Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1993

Volume

15

Publication Title

West Virginia Forestry Notes

First Page

15

Last Page

18

Abstract

Although the topic of "service" appears to have received more attention recently in higher education than in previous years, it is not a new concern. As early as 1869, Charles Elliot, in his Harvard inaugural address, asked, "And what will the University do for the community?" His response was, "It will foster the sense of public duty - that great virtue which makes republics possible." Elliot's premise was that institutions of higher education ought to support those activities which develop generosity, civic mindedness and the capacity for conscientious action. Since the post-Civil War period a number of famous individuals have made service statements that are noted as "quotable quotes." Theodore Roosevelt said that "This country will not be a good place for any of us unless we make it a good place for all of us to live." Probably the most memorable JFK comment is" Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country." Martin Luther King is often remembered for his statement, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve." President George Bush will be remembered for his "Thousand Points of Light" program.

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