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:
We invite Duke Service-Learning faculty and their community partners to our annual Community Partners Breakfast—a morning of celebration, connection, and conversation. This is a wonderful opportunity… read more about Community Partner Breakfast »
Past Events:
Faculty affiliated with Duke Service-Learning are warmly invited to our Spring 2026 Virtual Town Hall. This gathering will provide space for updates and reflection on our shared work. read more about SLCE Virtual Town Hall »
Through asset mapping, students learn a strengths-based approach to community-engaged work. In a service-learning context, they gain appreciation for the unique attributes that constitute a community… read more about Teaching Asset Mapping through Community-Engaged Projects »
Stay for the full three hours or just as long as you’re able — all participation is welcome.Join the Duke Service-Learning team for a Community Action Day on Friday, October 3, 2025, (9 am-12 pm) at… read more about Community Action Day: Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina »
You’re invited!Faculty affiliated with Duke Service-Learning are warmly invited to our Fall 2025 Virtual Town Hall. This gathering will provide space for updates and reflection on our shared work in… read more about Fall 2025 SLCE Virtual Town Hall »