In the early ’90s, Hank Rowan gave $100 million to a tiny public university in Glassboro, New Jersey: not Harvard, not Yale, not even to his alma mater, MIT. What was Rowan thinking? And why has it proven so difficult for other philanthropists to follow his lead?
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07/21/16 • 39 min
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Revisionist History - My Little Hundred Million
Transcript Summary
In the thought-provoking episode 'My Little Hundred Million,' the host delves into the fascinating world of educational philanthropy and the importance of weak links in problem-solving. Drawing a parallel between soccer and basketball, the episode emphasizes the significance of upgrading the weakest player in a soccer team rather than focusing solely on superstar players. With anecdotes about Leo Messi's reliance on assists and Glassboro State University's practical engineering school, the discussion highlights the impact of Hank Rowan's groundbreaking $100 million donation to the university and the subsequent disproportionate allocation of philanthropic funds to already prestigious institutions. The episode raises crucial questions about the distribution of educational philanthropy, challenges the perspective of elite establishments, and advocates for a more egalitarian approach in shaping higher education. To gain fresh insights into this dynamic topic and rethink traditional approaches to philanthropy, tune in to this engrossing episode.
Transcript
Pushkin. In Glassboro, New Jersey, a little community half an hour south of Philadelphia, there's a statue right by the road as you drive into town. It's of a man named Henry Rowan. He liked to be called Hank. Whenever Hank Roan came to Glassboro, he was mobbed like a rock star, which probably embarrassed him because he wasn't given to those kinds of displays. When Hank Rowan died in December of twenty fifteen, there was a huge memorial service.
My Little Hundred Million Top Questions Answered
How does Leo Messi typically create scoring opportunities in soccer?
Leo Messi often relies on passes to set him up for scoring opportunities, although he is also capable of dribbling the length of the pitch.
How does improving the worst airports affect air travel efficiency?
Improving the worst airports in air travel can have a bigger impact on efficiency than improving the best airports.
What factors contributed to the Industrial Revolution in England?
The Industrial Revolution in England was attributed to having more craftsmen and skilled engineers.
What is the focus of the engineering school funded by Hank Rowan?
The engineering school funded by Hank Rowan in Glassboro focuses on practical research and aims to serve more students.
Where do most students at the Glassboro engineering school come from?
Most students at the Glassboro engineering school come from New Jersey and have a blue-collar background.
Who is the president of the Glassboro engineering school and what is their background?
The president of the Glassboro engineering school is Ali Hushman, who grew up in a slum in Tehran and runs marathons.
What is the weak link strategy in soccer and how does it challenge the perception of superstar players?
The weak link strategy in soccer emphasizes improving the weakest players on a team and challenges the belief that superstars are the most crucial players.
What is the aim of the scholarship program at Stanford University?
The scholarship program at Stanford University aims to attract the brightest students from around the world and tackle important issues.
Who is Hank Rowan and what was his contribution to Glassboro State College?
Hank Rowan was a successful businessman and founder of Inductotherm. He made a $100 million donation to Glassboro State College, sparking an explosion in educational philanthropy.
What concerns are raised about the distribution of philanthropic funds in higher education?
The episode discusses concerns about the distribution of philanthropic funds in higher education, with large donations often going to already wealthy schools instead of institutions in need.
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