Alyson Gardner, B.A. 1992
Morgan Stanley
1992 Major: Religious Studies
How has being a Religion graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"It is a big differentiator and conversation starter. It has helped me in digesting world events and putting things in an accurate historical context. The study of and practice of religion are very different. Being a religion major does not require adherence to any particular religious practice. It makes you a student of the world."
What advice would you give students in Duke's Religion programs?
"So much of what happens in the world today has direct ties to religious history. Studying the world through this key lens is both eye opening and level setting. Don’t think about how this information and learning will be applicable in a career, focus on how it will help you understand the world. That is what will help you in any career you choose."
