WORKING@DUKE
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DUKE RANKED AMONG BEST
Says who? Several prestigious publications and organizations name Duke a best place to work.
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COMMEMORATING MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Duke hosts January events, including a speech by the president of the Children’s Defense Fund.
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SUSTAINABLE DUKE
Water conversation is critical since weather forecasters predict a dry winter following one of the driest summers.
NEWS YOU CAN USE :: Volume 2, Issue 10 :: December/January 2008
Giving Back
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Ben Ward, associate professor of philosophy and associate dean for faculty programs at Duke, volunteers as a cook in the Urban Ministries kitchen in Durham.
D U K E F A C U LT Y A N D S T A F F O F F E R K N O W L E D G E I N S E R V I C E T O S O C I E T Y “Every day, I learn of another person connected to Duke giving back lames flickered from gas burners under a large stock pot overflowing to the community, and that inspires me to keep doing what I do,” said with hot dogs. As the water reached a rolling boil, Ben Ward, an Sarah Fish, director of trust and estate administration for Duke associate professor of philosophy at Duke, quickly turned his Development, and board president of the Volunteer Center of Durham. attention to a pot of macaroni. Moving methodically as he worked, Ward was the epitome of efficiency in the Urban Ministries kitchen in Durham. “I truly believe that a lot of our world’s problems would be solved if each An award-winning pianist who teaches philosophy, Arabic and person would help at least one other person in some way. I really believe Germanic studies, Ward waved a large metal spoon as if conducting a Durham is just beginning to realize its amazing potential. And Duke is a symphony. This time, the music was a meal for 220 homeless clients. huge part of that.” “The main reason I enjoy volunteering is because I learn a lot from doing so,” said Ward, who has volunteered at the Liberty Street shelter for 20 years. “The lessons I’ve learned make me a much different and better person.” As Patty Croom and Clover, a 3-month-old Labrador Ward is among hundreds of Duke faculty and mix, stepped outside the Animal Protection Society of staff who volunteer to benefit the local community. Durham, the timid puppy tugged at the leash. The main They serve through the Duke-Durham “You can tell she isn’t used to having a collar on,” reason I enjoy Neighborhood Partnership, the Volunteer Center of said Croom, a service representative at the Duke Durham and other Triangle agencies. The Consultation and Referral Center. She has volunteered volunteering is because I Neighborhood Partnership and the Volunteer Center at the shelter since 1991. “This puppy, like many others, learn a lot from doing so. help connect people with places that need assistance. came into the shelter as a stray. Fortunately, this one The lessons I’ve learned “Volunteerism among Duke employees is alive already has an adoption pending.” and well,” said Sam Miglarese, director of Croom volunteers as an adoption counselor once a make me a much different Community Engagement for the Office of month and serves on the board of directors and chairs and better person.” Community Affairs, which oversees the of the animal control advisory committee. She is among Neighborhood Partnership. “Whether it is feeding the about 15 Duke faculty and staff who volunteer at the — Ben Ward homeless in Durham, or giving up leave time to travel shelter. Duke Associate Professor of Philosophy to the Gulf coast to participate in the rebuilding of Volunteers feed, bathe, walk and care for nearly New Orleans, the Duke family is well represented.” 7,000 animals each year at the shelter. The facility also Across campus, Duke faculty and staff volunteer provides low-cost rabies and microchip clinics to the and apply knowledge in the service of society. Bob Newlin, the provost’s public, and educational programs to local schools and civic groups. office chief analyst and tech director, helps develop Web sites for faith“I think that speaks very highly of Duke to have so many caring based humanitarian groups. Math and physics professor Ronen Plesser employees,” said Simon Woodrup, the shelter’s volunteer coordinator. “It shares scientific knowledge with public school students through an outreach shows that people who work at Duke want to help the entire community.” program. And Duke’s Facilities Management Department employees build Croom, who has two cats and two dogs at home, said volunteering playgrounds at public parks and beautify school landscapes. allows her to give back to animals that have given her enjoyment.
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>> See VOLUNTEERS, PAGE 5
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