DURHAM, N.H. - Durham: It's Where U Live, a grassroots organization committed to creating a better connection between University of New Hampshire students and their surrounding community, has partnered with UNH Community Leadership students for Durham Dialogue, an effort to get people talking about how to strengthen our shared community.

"This is an incredible learning opportunity for students in the Thompson School's Community Leadership Program," said Kate Hanson, professor and director of the program. "There is nothing like taking the lessons learned in the classroom and from textbooks and having the opportunity to run an actual project from start to finish."

Students in the introductory level class have started conducting focus groups and one-on-one interviews with Durham residents, business owners, town officials, UNH students, university administrators, faculty and staff to identify what the town's residents appreciate about their shared community and what can be done to improve the community. Students are actively recruiting Durham residents and business people to participate. They are interested in hearing concerns and ideas for improvement, as well as aspects of Durham life that community members enjoy.

On Nov. 30, 2010, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the UNH Alumni Center students will share their findings. All are welcome. In addition to the students in the class, CommUNHiversity, a student organization that aims to enhance the sense of community and school spirit on the UNH campus, and Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed community service fraternity, have also been enthusiastic supporters of the project as well as UNH Residential Life.

To register for a focus group or interview go to www.diwul.org. 

 The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea, and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 12,200 undergraduate and 2,200 graduate students.

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