The Work of the University

by Richard C. Levin

Book Overview

From the vantage point of the president's office, an inspiring view of the challenges and responsibilities of a great university This engaging collection of speeches and essays, published on the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0300100019
• ISBN13: 9780300100013
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Didn't read it....but remark as a Yale Alumni

As the president of an old school like Yale,he was destined to a heavy burden imposed by his faculty members,who are not ceremonial as faculty members in other school are----they used to much more powerful,I guess.His dual-identity(professor,researcher in Econ Dept. and administrative president) is proved to be successful in the past,including his trip to China,where he was very mich welcome by not only professors,researchers,but also administrative leaders.In this sense,Yale is not merely a research or teaching institution,on the contrary,it is widely accepted to be a "temple" to give people more phychological oversees.I have to confess Yale is in US,which has been preset by its location,however,it is more of a window open to people all over the world rather than just Americans,although it will reveal some reflection of American(Typical) thought.

The extensive work of the university

The "Work of the University" is extensive, as this collection of speeches by the president of a great univeristy demonstrates. Dr. Levin recognizes the job of our institutions of higher learning to help fuel our economy and hatch ideas that make a difference in a global society. At its core, however, schools are still about teaching, and I especially enjoyed the speeches to students and graduates. Although they were directed at a particular audience, the messages they contain are relevant to just about everyone, and the historic and biographical references used to reinforce them are well-chosen.

An Empowering Read

The Work of the University by Richard Levin is an empowering and inspiring book - one which in graceful and plain spoken prose leaves the reader in President Levin's words, determined to "understand fully what our values mean, we must also test what it means to live by them."The book not only demonstrates the importance of a strong liberal education but the importance of a strong leader. With Levin's powerful mind, clear vision, sound morable bearing and compassion about issues big and small, it is not wonder that Yale continues to be one of the best universities. I only hope that all of us in the Yale community benefit from at least another 10 years of his leadership.

An Exceptional Book

The Work of the University by Richard C. Levin is an exceptional book. The breath of topics covered and the passion and care in which he speaks to them is impressive. It is no wonder that Yale remains one of the best universities in the world when they are lead by men such as Dr. Levin. The students, faculty and staff who have benefitted from his wisdom are truly fortunate. I was struck by the scope of essays/speeches: whether discussing complicated economic theories , civic resposnsibility or introducing such world leaders as Shimon Peres - you were always left thinking a little more deeply about the world around you.