Welcome and Class of 1961 Recognition:
The event marks Reunion Homecoming 2011, a special occasion for Stanford alumni to reconnect and celebrate. The class of 1961 is honored for their milestone 50th reunion, with a strong presence of nearly 400 members. The Alumni Association’s mission is to engage Stanford alumni and foster lifelong connections between the university and its graduates.

Reunion Homecoming’s Significance:
Reunion homecoming is a powerful event that brings together Stanford alumni from various generations and locations. This gathering fosters a sense of community, intellectual engagement, and emotional connections among alumni. The university’s founders, Jane and Leland, would be proud of the community and connections formed during this event.

Stanford’s Presidential Leadership:
Nine presidents have led Stanford over its 110-year history, transforming it into a renowned university. These presidents, including David Starr Jordan, J.E. Wallace Sterling, and John Hennessy, have guided the university through various eras. President John Hennessy’s leadership has steered the university in a new direction while upholding Stanford’s mission.

Stanford’s Mission and Foundational Premise:
Stanford’s mission remains focused on disseminating and creating knowledge through teaching, learning, and research. The university’s foundational premise is to make the world a better place and benefit humanity and civilization. President Hennessy emphasizes unleashing the power of Stanford to achieve this mission.

John Hennessy’s Introduction and Welcome:
John Hennessy, Stanford’s 10th president, is known for his achievements as a computer scientist, beloved teacher, entrepreneur, and humanist. He is a Long Island, New York native who has become a true Westerner, embodying the pioneering spirit of the region.

Hennessy’s Humor and Connection with Alumni:
Hennessy jokes about being in a soundproof room giving defensive schemas to football coach Dave Shaw regarding the injury of Delano Howell.

Stanford’s Vibrant Community and Alumni Connections:
Hennessy emphasizes the excitement and vibrancy of Stanford, with alumni being the strength of the community. He encourages alumni to embrace their lifelong membership in the Stanford family, regardless of whether they are attending their 5th or 50th reunion.

Transformation of Stanford Campus and its Impact on Student Recruitment:
Hennessy highlights the remarkable transformation of the Stanford campus, particularly the science and engineering side, which has become a great recruiting asset. The Jensen Wong Engineering Center, with its 24-hour espresso machine, and the replica of Hewlett and Packard’s garage, add to the campus’s appeal.

Stanford’s Pioneering Spirit and Interdisciplinary Research:
Hennessy speaks of Stanford’s pioneering spirit, which extends to interdisciplinary research across the university. He mentions the HumBio major as an example of a successful pilot interdisciplinary program that has led the way for others.

Evolution of Student Experiences and Common Themes:
Hennessy reflects on the evolution of student experiences at Stanford, noting that some things change while others remain constant. He compares the social and dining habits of the class of 2001 with those of the class of 2006, finding similarities in their regrets about not playing more, going to office hours, and taking more risks.

Importance of Stanford Friendships and Community:
Hennessy emphasizes the significance of Stanford friendships and community for alumni, with over 40% of the class of 2006 citing these aspects as having the greatest impact on them.

Stanford’s Enduring Sense of Community:
Stanford alumni value their time at the university and appreciate the strong friendships they form. The university aims to provide students with the best educational experience and equip them with strong friendships and an excellent education to make a difference in the world.

Stanford’s Dedication to Making a Difference:
Stanford’s mission, as directed by Jane and Leland Stanford, is to promote the public welfare, influence humanity, and advance civilization. The university is committed to fundamental research that improves the world and producing graduates who become leaders in various communities.

Stanford’s Multidisciplinary Research Initiatives:
Stanford launched campus-wide multidisciplinary initiatives, such as the BioX program, the bioengineering department, the Woods Institute for the Environment, and the international initiative. These initiatives encouraged cross-disciplinary collaboration and tackled global challenges.

Stanford Challenge Campaign:
Stanford launched the Stanford Challenge campaign to support its multidisciplinary work. Over 161,000 alumni and friends contributed to the campaign, allowing the university to support innovative research and make a real difference.

Stanford’s Research Achievements:
Stanford researchers are exploring regenerative medicine to treat autoimmune diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and Parkinson’s. The Lori Lokey Stem Cell Research Building is a major facility dedicated to stem cell research, bringing together faculty from across the medical school.

Changes in Legal Education:
Legal education at Stanford has undergone a renaissance, incorporating more clinics for teaching opportunities. The Newcomb building behind the law school has expanded clinical activities, making the Stanford Supreme Law Clinic the most influential in the country.

Focus on International Affairs:
Stanford prioritizes solving global problems through collaborative research efforts. The Freeman Spogli Institute and the Woods Institute for the Environment address food security challenges in the 21st century.

Overseas Study Center in Beijing:
Stanford is building an overseas study center in Beijing to host undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty working in China. This center will be the first university outside of China housed on a Chinese university campus.

Environmental Sustainability and Energy Research:
Stanford researchers are working on environmental sustainability and energy problems. Yi Xue invented a new battery structure that could revolutionize electric cars and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Sarah Billington invented a new artificial replacement for wood that is durable, recyclable, and decomposes in a landfill.

Stanford’s New York Campus Proposal:
Stanford responded to Mayor Bloomberg’s invitation to set up a campus in New York. The goal was to create a major center of innovation and technology leadership, benefiting both Stanford and New York City. It would offer a distinct experience for faculty and students, allowing growth of graduate programs without impacting the core campus.

Stanford’s Educational Innovations:
Stanford is piloting online education through three full courses open to anyone worldwide. These courses have attracted 180,000 registrants, indicating a paradigm shift in education delivery. Stanford is exploring combinations of online, small classes, and seminars to enhance the student experience.

Stanford in New York: Challenges and Proposal:
Stanford faces tough competition for the New York campus project. The proposal involved extensive efforts from hundreds of people and resulted in a 600-page document. Stanford’s website showcases the proposed campus designs on Roosevelt Island, a unique 10-acre site in New York City.

Leland and Jane Stanford’s Dream:
John Hennessy quotes John Gardner’s speech at Stanford’s centennial celebration in 1991, emphasizing the importance of supporting the university community. Hennessy highlights the role of research universities, particularly Stanford, in shaping the future through knowledge, concepts, and institutions.

Stanford’s Strength: Its People:
Hennessy acknowledges the dedication of Stanford’s researchers, students, and faculty in taking their charge seriously. He emphasizes the significance of the Stanford community and the critical role of service and support in the university’s continued success.

Gratitude for Stanford Supporters:
Hennessy expresses gratitude for the vital roles played by supporters in Stanford’s growth and development. He acknowledges their shared belief in the importance of Stanford’s work for the future.

Two Requests from Supporters:
Hennessy makes two requests from the supporters: to enjoy the weekend and to support the football team playing the University of Washington. He emphasizes the importance of cheering for the team to demonstrate support and boost their morale.

Introducing the Panel Chair:
Hennessy introduces Carla Schatz, the chair of the panel, as a Stanford alumna who returned to lead the BioX program as its director. He praises her as a professor of biology and neurobiology, a distinguished scientist, and a great leader.