University of Pennsylvania President Judith Rodin delivered a passionate plea for universities to redefine their mission in her Chubb Fellowship Lecture at Yale on Oct. 12.
In her talk, titled "The University and a Civil Society," Rodin advocated that universities become "the exemplars of a new kind of civic engagement" for the 21st century.
"I no longer believe, as perhaps I once did, that it is enough for us to expand the intellect and talents of our students. It is not enough to provide a great education," she said to the audience gathered in the Law School's Levinson Auditorium. "That is still central and important to our mission -- but it is not nearly enough."
Rodin explained the reason for this shift in emphasis, arguing, "Our problems today are too complex," citing such issues as war, domestic terrorism, drug addiction and racism.
"The kind of civic engagement I have in mind is neither easy nor accidental," she said. "It is strategic, comprehensive, intense, and purposeful. At its best, it weaves itself in and through every aspect of campus life, from medical research and particle physics to classical studies, student volunteerism and economic development."
Rodin suggested several ways for universities to take an active civic role, citing examples from Penn. One approach is through academic courses that combine traditional learning with public service to "bring about structural, enduring community improvements such as effective schools, neighborhood economic development, and vital community organizations," she said.
Rodin pointed as an example to a course offered at Penn that focuses on environmental toxins. The course integrates scientific study with social activism, taking students off campus and into the community, where they identify the extent of the lead poisoning problem by testing soil and paint samples. Students also work with residents to educate those whose families are at risk. Courses like this one "connect the campus and the world outside in transformative ways," she said.
Universities can further serve the public by providing clear and useful information, dispensing facts and debunking myths that endure despite their falsehood, said Rodin. For example, air and water quality have improved in recent years, she noted, but many people aren't aware of that, since the media focus on negative news. "Universities could do more to interpret and publicize the fruits of their research to the general public -- to clarify what is true and what is false -- and greatly benefit public policy and the common good," she contended.
The most effective way to achieve these goals is through sustained community partnerships, Rodin said, touching on several that Penn has created with its West Philadelphia neighbors. She described a project to illuminate dark sidewalks that brought people together to improve their community. Another town-gown endeavor she described involves a university-assisted new public elementary school in the Penn neighborhood. Getting this off the ground required the school district and the teachers' union to set aside their customary adversarial positions and cooperate, she said.
These specific projects generated the most important result of all: meaningful dialogue among individual members of the community and representatives of diverse groups. "We can only create real, solid community by debating -- even arguing -- with each other over important matters, not by ignoring or suppressing them, especially when we disagree." Rather than condemning incivility, Rodin said "we believe that frank, robust -- at times, even, uncivil -- conversations about issues that really matter to people, are an essential step in the formation of the kinds of inclusive communities that we all desire."
Rodin has been president of Penn since 1994, and is the first woman to lead an Ivy League institution. She is a professor of psychology in the university's School of Arts and Sciences and of medicine and psychiatry in its School of Medicine.
Before going to Penn, Rodin served on the Yale faculty for more than 22 years. She became chair of her department, held an endowed professorship, was dean of the Graduate School, and finally served as provost of the University.
In his introduction, President Richard C. Levin noted that he, Provost Alison Richard, Dean Richard Brodhead, and Rodin had all arrived at Yale as assistant professors between 1972 and 1974. Rodin rose most rapidly through the ranks, every step along the way, said Levin, describing Rodin as "more than a breath of fresh air; she's a virtual hurricane.
"What she showed her colleagues time and again at Yale -- intelligence, energy, initiative, perseverance, and accomplishment -- she has demonstrated for all the world to see at Penn," Levin added.
The Chubb Fellowship is devoted to encouraging and assisting Yale students interested in the operations of government and in public service. Established in 1936 through the generosity of Hendon Chubb (Yale 1895), the program is based in Timothy Dwight College and brings four or five distinguished men and women to Yale every year.
-- By Gila Reinstein
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