Volunteer Fair Connects Students with Nonprofits

Organizations seek a range of commitments, from one-time events to regular service hours

Student at the volunteer fair talking to people at a Habitat for humanities table
Duke sophomore Samantha Zhu, right, talks with representatives of Habitat for Humanity of Durham during volunteer fair.

The recent Centennial Volunteer Fair at Duke University connected more than 250 students with a variety of service opportunities in the Triangle area. This annual event has been a cornerstone for fostering relationships between the Duke community and local nonprofits, growing and evolving over 48 years of continuous operation.

“I enjoyed learning and asking questions about each organization through conversations,” said Catherine Kiplagat, a Duke junior majoring in public policy and global health. “It's important for students to give back to the community they call home for years." 

This year, more than 50 organizations from Durham, Orange and Wake County gathered on campus for the fair to meet and engage with students, faculty and staff. The event provided an informal platform for new volunteer relationships to form and for existing interests to deepen.

Kyle Coburn from The Miracle League of the Triangle said, “I chatted with an interested student for a long time at the end of the fair, which makes events like these completely worth it.” The Miracle League provides children with special needs the opportunity to play baseball.

“It’s important for students to give back to the community they call home for years.”

Catherine Kiplagat, Duke junior

Thanks to Duke’s partnership with the Triangle Nonprofit Volunteer and Leadership Center, the event showcased a wide range of missions, including climate, education, youth development, health, affordable housing, and the arts. Organizations also sought a range of commitments, from one-time “Iron Smashing” events at Liberty Arts, to weekly afterschool lessons with Kidznotes, to double-digit regular hours at Habitat for Humanity.

Rev. Sharon Freeland of Orange Congregations in Mission (OCM) expressed her satisfaction, saying, “I greatly enjoyed talking with all the wonderful students that came through. I would consider this a definite success.”

OCM is a nonprofit based in Hillsborough that helps community members in crisis. They were seeking volunteers for services such as Meals-on-Wheels as well as to help with their thrift shop.

For those who couldn’t attend the event, there are still easy ways to get involved. Visit the Partnership Platform to access the Connect volunteer matching service. Prospective organizations and volunteers can also reach out to Sarah Cline at Sarah.cline@duke.edu for personalized assistance.

Duke President Vincent Price talks to representatives at one of the more than 50 organizations at the 48th Annual Volunteer Fair at Duke.
Duke President Vincent Price talks to representatives at one of the more than 50 organizations at the 48th Annual Volunteer Fair at Duke.
Senior Irene Feng, right, talks with Fred Hathaway Jr. of We Will Walk With You, which helps families of children with disabilities.
Senior Irene Feng, right, talks with Fred Hathaway Jr. of We Will Walk With You, which helps families of children with disabilities.