Public Purpose Symposium

Public Purpose Symposium

September 17, 2026

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.

Learn More

All are welcome!

Please be in contact with Dr. Lucy Ballard (lucy.ballard@duke.edu) with any questions about the Public Purpose Symposium.