I'm often asked what sets Stanford apart. The university's entrepreneurial spirit is certainly a distinguishing characteristic. But there is another vital component: the desire to make the world better for others.
In a powerful Commencement speech this year, philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates characterized the Stanford spirit this way: ". . . it's the optimism. There's an infectious feeling here that innovation can solve almost every problem." But as they noted, "If we have optimism, but we don't have empathy—then it doesn't matter how much we master the secrets of science, we're not really solving problems; we're just working on puzzles." It was one of the finest Commencement speeches I've heard—pragmatic and hopeful, emotional and analytical—I encourage you to read or listen to it online.
The Gateses share Stanford's optimism, and, through their foundation, they are working to improve health in the poorest parts of the world. For example, Bill talked about being deeply affected by patients in South Africa with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. "This year, we're entering phase three with a new TB drug regime. For patients who respond, instead of a 50 percent cure rate after 18 months for $2,000, we could get an 80 to 90 percent cure rate after six months for under $100." Melinda talked about the heartbreak of seeing women dying of AIDS, often untreated. As their speech concluded, I found myself thinking that our world is fortunate to have these two incredible people dedicated to the proposition that "every life has equal value."
The desire to "promote the public welfare" is a foundational principle at Stanford and a cornerstone of the Stanford spirit. As I mentioned at Commencement, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of an alumnus who exemplified that spirit. Herbert Clark Hoover—engineer, entrepreneur, humanitarian and the 31st president of the United States—was a member of Stanford's Pioneer Class. Orphaned at age 9, Hoover was living with his uncle in Oregon when he heard about a new university that offered engineering and was, at the time, tuition-free. At Stanford, he met Lou Henry, our first alumna to earn a degree in geology (1898) and Hoover's future wife.
After graduating, the couple traveled widely for Hoover's mining career. When World War I began, they were in London. With many Americans stranded in Europe, Hoover began putting his problem-solving expertise to humanitarian use, helping more than 120,000 people get home. Soon after, he tackled Belgian food relief. With much of Belgium destroyed and occupied by armies from both sides, many considered the logistics of importation and distribution of foodstuffs impossible. But Hoover persuaded both sides to let the Committee for Relief of Belgium do its work, and he led the effort to raise more than $1 billion to feed 11 million people.
After the war, he continued his efforts, leading the American Relief Administration as it fed 300 million people in 21 countries. When some objected to providing relief during the 1921 Russian famine, he brooked no argument: "Twenty million people are starving; whatever their politics, they should be fed." It remains one of the largest food relief efforts of all time.
Hoover became known worldwide as the "great humanitarian," a man who could solve global problems. Although the stock market crash and subsequent Depression shortly after his election as president of the United States changed how he is remembered, his many humanitarian efforts, for which he never received a single penny in compensation, were likely his greatest gifts to the world.
The commitment to a better world and optimism to find solutions, even for very difficult problems, drove Herbert Hoover decades ago, just as they drive Bill and Melinda Gates. I hope that same spirit inspires our graduates as they go out to make their contributions to a better world.
John Hennessy was the president of Stanford University.
