Posted by PATRICK KENNEDY — Over the last several months there have been numerous questions about the scope, purpose and methodology of the Clinton School’s public program series. In particular, there are two questions that are repeatedly asked: Why so many? & Why the diversity?
The Clinton School strives for the best public program series in the nation. After researching other institutions around the country, it is clear that Harvard, Stanford and Georgetown University stand out as the perennial leaders. Harvard, for example, might have anywhere from 2-10 public programs, conferences and seminars in a given day. Stanford has about the same.
These institutions, while known for their academic prowess, also have a cadre of non-academic and unconventional topics represented in their programs. These universities hosted lectures this last year with topics ranging from African studies to Harry Potter. That’s right, Harry Potter?
Why would these schools offer so many for so many different audiences? The obvious answer is. . . OPTIONS.
The Clinton School’s public program series is an educational enrichment for our students and an opportunity for educational outreach for the community. We want to maintain the intellectual integrity by providing a multitude and variety of topics and opinions, so as not to single out particular topics that we deem important.
Ultimately, the greater vision behind the expansiveness and diversity of the programs is to show the world how public service can apply to all people from all walks of life. Rather than limit the study and practice of public service to a particular subset of society, the Clinton School hosts these programs to demonstrate that giving back, learning and listening to other points of view can be accessible and fun for everyone, no matter what your background is.
For example, on February 13, NCAA president, Myles Brand, will speak about the relationship between sports and public service. A high school soccer coach or a professor in conflict management can both learn about the importance of sports as a vehicle for social change.
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