Universities for the Civically Engaged

James Martin and James S. Samels write, in University Business, about "the new town/gown gestalt":

Consider Clark University in Worcester, Mass., the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. These exemplary urban institutions have led the way in tearing down walls, welcoming the community on campus, and leveraging the academic enterprise to work for the betterment of their host communities.

The results of their noble efforts are palpable: engaged students, committed faculty, stronger communities, better prepared applicants, and safer local streets. Whatever you call it-an urban renaissance, town/gown collaboration, or self-preservation-it comes down to committed institutions stepping up to address the failure of private, governmental, and nonprofit sectors to establish two-way bridges between campuses and community.