Did the Pratt School of Engineering’s namesake believe in integrity over image? Duke is undeniably one of the best engineering schools in the country. This reputation may have never been possible if it wasn’t for Edmund T. Pratt Jr.’s generous endowment of $35 million. This gift deemed him the namesake of the School of Engineering and ensured that he would be remembered. But what do we remember him for? His generous donation? His ability to take raise Pfizer’s revenues sevenfold in his time as CEO? Or do we remember him for his involvement in a company that consistently chose image over integrity? In Pratt’s years as CEO of Pfizer, the company was involved in a major scandal. In the 1980s, P
Civic Engagement is defined as making a difference in the civic life of our communities. The first form of civic engagement we usually participate in and the one most associated with college students is community service. Many high schools and scholarship programs require some number of community service hours and on a resume or job application, community service hours are usually a good addition. For most, these are the motivations for becoming involved in the community. Volunteering then becomes subject to the discussion of weighing impact vs. intent. If one person’s intention for volunteering in their community is to boost their resume and another’s is to improve the livelihood of those t
Integrity is often thought of as an innate characteristic, featured in sayings like “He has a strong moral compass” or “It just didn’t feel like the right thing to do.” Yet, this sense of honor must come from somewhere, and in many cases, it is parents or guardians that instill children with a sense of moral duty. This sentiment might be derived from a rich cultural heritage, handed down through generations, or fabricated from a guardian’s personal experiences. Regardless of origin, this first definition of honor can have an immeasurable impact on a child’s beliefs and actions. As these children become young adults, many question and analyze their place in the world and their system of value
