Service-Learning at Duke University

Drawing New Connections: Comics, Community, and Recovery

Students in the service-learning course "Graphic Ethnography: Comics as Research (ICS 502)" partnered with residents of TROSA: Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers to co-create comics based on personal recovery stories. From battling addiction through video-game metaphors to transforming into butterflies, the comics reveal hard-won journeys of strength, hope, and healing.

These powerful collaborations didn’t just teach students how to conduct research—they taught them how to listen, connect, and draw with care.

“Even if the comics are stick figures,” said Prof. Adam Rosenblatt, “you can always feel the respect.”

Read the full story and see examples of the artwork: https://servicelearning.duke.edu/news/drawing-new-connections-comics-community-and-recovery

Drawing New Connections: Comics, Community, and Recovery Graphic Ethnography: Comics as Research, a service-learning course taught by Professor Adam Rosenblatt, explores comics as both an innovative research method and a medium for authentic human connection. Through a partnership with TROSA (Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers), students u...

One more congratulations to this year's recipients!

Each year, the Betsy Alden Awards honor outstanding individuals in service-learning—students, faculty, and community partners—who exemplify deep collaboration, reflection, and a commitment to community-rooted learning.

This year’s recipients are:
💫 Faculty: Susie Post-Rust
🌍 Community Partner: Bonnie Wang
🎓 Students: Alexis Mosu and Niki Young

From classrooms to community centers, each of them brings heart, creativity, and dedication to their work. Read more about their powerful contributions here: https://servicelearning.duke.edu/news/2025-betsy-alden-award-recipients-excellence-service-learning

Student Spotlight: Alexis Mosu
Class of 2026
2025 Alden Student Award Recipient

As a Durham native, Service-Learning Assistant, and Volunteer Coordinator for Root Causes, Alexis Mosu brings both insight and intention to her community work. She facilitates dialogue, supports peers, and ensures community voices are respected and heard.

Her nominator shared:
“She doesn’t just participate—she evolves the conversation. Alexis helps her peers reflect more deeply on their roles and responsibilities in community-engaged learning. She uplifts the values of equity, shared learning, and collective care in every space she enters.”

From distributing fresh produce with to mentoring peers in community-engaged Spanish courses, Alexis has spent five semesters deepening her connection to Durham and shaping a more justice-centered path toward medicine.

You can read her story here: https://servicelearning.duke.edu/news/rooted-service-alexis-mosu-reflects-community-identity-and-power-saying-yes

Big news! Our very own service-learning faculty member Adam Rosenblatt has been appointed Director of the Duke Human Rights Center at the Franklin Humanities Institute! 👏

Known for his deep commitment to community-engaged teaching and justice-rooted scholarship, Adam brings a powerful blend of compassion, creativity, and critical inquiry to everything he does—from classrooms to cemeteries to comics.
We’re so excited to see how his leadership will help shape the future of human rights at Duke and beyond.

🗞️ Read more: https://fhi.duke.edu/news/adam-rosenblatt-appointed-director-duke-human-rights-center