Building Alumni Connections

Alumni Connections

Wherever you are on your journey, the Forever Duke community of 195,000+ alumni are here to help! Whether you have 5 minutes, 15 or more, here are three easy ways to start connecting.

5 minutes

5 minutes Fill out a short form with a request for advice or connection using Ask A Blue Devil. You can hear back from AI selected alums by email as soon as the next day!

15 minutes

15 minutes Search Duke's private alumni directory by industry, location, identity, or company, and reach out to specific people for opportunities and discovery. Use the directory combined with LinkedIn to find the best contacts!

1 hour

1 hour Join small-group alumni-student dinners, coffee chats, and more with Duke alumni through Karsh Conversations. Get on the list to be invited to the next event!

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Dear Blue Devil: Advice to Current Students

A Blue Devil’s path isn’t always a straight line. In honor of the Duke University Centennial (1924-2024), we've asked 100 alumni to share advice with today’s students. Want more inspiration? Discover all alumni by logging into the directory.

Profile image of Biridiana Rodriguez '13
Duke 100 Centennial logo

Dear Blue Devil

I'm Biridiana Rodriguez '13

I Studied: Sociology, Education

My Current Job: Deputy Chief of Quality & Accountability at School District of Philadelphia, Charter Schools Office. I lead my office's evaluation work that directly informs the Board of Education's charter authorizing decisions.

My First Job: Third Grade Teacher with Durham Public Schools

My Biggest Fail: My biggest failure has also been my biggest lesson: Enduring rejection from multiple jobs when transitioning from grad school into school systems work taught me to be patient and far more intentional.

My Duke Takeaway: Duke taught me the value of connection. At Duke, you cement your identity. It is critical to be yourself in all the spaces you occupy.

My Duke Memory: April 5, 2010. Watching the championship game against Butler inside Cameron Indoor with all the other Crazies on the verge of panic, tears, and utter joy.

Profile image of Maria Fernanda Diago LL.M.'16
Duke 100 Centennial logo

Dear Blue Devil

I'm Maria Fernanda Diago LL.M.'16

I Studied: Law

My Current Job: Partner, Banking and Finance at Brigard Urrutia. I negotiate important financings and advise on regulatory matters.

My Biggest Fail: Failed my “Negotiable Instruments” class in law school, and this is what I do today.

My Proudest Moment: I became the youngest partner (at 33) in the best law firm in Colombia.

My Word of Advice: What you think is a failure today will be your biggest accomplishment tomorrow, so don't dwell on it and choose to enjoy life instead.

Profile image of Nicole Schlegel '02
Duke 100 Centennial logo

Dear Blue Devil

I'm Nicole Schlegel '02

I Studied: English Literature with a Film & Video Certificate

My Current Job: Vice President of Global Digital Marketing at Universal Pictures. I've worked on more than 100 film campaigns, including titles such as Oppenheimer, Oscar-nominated Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Straight Outta Compton.

My Proudest Moment: Personally, it was surviving the pandemic while working remotely and helping my now 9-year-old through virtual kindergarten and most of first grade. Professionally, I’m proud to be the first black VP in our digital marketing department

My Word of Advice: As you move up in your career, make sure to extend a seat at the table for someone else. And, try to lead with empathy and show up with authenticity.

My Duke Memory: Cheerleading at the 2001 Men’s Basketball National Championship

Profile image of Nick Sanders J.D. '18
Duke 100 Centennial logo

Dear Blue Devil

I'm Nick Sanders J.D. '18

I Studied: Juris Doctor (JD) program

My Current Job: Director of Externships at Campbell University School of Law. I manage and teach in the law school's field placement program.

My First Job: My first job was a runner at an insurance defense law firm in Charleston, SC

My Proudest Moment: Arguing a case at the North Carolina Supreme Court within my first few years of law practice.

My Word of Advice: Take advantage of all the resources that Duke has to offer - from the professors to the alumni willing to talk with you about their experiences and career paths, to insightful events.

Profile image of Luke Maslow '01
Duke 100 Centennial logo

Dear Blue Devil

I'm Luke Maslow '01

I Studied: Public Policy, Economics

My Current Job: Co-Founder of APG Emerging Tech. I set the course, spark ideas, rally the team, and remove clients' stressors.

My Proudest Moment: In 2014, I became a private pilot, which made possible 10 years (and counting) of memorable trips with my husband throughout the U.S.

My Duke Takeaway: Value the professors who truly challenge you to do more than you think is possible. They are the ones you will remember (and thank) years after graduation!

My Word of Advice: Build professional relationships outside of the company for whom you work. No matter what you do or where you go, you'll appreciate having a diverse network you can lean on in the future.