It’s slow going on campus for today’s first day of classes thanks to the weekend’s big winter storm, but progress never stops in Princeton’s labs — where our researchers tackle the world’s biggest challenges and train the next generation of scientists. So this month, let’s take a sneak peek at some of the ambitious projects that could yield the next big breakthrough at Princeton.
Breakthrough research
While we don’t know with any certainty which research will produce the next blockbuster result or scientific miracle, history tells us they are most likely to come from university research — another reason it’s more important than ever to Stand Up for Princeton. Check out this video about what it takes to make discoveries happen.
Our researchers are investigating crucial questions such as how to treat neurodegenerative diseases, better diagnose autism, and introduce a supercharging protein into wheat, rice and soybeans to produce more food with fewer resources. These projects have all benefited from federal government support. They also involved cross-disciplinary idea exchange between Princeton experts from different departments, bringing the best ideas from varied fields to our society’s most pressing challenges. Read more about all of the incredible work.
Alumni stand up in Chicago
Alumni gathered in Chicago for an all-alumni event featuring President Christopher L. Eisgruber ’83 in conversation with John Rogers ’80, founder, chairman and co-CEO of Ariel Investments. At the reception, President Eisgruber signed copies of his new book, “Terms of Respect: How Colleges Get Free Speech Right,” and alumni enjoyed taking Stand Up photos.
In the news
- Try this quiz from The Washington Post to see how much you know about the value of a college education — and how college is viewed by Americans. (The good news: Higher education pays off! The bad news: Americans don’t know the good news.) Test your knowledge and build confidence to set the record straight about the value of higher ed.
- The Washington Post reports on the fundamental change in the relationship between American universities and the government. The story quotes Michael Gordin, historian of science and dean of the college at Princeton, who compares the disruption to a heart attack at the center of a system.
- In a story in The New York Times about the impacts from the Trump administration’s targeting of higher education, President Eisgruber said he couldn’t make predictions about the future relationship between the federal government and universities but reiterated his belief in the benefits of the long-standing partnership. “All I can say is what I believe from the bottom of my heart about where it should go. This partnership that has existed between the American government and America’s universities has been very good for our country and its people. And we should find a way forward.”
- Access to higher education for all students regardless of their family’s financial circumstances is essential for American prosperity. Princeton’s financial aid program, made possible by the University endowment and the sustained generosity of alumni and others, is known as one of the most generous in the country. New reporting by the Associated Press highlights that 1 in 4 of Princeton’s first-year students — or 25 percent — are eligible for federal Pell grants, the first time in University history. This increase in socioeconomic diversity is intentional, says President Eisgruber, and part of the University’s commitment to excellence.
- Veterans have unparalleled life experience that enriches the classroom and makes phenomenal scholars. Case in point, Princeton senior Hadi Kamara, a former C-130 crew chief for the U.S. Air Force, can now add Rhodes Scholar to his list of feats. Read the article about him in Military Times.
Stand up for medical research
Funding for the National Institutes of Health, which funds critical medical research conducted at universities and hospitals across the country, expires on January 30. Urge Congress to fully fund lifesaving research.
Support the Annual Giving Campaign
Stand up for Princeton by participating in this year’s Annual Giving campaign. Because of budget uncertainties associated with federal funding, the University will need to draw even more heavily on Annual Giving and other sources. Support is always welcome, and every gift counts.
Upcoming events
On Campus
Feb. 21, 8:30 AM to 5 PM
Alumni are invited to come to campus for Alumni Day to reconnect with friends, honor award winners, attend the Service of Remembrance, and see what’s new at Princeton.
Online
March 19, 4:30 PM ET
TigerSide Chats are virtual conversations in which the Princeton community hears directly from faculty and administrators. Tune in for “Terms of Respect: How Colleges Get Free Speech Right” featuring President Eisgruber in conversation with Gadi Dechter, the University’s vice president for communications and government affairs.
In a City Near You
March 10 — San Francisco
March 12 — Los Angeles
April 16 — New York
At “Forward and Beyond” all-alumni events, President Eisgruber shares the successes of the Venture Forward campaign and what’s next for Princeton. Alumni can purchase a signed copy of the president’s new book and end the evening with a fun reception where they can take Stand Up portraits with friends! Check out registration details and see recaps of previous events from around the world.
Share, forward and catch up
Share your success stories with us and we’ll feature them in future editions of this newsletter. Email us at standup@princeton.edu.
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