Investing in the future

I was surprised to learn recently that when Stanford opened its doors in 1891, fully a third of the university’s original faculty members—five out of 15—were engineering professors. Of the 559 students who enrolled during that first year, 141 were engineering students. But what does not surprise me is that from the university’s earliest days, engineering has been central to Stanford’s mission.

Those pioneering faculty, students, and alumni were amazing. They designed some of the first airplane propellers, developed wireless systems to send voice and telegraphy signals, and constructed ingenious systems to distribute water and power throughout the growing West.

I do not have to tell you that their heirs—today’s faculty, students, and alumni— are equally remarkable. They may be working on another set of challenges, yet I think the same spirit of innovation and desire to harness the power of technology inspires their efforts. Underpinning their success are the contributions by alumni and friends whose generosity has long supported and sustained this great university. Stanford’s School of Engineering has been especially fortunate to count among its supporters those who are closest to the school. From the extraordinary contributions of Bill Hewlett and David Packard to today’s technology pioneers and philanthropists, those who benefi ted from all Stanford offered them are giving back to the university that gave them their start.

Now it is our turn. I think The Stanford Challenge offers a great opportunity for each of us to make a gift that matches our own philanthropic interests to the priorities of the campaign. For my part, I feel doubly privileged to have been a student and a member of the faculty in the School of Engineering. Through the entrepreneurial finance class I teach and the Stanford-related start-up companies that I have worked with, I have met countless smart and energetic students and alumni. I am convinced the next generation of Stanford engineers and entrepreneurs will be as remarkable as those past.

I have committed my own time and resources to The Stanford Challenge because I am grateful for all that Stanford has contributed to my own life and career, and I want to seize this opportunity to return the favor in a meaningful way.

If you feel as I do—that our relationship with Stanford is a two-way street—I hope you will join me.

Sincerely,

Doug Mackenzie, ’81 (Economics), MS ’82 (Industrial Engineering)
Sterling Committee Member, The Stanford Challenge
Radar Partners