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Editorial ColumnsA Miracle of Another Kind
Graham B. Spanier
In the annals of American history, some will remember February 22 as the day an underdog United States hockey team defeated a four-time, Olympic gold-medal winning Soviet team in Lake Placid, New York.February 22, 2005 The "Miracle on Ice," as it was dubbed in 1980, was televised to viewers around the world who watched in amazement as a scrappy amateur American team beat the Soviets, who had not lost an Olympic hockey game since 1968. It was more than just a win on the ice to some; it was an ideological victory over the Russians in the Cold War. Another lesser-known event occurred on that same day many decades earlier. On February 22, 1855, The Pennsylvania State University was born, triggering its own impact on the nation. Over the last 150 years, Penn State has grown from a 200-acre campus with four faculty members and an enrollment of about 100 students to a world-class research institution, with 24 campuses, more than 5,000 faculty members and 82,000 students. But the creation of Penn State not only brought with it educational opportunities for Pennsylvanians, but also new ideas about higher education and how America should pursue its democratic principles. Like the "Miracle on Ice," the founding of Penn State also came at a time when America needed to prove its mettle and renew its strength. In 1855, 80 percent of the nation's population was rural, and most of the West was still wilderness. The establishment of a school to bring science and discovery to America's farms was supported by few. During this era, most American universities were private and college was a privilege strictly reserved for the wealthy. The idea of a school that would dispense practical and useful knowledge to the general public was a peculiar concept. But Penn State's founders knew the key to Pennsylvania's survival and success was an educated populace. Despite skepticism, they moved forward with their plans. Seven years later, their innovative idea was taken even further when Penn State earned the title of Pennsylvania's land-grant university. The designation charged Penn State with a three-part mission of teaching, research, and service, which it still follows today. Land-grant institutions came into being with the signing in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln of the Morrill Land-Grant Act, one of the most significant pieces of legislation of the 19th century. The new law created the "people's universities," expanded higher education, and increased our country's intellectual capacity. Today, Penn State is one of the 105 land-grant colleges and universities in the United States. During their history, these institutions have awarded more than 20 million degrees and been the source of unimagined scientific discoveries, countless agricultural innovations, improvements in education at all levels, expertise on global issues, and answers to a host of urgent social needs. As one of the oldest and largest public universities in the country, Penn State has helped shape Pennsylvania and our nation in significant ways. From discovering planets and cracking the genetic code, to designing life-saving devices and attracting more than $600 million in research funds annually, Penn State and its people have created an enviable record of accomplishment and an impressive legacy. In a recent economic impact report released by the firm Tripp Umbach and Associates, Penn State was found to be the single largest contributor to Pennsylvania's economy, generating $6.14 billion annually in direct economic impact to the state. The University also indirectly affects activities such as research commercialization, having a total economic impact on the Commonwealth of more than $13 billion a year. On this 150th birthday of Penn State, we should not let this occasion pass without considering the future. Penn State has emerged as an institution greater than anything its founders ever envisioned. The University's agenda now includes substantial investments in information technology, science, law, business, and our medical center. New areas of discovery continue to open to us: nanotechnology, genetics, global markets, and smart materials. Penn State will remain on the leading edge of these advancements. Much has changed since February 22, 1855, but there is one constant -- Penn State is still "the people's university" and is still deeply committed to Pennsylvania, its people, and its communities. |
