Patrick Messac, T'10

Patrick Messac is a junior from Albany, New York.  He is currently pursuing a double major in History and Public Policy Studies and a Children in Contemporary Society certificate.  In his three years at Duke, he has honed his passion for serving others, focusing mainly on advocacy and education.  With the unyielding support and guidance of the Reginaldo Howard Program Coordinators and Scholars, he hopes to further explore various means of fulfilling this passion.  For now, Patrick aspires to advocate on behalf of marginalized children either in a classroom or a courtroom.

Outside of academics, Patrick has dedicated his time to working with communities.  In Durham, he has volunteers as a mentor and tutor elementary school students.  Abroad, Patrick has taught and revised curriculums implemented by the Women's Institute of Secondary Education and Research (WISER) in Muhuru Bay, Kenya.  Last summer, Patrick conducted research on adolescent substance-use behaviors and worked as a community organizer for Barack Obama's campaign for change in rural Georgia.

 The Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship Program has been the central component of Patrick's Duke experience.  Not only has the scholarship provided him with the opportunity to attend a world class university, but also the tools and support necessary to foster self-discovery and navigate the complex academic and social challenges of college life.