2025–26 Annual Theme: Being Rather Than Seeming

This year, Duke Service-Learning takes inspiration from North Carolina’s state motto: Esse Quam Videri — “to be rather than to seem.” Our work in service-learning has aspired to authentic engagement, rooted in real connection with communities. 

We invite faculty, students, and partners to reflect on what it means to truly “be” genuinely engaged. How can we recognize the quiet, consistent contributions that don’t always make the news, and value presence, thoughtfulness, and care over optics? That is, to be rather than to seem. 

Together, we’ll explore what authentic engagement looks like across our courses, partnerships, and events this year.

Stay tuned to learn more about our upcoming events and programming!

Upcoming Events:

Past Events: