Hear from some of our current Student Directors on why they chose to apply for a student director position with the Duke Catholic Center and how being a student director has impacted their spiritual life at Duke.
President
Anne Kurt
Graduation Year: 2027
Major in Romance Studies, Major in Evolutionary Anthropology, Minor in biology, pre-PA track
Other Duke Groups: Duke EyeServe, Duke Climbing Club
Favorite On-Campus Restaurant: Farmstead
Favorite Saint: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
"If it weren't for the Duke Catholic Center, I wouldn't be the person that I am today."
Vice President
Daniel Lawrence
Graduation Year: 2026
Major in Neuroscience, Minor in Chemistry & Philosophy, Pre-med track
Other Duke Groups: Army ROTC, Resident Assistant, Intramural basketball
Favorite color: blue
Liturgy
Paul Fong
Year of Graduation: 2027
Major in Biomedical Engineering
Other Duke groups: Duke University Marching Band, Yuan Lab
Favorite place to eat on campus: in WU
Favorite candy: chocolate
"Having this student director role helps remind me what's important [especially during stressful times]."
Liturgy
Zofia Chmiel
Graduation Year: 2027
Major in Mechanical Engineering
Other Duke Groups: Kappa Alpha Theta, Duke Engineers for International Development, Theta Tau, Duke Pratt Tour Guides
Favorite Saint: Saint Bernadette
Favorite animal: narwhal
"My faith journey has been on an exponential rise ever since coming to Duke."
Liturgy
Colin Miley
Graduation Year: 2027
Major in Economics, Minor in Computer Science
Hometown: Avon, Connecticut
Favorite animal: panda
Favorite place to eat on campus: Gothic Grill
"I'm excited to keep bringing in new people to come to Mass."
Music Ministry
Esteban Paulino
Graduation Year: 2025
Major in Economics, Minor in History
Hometown: New York, NY
Favorite On-Campus Restaurant: Pitchforks
Favorite Animal: squirrel
"There is something special about the music ministry, and feeling like you have an active role during Mass."
Service and Social Justice
Sarah Kuhlman
Graduation Year: 2026
Major in Environmental Science, Minor in Political Science, PPE certificate, pre-med
Other Duke Groups: Project Wild, PHIDE, Bass Connections, Duke Childrens Hospital Volunteer
Favorite Color: blue
Service and Social Justice
Maia Torres Calixto
Graduation Year: 2028
Major in Sociology and Political Science, pre-law, Child Policy Research Certificate
Hometown: Tampa
Favorite animal: turtle
Social & Multicultural Initiatives
Jackie Park
Year of Graduation: 2027
Major in Psychology and Theatre Studies
Other Duke Groups: Alpha Kappa Psi, KAjok, Duke Asian American Theatre, Duke Players
Favorite Saint: St. Clare of Assisi
Favorite color: light blue
Social & Multicultural Initiatives
Natalie Cuevas
Year of Graduation: 2028
Major prospective Computer Science, pre-med
Hometown: San Saba, Texas
Favorite Saint: St. Faustina Kowalska
Favorite color: pink
"The DCC has helped me have my own initiative in my faith, knowing that everything is in my hands and that I'm not alone."
Social & Multicultural Initiatives
Sofia De La Cerda
Year of Graduation: 2028
Major in Economics and Public Policy
Other Duke Groups: MASA, Mi Gente, DukeLIFE, Beyond Borders
Director of Athletes
Catherine Papa
Graduation Year: 2027
Major in Global Health and Biomedical Engineering
Other Duke Groups: Duke Climate Coalition, Club lacrosse
Favorite On-Campus eatery: Tandoor
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
"The DCC helps students realign with who they actually want to be and what values they want to hold."
Retreats & Pilgrimages
Caroline Beggs
Year of Graduation: 2028
Major in Environmental Science
Other Duke Organizations: Duke Climate Coalition, Sustainability Ambassadors, Duke Gardens, Hoof N Horn, Outing Club, Student Advisory Board
Favorite animal: fairy penguin
Favorite candy: Nerd Gummy Clusters
Graduate Student Directors
Graduate Student President
Dominic Tanzillo
Third year medical student
Other Duke Groups/Involvement: teach first year Anatomy in the Medical School, teach some undergrad courses, prison healthcare initiatives
Favorite Saint: St. Joseph of Cupertino
Favorite animal: pelican
"Being a [student director] and talking to people understanding their spiritual needs has been helpful for both my own spiritual growth and growing the larger community here."
Graduate Student Director of Liturgy
Maryann Benny Fernandes
Second year PhD student in Electrical & Computer Engineering
"The DCC really uplifts everyone who is a part of this community - undergraduates, graduates, post-docs, other community members visiting us during Masses - it is a really amazing community."
Graduate Student Director, Socials
Nick Martin
First year masters student studying mechanical engineering
Favorite Saint: St. Peter
Favorite candy: Skittles
"Living in a community of other people trying to become closer to Christ, always makes that journey a little bit easier and helps bring you closer to Him as well."