Public Purpose Symposium
September 17, 2026
Event Details
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Fleishman Commons, Sanford Hall
Public Purpose Symposium
Public Purpose Symposium 2026
Join the Hart Leadership Program for the second annual Public Purpose Symposium as we celebrate and explore community-engaged research and leadership in conversation with Hart Leadership Program students. Throughout the day, you'll have opportunities to hear students share their learning from collaborative community-based projects, connect with peers and alumni, and take part in lively conversations about making an impact through research and service. From poster sessions and lunchtime roundtable discussions to a special keynote address, the Symposium invites attendees to explore public purpose while highlighting both the creativity and the real-world relevance of student work in partnership with communities.
Schedule
All events held in Fleishman Commons, Sanford School unless otherwise indicated.
10:00 AM — 12:00 PM
Hart Leadership Student Poster Sessions
Exploring community-engaged research and leadership with Hart Leadership students
Coffee and refreshments provided
12:15 PM — 1:15 PM
Lunchtime Roundtable Discussions
Facilitated by Past Hart Fellows
To attend a lunchtime roundtable, you must register ahead of time. Registration is now open and closes on Thursday, September 10th.
2:30 PM — 3:30 PM
Hart Leadership Student Poster Session
5:30 PM — 6:30 PM (Sanford 04)
What Public, What Purpose?
40 Years in International Journalism and Education
Keynote Address by Maria Balinska
former Executive Director of the US-UK Fulbright Commission.
Co-sponsored with the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy, POLIS: Center for Politics, and the Program in American Grand Strategy
No registration required. All are welcome.
All are welcome!
Please be in contact with Dr. Lucy Ballard (lucy.ballard@duke.edu) with any questions about the Public Purpose Symposium.
