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In the more than two centuries since Joseph McKeen first introduced the idea that graduates of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College were under 'peculiar obligation' to exert their talents for the 'benefit of society,' an education for the common good has meant many different things to many different people, as well as the College collectively.

What is the common good and how has its definition changed over time? In 1802, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College's President Joseph McKeen declared that "literary institutions," such as ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾, were "founded and endowed for the common good" and that each of its graduates was under "peculiar obligation to exert his talents" for the benefit of society. Since McKeen's era, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ students and alumni have sought to fulfill this call in a variety of ways.

Drawn from research conducted by students, the following case studies offer insight into their efforts and encourage viewers to consider questions central to the College's history.

• From Soul Saving to Character Building: The Transformation of International Service at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College
• "To Bring the Gospel of Reform Home:" Public Affairs Research Centers at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College
• An Intrepid Idealism and a Hard Practicality: ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College During World War II
• A Workshop in Democracy: Student Government at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College, 1945-1980
• Informing, Scrutinizing, Debating, and Presenting: The Civic Functions of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ Orient
• A Fresh Look and a Fresh Start: ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College President Roger Howell and the Student Strike of 1970
• Public Engagement in the 21st Century -- The Joseph McKeen Center for the Common Good