This month marked an exciting endeavor as the Duke Center for Community Engagement officially launched. The center aims to bridge the gap between the university and the Durham community, promoting collaboration on pressing societal challenges. Duke Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) faculty members Barbara Hooper, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, (on left) Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and OTD Division Chief; Denise Nepveux, PhD, OTR/L, (on right) Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; and Anne Berry, PhD, who teaches a community service-learning elective for the Schools of Medicine and Nursing, hosted a table at the networking mixer.
The launch event brought together community, government, and university leaders to discuss the power of collaboration and its potential impact on Durham and beyond. It was designed to inspire attendees with stories of successful community partnerships, emphasizing the potential of deeper cooperation to address emerging challenges. University leaders, community activists, and government representatives shared their vision for the future, underscoring how cross-sector collaboration can lead to tangible, positive change.
The event also provided a platform for Duke OTD to connect with peers from across the university and explore new opportunities for collaboration. By showcasing ongoing partnerships, it highlighted how interdisciplinary work between Duke and the community can create lasting, meaningful impact.
Dr. Nepveux shared, "The Duke Center for Community Engagement launch marks an exciting opportunity for our OTD program to deepen our ties with the Durham community. By fostering partnerships, we are enhancing our students' learning experiences and impacting the well-being of our neighbors. Together, we can create meaningful change through collaboration."
Duke’s OTD program fosters strong ties with the Durham community through various collaborative initiatives, including research, fieldwork experiences, and capstone projects. OTD students are frequently involved in community service projects, contributing directly to local initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Durham.
OTD students gain valuable, hands-on experience by participating in community-based projects while supporting the local population's well-being. These partnerships significantly benefit the students and the Durham community, creating a culture of service, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Notable Community Engagement Initiatives:
- January 2025: OTD students volunteered at the Samuel Green Community Garden on MLK Day, assisting with garden maintenance and enhancement efforts.
- Spring 2024: OTD students participated in the Keep Durham Beautiful Tree-Planting event, contributing to the beautification and sustainability of Durham’s environment.
- January 2023: OTD students participated in the Geer Cemetery Clean-Up on MLK Day, supporting preserving Durham’s historic sites.
The Duke Center for Community Engagement is dedicated to championing community-engaged scholarship, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges, and fostering partnerships that strengthen the Durham community's academic growth and social fabric. The OTD program plays a pivotal role, and Duke is proud to contribute to the community and continue its service, learning, and innovation tradition.