August 18, 2026 | Volunteer Leadership Orientation

Presenter: Page Murray ‘85, Senior, Assistant Vice President of Volunteer Experience Strategy

Topics:

  • Understanding volunteer opportunities across AED
  • Roles and responsibilities of volunteer leaders
  • Communication expectations and key messaging
  • Navigating the Volunteer Leadership Guide
  • Building a strong partnership with AED staff

September 8, 2026: Inside AED: How Alumni Engagement & Development Works

Presenters:

  • Dave Kennedy, Vice President, Alumni Engagement & Development 
  • Laura Heilenday ’06, M.B.A. ’12, Associate Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer

Topics:

  • How AED supports alumni throughout their lifelong Duke journey
  • How volunteer leadership advances Duke's mission
  • Understanding the Made for This: The Duke Campaign and volunteer engagement

Leadership Exchange: Building an engaged volunteer community

October 13, 2026  |  Supporting Duke Through Alumni Admissions Interviews

Presenter: Carol LeVine ’86, Senior Director, Alumni Admissions Program

Topics:

  • The impact of Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee (AAAC) volunteers
  • Connecting prospective students with Duke
  • How admissions volunteers support the University and strengthen the alumni community

Leadership Exchange: Navigating AED's programs and partnerships

October 29, 2026  |  Duke Next Chapter

Presenter: Laura Heilenday ’06, M.B.A. ’12, Associate Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer

Topics:

  • Explore Your Next Volunteer Opportunity: Gain a clear understanding of Duke’s volunteer boards and leadership pathways.
  • Learn What’s Expected: Get a high-level overview of board responsibilities, eligibility, and philanthropic considerations.
  • Plan Your Future Engagement: Discover opportunities that align with your interests, capacity, and long-term connection to Duke.
  • Navigate the Path Forward with Confidence: Understand the board nomination process and where to go for guidance on next steps.

November 11, 2026 | Celebrating Volunteer Leadership

Presenters:

  • Kim Logan, Assistant Director of Volunteer Engagement
  • Sara Stevens A.M.’19, Program Director, Alumni & Student Connections 

Topics:

  • Awards and Recognition overview
  • Recognizing excellence within your volunteer community
  • Writing compelling nominations

Leadership Exchange: Using social media to celebrate volunteers and promote Duke initiatives

Reminder: Alumni Awards Nominations Due

December 8, 2026 | Building Connections and Creating Lasting Impact

Presenters:

  • Monique Harris, Director, Affinity Engagement 
  • Ryan Minnehan, Director, Reunion Giving
  • Grace West, Director of Next Generation Philanthropy

Topics:

  • Affinity Engagement
  • Reunion
  • Duke Next Gen
  • Creating meaningful alumni relationships

Leadership Exchange: Effective networking and relationship building

Reminder: Duke Alumni Board nomination deadline

January 12, 2027  |  Lifelong Learning: Keeping Alumni Connected Around the World

Presenter: Jenn Chambers ’01, A.M.’21, Assistant Vice President and Strategic Advisor, Lifelong Learning

Topics:

  • Lifelong learning opportunities
  • Continuing alumni engagement beyond events
  • Helping alumni stay connected wherever they live

Leadership Exchange: Mid-year reflections & Priorities for the remainder of the fiscal year

Reminder: Regional and Women's Forum nominations due

February 9, 2027  |  Connecting Students and Alumni

Presenter: Susan Gordon, Assistant Vice President, Alumni and Student Connections

Topics:

  • Student Connections
  • Industry Groups
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Supporting students through volunteer engagement

Leadership Exchange: Open discussion and idea sharing.

March 9, 2027 | Made for This: The Duke Campaign – The Role of Volunteers

Presenter: Caitlin Shaw, Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, Duke Campaigns, or designate

Topics:

  • Campaign priorities
  • The volunteer role in advancing Duke's mission
  • Sharing your Duke story

Leadership Exchange: Campaign discussion and Q&A

April 13, 2027 | How Volunteers Strengthen Philanthropy

Presenter: Jen Spisak, Senior Assistant VP, Annual Giving & Affinity Engagement 

Topics:

  • Understanding Annual Giving
  • Inspiring philanthropy through volunteer leadership
  • Helping alumni make meaningful gifts at every level

Leadership Exchange: Annual Giving discussion and Q&A

May 11, 2027 | Volunteer Innovation Forum

Presenters: Volunteer-led session 

Topics:

  • New ideas
  • Successful programs
  • Lessons learned
  • Regional success stories
  • Open discussion

Note: This session remains intentionally flexible to accommodate emerging topics throughout the year.

June 8, 2027 | Celebrating a Year of Leadership

Hosted by:

  • Laura Heilenday ’06, M.B.A. ’12, Associate Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer 
  • and/or Page Murray ‘85, Senior Assistant Vice President of Volunteer Experience Strategy

Features: Video message from President Price

  • Volunteer stories
  • Innovative programs
  • Leadership highlights
  • Outstanding volunteer leaders
  • Best practices showcase
  • Looking ahead to FY2028

Reminder: The Volunteer Leadership Summit in Fall 2027