How do we help make the world a better place?

September 17, 2006, was a singular day in the history of Washington University. On that day, the Hilltop Campus was renamed the Danforth Campus to honor Dr. William H. Danforth, the 13th Chancellor of the University, his family, and the Danforth Foundation for the role they have played in the evolution of Washington University into one of the world's premier teaching- and research-intensive universities. It was the highlight of a year that marked the beginning of the University's recommitment to a higher sense of purpose.

The keynote speaker at that event was Harold T. Shapiro, president emeritus of Princeton University. In his address, titled "Research Universities and Society," he said: "In my judgment, two of the most central characteristics that provide the greatest ethical resonance to the contemporary American university, whether private or public, is their obligation to serve society as both a thoughtful critic and a responsive servant. Thus, although the contemporary research university must serve society by providing the educational and other programs in high demand, the university must also raise questions that society does not want to ask and generate ideas that help invent a better future, at times even pushing society toward it."

His assertion that universities have both the responsibility to serve current society and to change society, to create progress, especially applies to leading research universities like ours. And we take this obligation seriously.

We believe we have a responsibility to meet national and global imperatives in energy, environment, security, health, and economic prosperity. To this end, we have introduced a number of new initiatives: most recently, joining the presidents of 11 other premier research universities in calling for universities worldwide to marshal their resources for a global effort to secure a brighter, sustainable future.

In doing so, we not only recommit Washington University to a higher sense of purpose, we also honor the Danforth family, who, according to former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Jack Danforth, had as "a very important part of our upbringing the idea of having a purpose beyond ourselves."

To all who are supporting us in our effort to create progress for society, thank you!

Mark S. Wrighton
Chancellor