This past year has brought lots of opportunities to reflect on what really matters.
Our school’s namesake, Terry Sanford, encouraged students to do their work with a purpose. He said: “I’ve said to students, if you get into politics, you ought to get in with the frame of mind that winning is not everything. And if standing for something defeats you, so be it. Stand for something.”
Terry Sanford’s words continue to inspire Sanford’s community. Throughout the fall semester, Sanford invited speakers who shared how and why they stand for important topics connected to policy, topics including democracy, justice, equity, community and human rights.
As we head into the holiday season and the end of 2020, Dean Judith Kelley is challenging the Sanford community – students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends – to reflect on the word or concept that each person stands for.
What do you stand for?
Click on this link to share your word, and if you wish, a brief reflection.
We want to hear from you, but please take time to reflect. The link above will be active through Jan. 15 to encourage as many responses as possible from our community. These shared reflections will be useful as Sanford kicks off the spring semester in early 2021, and to celebrate 50 years of public policy at Duke beginning in fall 2021.
Your reflection is important to our community and to Sanford’s mission: to improve lives and communities by researching the most pressing public policy issues and preparing students for lives of leadership, civic engagement and public service.