ASU's Spring Commencement took place yesterday at the Wells Fargo Arena and it was gratifying to see so many graduates celebrating their academic success with friends and family. Graduation is special because it marks the completion of one important journey and the initiation of another. It's a significant milestone and I'm compelled to reiterate my congratulations and my charge to the graduates, "Do well and do good." Do well by succeeding at whatever goals you set for yourself and by using the knowledge, energy and experience you have to make a positive contribution to the world around you.
Two individuals who exemplify the successful realization of that statement were presented with honorary degrees at yesterday's ceremony. Dr. Wu Qidi, vice minister of education for the People's Republic of China and Dr. Frank H.T. Rhodes, former president of Cornell University, were chosen to receive these honors because they are distinguished leaders in the design and advancement of higher education in China and the United States. They share a commitment to the deliberate and responsible reconceptualization of how universities teach, conduct research and engage the communities they serve. For example, in his book, The Creation of the Future: The Role of the American University, Dr. Rhodes notes:
"American universities need to change, not because they are weak, but because they are strong. American universities are not "in trouble," not in decline. In spite of financial pressures, which are real, and public concerns, some of them justified, universities are doing well. They are world-class institutions; a dozen or so provide the benchmark for the rest of the world. The challenge is not to revive a flagging institution, but to re-energize a vigorous institution and thus make it even better. The changes I propose are not remedies for the ailing, but challenges to the healthy. To criticize present performance is not to condemn existing standards; it is, rather, as Adlai Stevenson once remarked, "to ask whether what is, might not be better. University trustees, deans, provosts, and especially presidents must become the challengers of complacency, the voices of institutional conscience, the patient advocates for change, the champions of excellence, the midwives of new alliances and partnerships, the facilitators of teamwork, and the untiring exemplars of a new level of commitment." (243)
The efforts we're undertaking at ASU - challenging complacency, speaking out with a conscience, advocating change, championing excellence, forging new connections, and creating a culture of teamwork - are all directly tied to achieving that "new level of commitment." The end goal being exactly what was witnessed yesterday - the welcoming of graduates into the company of educated men and women. It never ceases to be a powerful experience. If you have a few minutes, I hope you'll take a listen to Dr. Rhodes remarks in this week's podcast or watch the webcast of the ceremony to see the future of ASU.
Dr.Crow, An off
Dr.Crow,
An off topic comment. I am wondering whether ASU has any plans to open a medical school of its own. With Phoenix as one of the fastest growing metropolis, I think ASU should take charge and open its very own medical school and hospital. This will help us take closer to our objective of making ASU the premier school in the country.
It would be great if you let us know what plans we have in this regard
thanks
I agree that these
I agree that these activities, i.e. challenging complacency, speaking out with a conscience, advocating change, championing excellence, forging new connections and creating a culture of teamwork, are fundamental to establishing a new level of commitment.
I have some thoughts about why this is the case and how to facilitate that process, and offer them here for consideration and comment.
Other words for commitment include dedication, covenant, promise, guarantee, responsibility and duty. These suggest a liability, burden, sacrifice or investment toward a goal. The level of any investment is influenced by two important factors, risk and return. Inherent in both of these are vulnerability, confidence and trust.
Trust is a willingness to be vulnerable, by virtue of confidence in past performance. That is, confidence is the idea that, all else being equal, past performance is the best indicator of future performance. If well earned, trust can form bonds that last a lifetime and in some cases, even generations. Yet also, trust is fragile and can be irrevocably lost in a moment by such violations as betrayal, disloyalty and unforgiveness. I go so far as to say that trust is the foundation of every successful relationship, community and society.
To promote the activities necessary to achieve the level of commitment required by the New American University, first and foremost we need to maintain and enhance a culture in which trust is the medium of exchange.
In other words, to promote this kind of personal investment, i.e. engaging in the activities outlined by the President, we should reduce the risks and increase the returns associated with these activities.
The question is, how shall we do that?
The RISK is in NOT doing
The RISK is in NOT doing these things.
They are seeds to sow and fruits to harvest. These activities are their own reward.
Yet, for someone working within the institution, these activities cannot be taken for granted. Even in the best climate, it takes conviction, boldness and perseverance to challenge complacency, speak out with conscience, advocate change, champion excellence, forge new connections and create a culture of teamwork.
The RETURN is when our leaders pursue these activities themselves, and by their example encourage others, such that these activities percolate throughout the institution and its many relationships with other communities.
The BALANCE is found when these freedoms are exercised within the context that best promotes the mission of the New American University. While it is the responsibility of the leadership to set the example, it is up to the rest of us to follow their lead and trust that our participation will be embraced.
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