Democracy at Work - ASU

I was so impressed with The "Democracy at Work" event I had to write some thoughts. Big shout out to our office's (USP) boss Marc Campbell for sharing the invite and letting me tag along. The event featured President Michael Crow here at Arizona State University (ASU), hosted and moderated by David Axelrod, which took a deep dive into how democracy integrates and operates within various fields of study and throughout broader societal contexts. This is a compilation of my notes from this momentous conversation.

I enjoyed that the dialogue was anchored in Stoic philosophy, particularly with Cicero's principle, "I criticize by what I create", as my Father is a historian who referenced Cicero, Marcus Aurelius, and the Romans throughout my life. President Crow outlined his vision of advancing democracy through innovation and inclusion, reflecting on his familial influences and hardships, like his great grandmother's 'tough love' approach to his academic pursuits and her definition of his degrees, like PhD "Piled higher and Deeper", along with challenges discussed in "why we weren’t making it work" towards pathways of progress throughout his career.

The conversation spanned five important areas of his academic interests and pursuits: engineering, linguistics, environmental sciences, politics, and history, each chosen for its impact on shaping a democratic society that effectively addresses complex global challenges. President Crow highlighted the environmental crisis, with Mr. Axelrod referencing artists like Randy Newman's song ‘Burn On’ about the infamous Ohio Cuyahoga river fires, to underscore the urgency of adopting sustainable practices and overcoming limiting beliefs that hinder progress. Here at ASU, we're in the hottest city in the U.S.

A significant part of this discourse focused on leveraging design to advance knowledge and solve real-world problems. Including Crow's experiences digging up low-sulfur coal in Iowa to pioneering the translation of ideas across disciplines to drive technological innovation at institutions like Columbia University where he led the establishment of the Earth Institute. Crow also mentioned his role in In-Q-Tel, emphasizing the need to speed the adoption of beneficial technologies (ex. Google Earth), while lamenting the underinvestment in human capital and the increasing societal fear index, which can exacerbate desperation and volatility.

He touched on the importance of partnerships with corporations such as Starbucks, Google, and Adidas as highlighted examples of how academia can collaborate with the private sector to foster innovation and create a more inclusive, sustainable future. President Crow envisioned the university of the 21st century as an entity that is not only highly egalitarian and inclusive but also one that aligns with his charter for ASU, focusing on sustainability and innovation as core principles. He wisely realized that to have a University that is open to all, financial obstacles and barriers must be overcome able to all students. When financial barriers are removed, the institution properly reflects the diversity of the people.

Personal anecdotes about growing up in a low-income family and his commitment to combating 'arrogant denial' and promoting literacy were powerful reminders of his dedication to inclusivity and education. Crow touched upon the challenges of water distribution and the importance of rethinking resource usage and allocation, underscoring involvement in the University Innovation Alliance as a testament to his commitment to educational reform and societal betterment.

The event concluded with reflections on democracy's nascent state and the potential for design and innovation to build a better future. The Athenian Oath, a symbol of governance by and for the people on Crow's desk, serves as a guiding principle for his leadership here at ASU. I waited to ask him a hypothetical question from Cicero to President Crow on balancing justice, welfare, and governance in an attempt to encapsulate the evening's discourse, challenging myself to think deeply about the role of higher education in ensuring the prosperity and moral integrity of the state. Here's the question:

"How do we balance the demands of justice, the welfare of the people, and the necessities of governance to ensure the prosperity and moral integrity of the state (Republic)?"

He said, "we need people who understand what that means".

I admire and respect your leadership President Crow, and ready for service.

Full event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFpAK7hbF4w