Service-Learning at Duke University

One of the most beloved people at Duke — and it’s easy to see why.

David Malone (center, in the blue shirt) is a longtime educator and the founding director of Duke Service-Learning, a role he held from 2006 to 2022. On the last day of class, his students asked to celebrate outside — singing and dancing on the quad.

As Dean Gary Bennett wrote: “David understands that learning isn’t just about what happens inside four walls, but also about how we show up for each other with compassion, curiosity, creativity, and joy.”

We couldn’t agree more. 💙

Beyond the noise, this is the university I know… On the last day of… | Gary Bennett | 24 comments Beyond the noise, this is the university I know… On the last day of class, David Malone—who embodies the very best of Duke’s undergraduate experience—asked his students how they should spend their final session. Their answer? Let us express ourselves. So this afternoon, David moved the class...

✨ Introducing the 2025 Betsy Alden Award Recipients! ✨

Each year, the Betsy Alden Awards honor outstanding individuals in service-learning—students, faculty, and community partners—who exemplify deep collaboration, reflection, and a commitment to community-rooted learning.

This year’s recipients are:
Faculty: Susie Post-Rust
Community Partner: Bonnie Wang
Students: Alexis Mosu and Niki Young

From classrooms to community centers, each of them brings heart, creativity, and dedication to their work. Join us in celebrating their powerful contributions!