"Service to others helps to define the character of our country, lifting us higher than we thought possible. Programs such as DukeEngage challenge the next generation of students to embrace the high calling of public service. Ensuring a quality education for all is in everyone's interest."

           Margaret Spellings, U.S. Secretary of Education

"I am so impressed with Duke's leadership in ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial circumstances, can take advantage of the opportunity to effect positive social change during their undergraduate years. We know that the service experiences students have in college are very significant in turning them on to lifelong service. And, we also know that to be successful in addressing societal disparities will require the deep engagement of all of our future leaders, including those who have personal life experiences in low-income communities. Teach For America, other social change efforts, and society as a whole will all benefit from the vision and commitment Duke and the funders of DukeEngage are demonstrating here."

           Wendy Kopp, President and Founder of Teach for America

"DukeEngage is a wonderful example of leadership by higher education in capitalizing on one of its greatest assets - the creativity and commitment of students - to help find solutions to many of the challenges facing K-12 education and other societal needs. Duke already has an exemplary record in its service programs. By committing to provide the needed support and funding, Duke is helping many of its brightest students, who have the desire but perhaps not the means, to become deeply engaged in efforts to improve the quality of education in schools and communities across North Carolina and in places across our nation and the world where students' involvement can make a difference in people's lives."

           Jim Hunt, former governor of North Carolina, chairman of the board of the James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy

"In my experience, the road to success isn't the narrow road to a fixed career goal. In every line of work, success requires commitment, broad real-world experience, and the wish to use your powers for the larger good. The DukeEngage program is an exciting route toward this invaluable education. All kinds of employers will be looking for the skills it develops."

           Alan D. Schwartz, President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc.

"It takes more than financial or business skills to succeed in the global economy. Graduates who have had the chance to work collaboratively on real problems across cultural and national boundaries will have an edge over those who don't. I'm a huge enthusiast of Duke's new program. It is exactly what our colleges and universities should be doing to prepare students for the future."

           John Mack, CEO Morgan Stanley

"In recent years, the number of Duke students volunteering in Durham has increased dramatically. That has been good for them as well as for the many people and organizations in our city who benefit from their involvement - particularly schoolchildren. I well recall that at his inauguration, President Brodhead spoke eloquently about students taking what they had learned from their classroom experiences and extending their learning by applying it productively in Durham, in North Carolina and in places around the world. Duke's commitment to establish DukeEngage will not only transform the lives of Duke students and prepare them for productive lives of service, but it promises to help transform the lives of people throughout our community. What a blessing."

           William V. Bell, Mayor of Durham, North Carolina

"I have seen first-hand the power of Duke students' engagement in Durham and in North Carolina. Several have worked with Self-Help and our nonprofit partners, and the intensity of the involvement has made a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. The establishment of DukeEngage clearly raises Duke's commitment to a higher level and ensures not only that our community will continue to benefit from the incredible energy and commitment of Duke students, but that regardless of their financial circumstances, every Duke student will have the resources to undertake this important work."

           Martin Eakes, President and CEO of Self Help Community Development Corporation

"Those of us who support the work of community-based nonprofit organizations recognize a huge need for the energy and dedication of volunteers, along with the importance of introducing new generations of talented and committed young people to the leadership and service opportunities that abound in the nonprofit sector. By creating and supporting DukeEngage, the university is making a significant statement about its principles and priorities while at the same time providing a significant resource for nonprofit organizations."

           Julie Rogers, President, Eugene & Agnes E. Meyer Foundation

"In launching DukeEngage, the University is making a dramatic statement to its undergraduate students about the importance of civic engagement, as an educational experience and as an integral part of their lives. This initiative is an important step forward in harnessing the energy, passion, and knowledge of our students for projects that serve society and provide powerful learning opportunities. This effort is also a learning opportunity for Duke University, as we search for beneficial and effective ways to put our intellectual capital and the talents of our students to work in the world."

           J. Gregory Dees, Co-editor of "Enterprising Nonprofits: A Toolkit for Social Entrepreneurs" and Adjunct Professor of Social Entrepreneurship and Nonprofit Management at Duke University