Project BRI(DDD)GE (Building Relationships In Durham through Duke Divinity Graduate Education) is a pre-orientation pilgrimage for entering students (residential and hybrid) that seeks to nurture a deep sense of place and cultivate lasting relationships within and beyond Duke Divinity School. Through this transformative experience you will be immersed in the stories that make up the Duke and Durham community and consider how your spiritual journey is connected to this place.

Through Project BRI(DDD)GE you will:

  • Cultivate lifelong friendships with other entering Duke Divinity students
  • Nurture your relationship with God through shared experiences of spiritual formation, fellowship, and service
  • Enhance your understanding of the beloved community in Durham
  • Be immersed in the social justice movements in Durham
  • Form an awareness of and appreciation for the larger Durham community, its history, and its residents
  • Be transformed as a leader through the sacred practice of pilgrimage, theological reflection, table fellowship, and God’s presence and activity in Durham

"The BRI(DDD)GE experience was a terrific welcome into the Duke community. I couldn't have imagined a better process of transition into a new community and a new field. BRI(DDD)GE allowed me to consider the theological implications of societal boundaries. Thanks to BRI(DDD)GE, I now have a formulation of how to be a bridge and how to build bridges."

DNicole Williams, M.Div. '22

About Project BRI(DDD)GE

Project BRI(DDD)GE seeks to bridge Duke Divinity students with the broader Durham community through a week-long pre-orientation pilgrimage and ongoing community building.

Since 1991, Project BRI(DDD)GE alumni and Divinity staff have led hundreds of incoming students on a theological journey through Durham’s history of racial, social, and economic inequities, recognizing the wounds of white supremacy, in particular. Together, pilgrims with a diversity of backgrounds and callings learn from, participate in, and celebrate the efforts of local churches, leaders, and organizations who work to repair the breaches. At the heart of our pilgrimage is God’s calling to love our neighbor. Students reflect upon this sacred calling and ask: who is our neighbor? 

Fellowship is a fundamental part of the time together. Project BRI(DDD)GE participants pray, worship, reflect theologically, share meals, tour the city, visit historic sites, and attend a Durham Bulls baseball game together.

Project BRI(DDD)GE participants covenant to gather throughout the academic year for ongoing prayer, fellowship, theological reflection, and service.

Students in all academic programs are invited to apply to participate. 

2025 Details

Dates: August 14–19, 2025

Application Deadline: June 1

Acceptance Letters: Sent no later than June 15, 2025.

Registration Fee: $200* (includes cost of meals, entry fees to sites, baseball game tickets, and parking costs)

*Scholarships are available. If the cost would prevent you from participating, please still apply and indicate that as such in your application so we can discuss scholarship options.

Food: Most meals will be covered throughout the pilgrimage. 

Transportation During the Pilgrimage: We will carpool throughout the week. 

Housing: Residential students will stay in their own residences. Housing is available for hybrid students from August 13–20 for an additional $500. 

What preparation is required? In preparation for Project BRI(DDD)GE, we will send you some pre-readings, videos, and reflection prompts.

Contact: For more information, contact the Office of Student Life at studentlife@div.duke.edu. 

Apply Now

PROJECT BRI(DDD)GE

Students reflect on their experience with Project BRI(DDD)GE and hope that entering students will consider this valuable opportunity to meet one another and engage with the greater Durham community.

“BRI(DDD)GE was so life-giving and life-changing. It was a gift to learn more about Durham and its complex history. Plus, how wonderful it was to have 20+ friends heading into orientation!”—Molly Herman-Gallow

“Pastorally it is important for us to learn to how to bridge the gap between our communities and the church, not just through outreach programs but actually through relationships.”—Rev. Elizabeth Styron Howze

“My experience of Project Bri(DDD)ge was profound in my introduction to community and the gifts of God's presence in a city with beauty and pain. I learned in the clearest way that our time in Durham will be a fruitful as our willingness to encounter and be transformed. These elements will only happen in proximity to the lives, hearts and stories of those who live, breathe, and give to this community. I will carry the honor of seeing God's presence in those who call Durham home.”—Daniel Parham

“I really enjoyed the exposure to the past and present social issues confronting Durham. The trip to Stagville and hearing from the local community organizers were especially meaningful. Plus, the personal sharing that we did was especially valuable as it helped us enter into more mutual, authentic relationship and challenged us to articulate how our story intersects with the story of God in this city.”—Bri Newport

“I will carry all of the connections that I made through my divinity school journey.”—Austin Donahoo

Students pose in matching shirts by Duke Chapel