Your Student Leaders

Student Director Applications Open!

The Duke Catholic Center is a spiritual home where Duke students encounter the transformative love of the Heart of Christ - in the Gospel, in the Sacraments, and in community with one another - so that students become formed as Christian leaders and apostles.

In joining the Student Director team, you are committing to live this mission out in partnership with the DCC. Read all about the open Student Director Positions by clicking here.

Applications open on Sunday, 09/29 and will close on Thursday, 10/31 at 11:59pm. Interviews will be scheduled from 11/4-11/15.

Duke Catholic Center Student Director Application

President

Katherine Polinario

I was born and raised in Miami, FL and study neuroscience with minors in chemistry and religion here at Duke on the pre-med track. In my free time you'll find me doing ballet, cooking, playing chess, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with my friends. I am so excited to represent the student body in our Catholic community!

Being a leader in the DCC allows me to further my faith by giving back!

Vice President

Olivia Lee

I've lived all over, but consider Houston, TX my home. I am studying Mechanical Engineering at Duke with a minor in Religious Studies. Outside of the DCC, I am on the club lacrosse team and teach group fitness classes at Duke Rec! I love baking, hiking, lifting, boxing, line dancing, and spending time with friends.

I love growing our community.

Treasurer

Stephen Harris

I am Stephen Harris, a freshman from Louisville, Kentucky. I plan to study Public Policy, specifically Health Policy. I am involved with international relations and aviation clubs at Duke. In my free time, I enjoy playing and watching sports.

I love helping the DCC flourish

Director of Music Ministry

Myra Han

I’m a proud Minnesotan native studying neuroscience and music. I enjoy running, yoga, and playing tennis. I love music and its ability to bring our beautiful community together in sung prayer, and I cherish the many opportunities to do so here.

I love building community through music!

Director of Music Ministry

Sara Fernandez

I’m from Tampa, Florida and am studying Psychology and Statistics. I love the arts at Duke! In addition to serving in the DCC’s Music Ministry, I love dancing, playing bassoon and singing in my a capella group. If you can’t find me, I’m probably at rehearsal.

To sing is to pray twice, and I love using my musical talents to glorify God!

Director of Liturgy

Paul Fong

I’m from Palo Alto, California and studying Biomedical Engineering. I love to get involved with volunteering and research. I’m also part of the Duke University Marching Band (DUMB). In my free time, I love debating the latest news in politics and running around campus.

I’m excited to help students grow closer to God through beautiful and reverent liturgy!

Director of Liturgy

Daniel Lawrence

I'm from Huntsville, Alabama and I plan on studying neuroscience with chemistry and philosophy minors on the pre-med track. I enjoy lifting, playing pickup basketball, and golfing with my friends on the weekends. I am excited to give my service in helping others worship and grow in faith through the Sacraments.

I love the Sacraments!

Director of Multicultural Initiatives

Emanuel Lopez

I am a junior studying computer science and public policy. I was born and raised in Woodstock, GA. The thing I enjoy most is spending valuable time with friends and family.

I am excited to help Duke Catholics celebrate their cultures!

Director of Catholic Relief Services, Duke Chapter

Aaron Siegle

I'm from Silver Spring, Maryland and plan to major in Environmental Science and Policy with a Certificate in Energy and the Environment. At Duke, I enjoy walking in the gardens and exploring different parts of Durham on runs.

Serving as a Student Director has shown me the importance of putting my faith into action.

Director of Service and Social Justice

Kara Bivens

I’m from Waxhaw, North Carolina, and I’m majoring in Political Science and Statistics with a minor in Spanish Studies. Outside of the Catholic Center, I write for Juris Undergraduate Law Magazine and serve on the Library Advisory Board. In my free time, I enjoy reading, volunteering, and exploring Duke’s campus.

I look forward to collaborating with the Durham community through our service projects!

Director of Retreats and Pilgrimages

Catherine Papa

I'm from Atlanta, Georgia, and planning to study biomedical engineering here at Duke. I am on the club lacrosse team and love going on hikes, drinking coffee, and spending time with friends in my free time!

I love how retreats help us grow deeper in our faith!

Director of Athletes

Andie Smith

I'm from Boca Raton, Florida and majoring in Economics with a Markets and Management Certificate. At Duke, I am on the Women's Golf Team. When I'm not on the golf course, I enjoy spending time in the Duke Gardens, playing pickleball, and trying new foods.

I'm looking forward to connecting with and growing in faith with other Duke student-athletes!

Men's Chair

Thomas Henry

I'm from Ukraine and France, currently living in Colorado and studying economics. I competitively ski and sail and love hiking with my dog during the summer. I am also a huge Breaking Bad fan so don't hesitate to reach out to me about that!

I love building fellowship opportunities!

Women's Chair

Sarah Kuhlman

I'm excited to help create bonding opportunities!

Graduate Student President

Dominic Tanzillo

My name is Dominic, I’m a second-year medical student. I am looking forward to supporting students looking for a community. I hope grad students feel welcome at the FAH and more off-campus activities. I also love outreach for folks new to the faith or coming back and will gladly sponsor anyone’s confirmation – if you’re looking for one.

I look forward to helping build our Grad community!

Graduate Student Vice President

Frances Choi

I’m from Boston, Massachusetts and am in my first year of law school. I love reading fiction, trying new foods, and spending quality time with my friends.

I look forward to contributing to this experience for the rest of the Catholics at Duke!

Graduate Director of Liturgy

Maryann Benny Fernandez

I am a first-year Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I am in Prof. David Smith's lab, and my research is on Space Antennas. I am from Mumbai, India, and I came to the US in 2021 to pursue my master's in Electrical Engineering at Stanford University. The Catholic Community at Duke is essential to me because to grow in my faith is an integral part of my life. I also play the Cymbals in the Duke University Marching Band.

I look forward to serving the DCC, inspired by the words of St. Ignatius of Loyola, "Go forth and Set the World on Fire."

Graduate Director of Socials

Ceci Schmitz

I have a passion for building community!

Graduate Director of Retreats

David Hunt

My name is David Hunt, and I'm excited to be a member of the Duke Catholic Center's graduate student leadership team! When I'm not exploring the exciting world of radar, you'll likely find me reading a good book, exploring Durham, hanging with friends, or out playing sand volleyball. Over the past two years, the DCC has immensely blessed me and helped me to find a home here at Duke. I'm excited to leverage my experience planning retreats at the University of San Diego to increase retreat opportunities for graduate students at Duke!

I'm excited to increase retreat opportunities for graduate students at Duke!