"While the instruction offered must be such as will qualify the students for personal success and direct usefulness in life, they should understand that it is offered in the hope and trust that they will become thereby of greater service to the public.”

 

Jane Stanford spoke to the trustees of a young Stanford University in 1902 about an understanding that while the university would have great influence on the success of its students, the larger impact would be that of its graduates upon the world.  She hoped that students would embrace this purpose and fulfill the promise of their education, not just for personal gain and achievement, but also through a commitment to public service.

 

This purpose was written into the university's founding documents.  Jane proclaimed to the trustees in the same speech, "The moving spirit of the Founders in the foundation and endowment of the Leland Stanford Junior University was love of humanity and a desire to render the greatest possible service to mankind... The public at large, and not alone the comparatively few students who can attend the University, are the chief and ultimate beneficiaries of the foundation."  The language of public service pervades the Founding Grant.

 

More than 100 years later, the role Stanford plays in promoting public welfare is no less important.  As was proclaimed in the announcement of the Stanford Challenge, "We live in an increasingly interconnected world that faces complex problems on a global scale. People, goods, and ideas can circle the planet at great speed and with unprecedented ease. But so can disease, pollution, and violence.  In the face of these profound challenges, we also see possibilities. Stanford believes it has the opportunity and the obligation to bring its full resources to bear in addressing issues facing humanity. We also embrace the central role we play in educating tomorrow's leaders."

 

 

What is the role of service at Stanford University?

How does the university fit in with its broader community?

What is an ideal vision for service at Stanford in the future,

and what are goals the university community can set to get there?

 

Make your voice heard in answering these questions, and in shaping the future of service at Stanford, by participating in the Stanford Service Summit.