The Alumni Council is comprised of Nicholas School of the Environment Alums who are elected by the school to serve on a Board for a period of three years each. The Council is responsible for fostering better relationships between alumni, alumni and the school, and between alumni and the student body. Their mandate is ultimately to serve the school on a range of issues as set forth by the Dean of the Nicholas School. The Council convenes once a semester on Duke’s campus to engage with students and to discuss initiatives and also participates in frequent communications with school administration throughout the year.

Letter from the President

Kim Cesafsky
Kim DuBose MEM/MF'14

Dear Nicholas School Alumni,

Like you, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Nicholas School.  I have so many fond memories and hold dearly to the connections and friendships that will last me a lifetime.  It is because of my love for our alma mater that I first took interest in the Alumni Council.  I am excited to be an integral part of the Nicholas School Alumni Council, helping to create new opportunities for each of us to stay connected, to support each other, and to lead the way for future graduating classes.

My favorite thing about my time on the Alumni Council thus far has been the opportunity to meet you, my fellow alumni, and learn about your lives and careers. It’s made me incredibly proud to be a member of the NSOE community and I can’t wait for many new introductions during my time as President.  I am committed to leading the Alumni Council in our continued mission to:

  • Create opportunities for alumni to stay connected with the school and with each other
  • Support current students as they navigate their time at the Nic school and the beginning (or continuation) of their careers
  • Provide insight and/or assistance to administration and faculty as they work to create an unparalleled experience for current and future students

There is still a great deal we can do to strengthen our alma mater and we need YOU to accomplish our goals!  I invite you to be a part of the Go · Grow · Give program.

  • Go to local Duke events virtually and/or in your community when safe to do so to represent the Nicholas School.
  • Grow your wealth of knowledge and experience with students and fellow alumni, as well as help to identify the future environmental leaders of the world and encourage them to attend the Nicholas School. Volunteer as a mentor, alumni speaker at a virtual/in-person event (when possible).
  • Give a donation of any size in support of the school’s important work. Robust participation of all Nicholas alumni is vital to our success.

Join me in supporting the amazing alumni, students, faculty, and staff that make the NSOE community unlike any other! 

 

Forever Duke,

Kim DuBose

MEM/MF ‘14
President – Nicholas School Alumni Council

Benefits & Expectations

Potential Benefits

  • Connect with the school from a strategic position
  • Influence the direction of how the school engages with alumni
  • Learn more about the school and broaden your perspectives on current issues/ topics
  • Improve alumni relations for the school and university by sharing your individual knowledge and skills
  • Receive exposure to other disciplines and professions which you may not encounter in your “day job”
  • Strengthen your reputation and build your personal brand
  • Enrich your career and/or professional development
  • Have access to new networks that may not have been previously available or considered
  • Get advanced invitations to university and school-related events and programs
  • Have fun!

Time Commitments

  • Attend on-campus business meetings twice a year — one in the fall and one in the spring. Meetings typically begin with dinner on Thursday evening, followed by our business meeting on Friday morning through late afternoon. Due to special on-campus events, meetings can be scheduled during the week or at a different time than usual, if deemed appropriate.
  • Attend virtual business meetings held approximately three to four times annually
  • Actively engage as alumni leaders 3-5 hours monthly

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

  • “Lead by example” in supporting the school as volunteers and donors
  • Serve as an ambassador by pro-actively staying apprised of activities, plans, and needs of the school; share pertinent information with your Nicholas School networks.
  • Participate effectively in a collaborative group process, provide feedback in a respectful manner, and be open to a variety of recommendations
  • Respond to requests via email and phone for feedback or assistance

 

Interested in joining the Alumni Council? Contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, Christy Thompson.