetia (T’24), and Ruthie Kesri (T’24) joined more than thirty current Hart Leadership students to present projects ranging from AI’s influence on the music industry to how local government interacts with communities to the many different facets of community healthcare. With three poster sessions throughout the day, the energy never flagged—each presentation brought connection, passion, and insight.
Corali talking to attendees at the roundtable lunch during the Public Purpose Symposium.
At lunchtime, students and faculty gathered for small-group roundtables led by Hart Fellows. Corali explored how arts and culture can empower youth to reclaim identity. Rishab challenged participants to rethink environmental justice through the lens of indigenous land stewardship. Ruthie highlighted how deep listening can transform local governance and strengthen communities. Each session fostered candid conversation and ambitious ideas in an intimate setting.
Later that afternoon, four students—Ranjan Jindal (T’26, Patman Fellow), Sydney Weiner (T’26, LAPI Fellow), Sean Smith (T’26, SOL Fellow), and Angela Chen (T’27, Laidlaw Scholar)—joined Professor Andrew Nurkin for a panel on the question, “What is your public purpose?” In a thoughtful exchange enriched by audience questions, they shared diverse perspectives on how to find purpose, impact, and leadership in their time at Duke.
The Patman Fellows closed the day with a private conversation with former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg followed by his campus-wide lecture in Page Auditorium. For a full recap of Buttigieg’s visit, see this news story from the Sanford School.
Ranjan Jindal speaks on his experiences at the student panel at the Public Purpose Symposium. Left to right: Ranjan Jindal (T’26, Patman), Sean Smith (T’26, SOL), Angela Chen (T’27, Laidlaw Scholars), Sydney Weiner (T’26, LAPI) and Professor Andrew Nurkin.
Looking Ahead
September highlighted just how many ways there are to engage with the Hart Leadership Program—and this is only the beginning. To stay connected, sign up for the Hart Beat newsletter and follow the Hart Leadership Program on Instagram for student stories, event highlights, and future opportunities.