What People Are Saying About Duke Conversations
Everyone who attends a Conversation has something positive to say. Learn about the experience from past guests, attendees, and hosts.
- "The idea that you can call up anybody you think might be interesting, no matter how accomplished or outstanding, and bring them to Duke to talk with you and a couple of other students, seems preposterous. Yet, this is what the Conversations program has provided me for four years. The night was boisterous at some times, quiet at others. We talked, we commiserated, and the topics ranged from serious to comical. Duke always promotes student-faculty interaction and tells us how easy it is to sit down with great minds. But honestly, only at Duke Conversations have I had the opportunity to experience this. It not only gives me to opportunity to sit down with brilliant people and talk to them about anything I want, it also allows me to choose exactly which people to sit down with. Thank you for a wonderful experience." ~Andrew Tutt, student
- “Not only did the program provide the means for the Conversation in terms of the food, people, and the locale, it also provided an interactive and collaborative atmosphere that encouraged me to think more deeply about my own educational career and to consider options to which I had previously been ignorant. I am very grateful to the Duke Conversations program for furnishing me with this invaluable experience.” ~ Werapong Goo, student
- "During the Conversation, we mostly focused on discussing the implications of racism, prejudice, and privilege in our lives. Everyone left feeling a bit challenged, but in a good way. I think the Conversation served to push everyone's comfort level a bit and really make everyone think about how we experience interracial relations in our everyday lives." ~Melanie Tannenbaum, student
- "I think that this event has helped to impact my professional goals because it showed me how it is not always important where you start out. What is more important is how you take the information and knowledge that you gain from you first job and apply it to future endeavors until you find what is right for you." ~Christine Reny, student
- "The students were very engaged and had read some of my work prior to my arrival. We talked about some tough issues, such as race, privilege, power, and oppression – tough topics to discuss over a two-hour dinner! Yet, it was wonderful to be in an intimate setting where every voice could be heard in the conversation. I truly enjoyed this experience! The Duke Conversations event was as stimulating and engaging for me as it was for the participants. I strongly believe in the work you are doing here, and hope to see this continue for many more years to come!" ~Liza Talusan-Vega, Director of Intercultural Affairs, Stonehill College, Conversations guest
- "Mr. Zacka spoke about the artistic movement called 'Les Situationistes Internationales' which began in France. He spoke about their philosophies of changing the way we view our world and live our lives. They claim that in today's society we are all simply spectators and that we accept the definitions of our world that are given to us. He then tied that in to the current political situation and how during the debates and the general election fuss, we play no real part and are essentially spectators. This generated quite a discussion with the students who attended and we talked about what art has become and how to define this kind of philosophy and how to apply it to everyday life without resulting in anarchy." ~Carolyn McDaniel, student
- “The students truly learned a lot from Dr. Rasmussen, and I think that she enjoyed the event as well. On top of that, the students got the time to bond with each other. To me, this is the most important aspect of Duke Conversations. Students need to be exposed to intellectual conversation and stimulating ideas, but we also need to strengthen our sense of community in Duke. I saw friendships being made tonight between people that had never met. It was very inspiring.” ~Jeremy Crawford, student
- “Planning a Conversation isn't as much work as it might seem. You have to be dedicated to getting the person to campus and that means doing the paperwork involved. But remember what it's all about: inviting this person you're interested in to go out to dinner with you and friends. The process is streamlined, it just takes initiative, and a willingness to make that first call to invite the person.” ~Kyle Knight, student
- "[Student host] Taylor Clarke is an extraordinary young woman. She was a delightful and very efficient host. She conceived the idea for my visit and presentation, helped me with all aspects of the experience, set up several ancillary meetings during my stay, invited a curious and engaged group to dinner, and left no detail to chance." ~Michael Hobbs, former CEO of Hobbs, Inc., Conversations guest
- “One of the main points that I will take from our Conversation is that being a leader is not just about leading – sometimes in order to lead, one must learn to follow. I hope to take this learning experience and apply it to the rest of my time at Duke.” ~Wen Lin, student
- “Dr. Hesbrook was extremely knowledgeable and actively engaged with the students. He not only seemed interested in our own opinions, but offered unique insights that only he, as FEMA’s Tribal liaison, could give. I believe every member at the Conversation gained a new understanding of the government, tribal governments and what it means to ‘think Native.’” ~Spencer Eldred, student
- “I actually want to work in the Middle East, particularly Iraq, sometime after I graduate, and thus it was very good for me to hear more about the country from the perspective of someone who actually was born and lived there. Now, it has made me think a little bit more about how I can contribute to helping Iraq and the surrounding area.” ~Guen Han, student
- “We discussed human rights during war and issues such as child soldiers, the following of human rights during war, and the expectations of the international community in regards to nations in conflict. The Conversation gave us a deeper understanding of the conflict as well as of the problems faced by Amnesty International in formulating and implementing human rights during wars and conflicts.” ~Agnieszka Zielinska, student
- “It was amazing to have Stan Honda come here and speak about how the Vietnamese-American community in America responded to the Katrina disaster. His insight that this grass-root response from an ethnic community was more effective than the national government's response was especially shocking. The event was a great opportunity to learn about photography, Katrina, and the Vietnamese-American community. This was very inspiring for me.” ~Quang Pham, student
- “I wanted to personally thank you for the opportunity to visit Duke and speak with the members of our Lambda Phi Epsilon chapter. I hope this was a great opportunity for them to learn more about the organization as well as build upon their current leadership. From my experiences, this is a great program for the individual members of the school and I'm encouraged to know that there are universities looking to help benefit their students strive to become more outside the realm of academics." ~Christopher Sheng, 2007-2008 Lambda Phi Epsilon National President, Conversations guest
- “So often students feel that success eludes them unless they have that consulting or investment banking job lined up prior to graduation. Professor Frey made us realize that now is the prime time to take risks and pursue unconventional paths because one never knows what is bound to follow.” ~Anne Beaubrun, student
- “The Conversation was a hit. Students really enjoyed and took advantage of the opportunity to talk with Mr. Jou about the pros and cons of I-banking as they went through the internship application process. They also got tips on interviewing and resume preparation, as well as insight into Wall Street.” ~Lily Chen, student
- “The Conversation was a way to really just put all questions on the table and get a great and meaningful response that wasn't calculated or political or inconsequential and overly epigrammatic. The dinner began at six and by 11:30, we were still deep in Conversation.” ~Philip Wolfe, student
- "It was a joy to present my well received nature photography program at the new and fabulous audio video center at Duke Marine Lab. My host managed to generate interest to fill the room full of smiling young folks who share my passion for nature and its conservation. Their questions were intelligent. I enjoyed several meals with the students and faculty where we shared views on politics, music, and education. It was a real growth experience for us all." ~Steve Cirone, nature photographer, Conversations guest
- “Duke Conversations allowed me to combine two of my favorite things: good food and meaningful conversation.” ~Andrew Zonderman, student