The time I spent in FOCUS was one of the most stimulating, transformative, and fun periods of my life. Seriously. It changed the way I think, write, and read, and it gave me the unique opportunity to live in a close community of students who are all passionate about a single subject. This is what a great university is all about.
John Harpham, Focus Program alumnus
“I love the concept of the Focus Program because I can connect ideas, thoughts, and materials from one Focus class to any of my other three classes. It was also great to have the opportunity to physically experience what we have been studying through the field trip.” — Nathaniel Ries, Focus Program alumnus
“The Focus Program was one of the most pivotal experiences I've had at Duke. Living with the other students in Focus really brightened my first-year experience. Each member of the Focus faculty has made a vital imprint on my academic career, and more importantly, on my personal life, as a friend. When I reflect on my time at Duke, it is impossible to separate Focus from the rest of my life because it has affected me in so many ways. I am honored to play a part in it and look forward to building on the knowledge and relationships I have already forged here.” —Melissa Richer, Focus Program alumna and President, SafeWalks at Duke University
“I love my small classes and the close relationships I have been able to build with my professors. The availability of opportunities and the personalized attention provided to each student is definitely unparalleled.” — Parul Kakar, Focus Program alumna
“Focus did not help me decide my major, but it did give me a broad background over a variety of interdisciplinary topics that has helped me in my other classes. I particularly liked the individual attention that I received from faculty, as the classes were small, and the ability to feel comfortable in my classes since everybody else was a first-year student. Two of my Focus professors helped me with additional research for a non-Focus class in their areas of expertise. ” — Kathy Choi, Focus Program alumna
“For me, the best part of the Focus Program has been getting to know the people involved — both the faculty and the students. And in twenty years, I am sure I will still remember the people and the incredible time we spent together at Duke. Education shouldn’t be about just learning facts, it should be about exposure to new ideas through different people, and that is what the Focus Program is all about.” — Craig Reeson, Focus Program alumnus
“The Focus Program is the perfect opportunity for students who want to hit the ground running at Duke. The program matches engaged students with eminent faculty creating a genuine community of colleagues eager to ferret out answers to the tough questions.” — Matthew Baugh, Focus Program alumnus and 2001 Rhodes Scholar
“Focus was an unforgettable start to my time here at Duke. I made great friends with students and faculty, and was shepherded into thinking like an academician without even noticing it.” — Adam Chandler, Focus Program alumnus and 2005 Rhodes Scholar