Ideas We Should Steal

Marry the Liberal Arts to Education in Trades, Crafts and Entrepreneurship

A longtime university president encourages Philadelphia-area colleges and universities to partner with community colleges and unions to make connections for fulfillment in careers and life

By Elaine Maimon

We Must Ensure Students Can Vote

President Trump is trying to make it harder for college students to cast a ballot. A longtime university president encourages us all to push back for the sake of our democracy

By Elaine Maimon

Trump’s Latest Attempt to Bully Universities

The Department of Education’s zeal to eliminate diversity efforts on campus has now veered into a small-print threat that could shatter independence — and financial viability — for local colleges. A longtime university president on what we can do about it

By Elaine Maimon

Are Campuses Ideological Battlegrounds?

Not according to students in a recent poll. A longtime university president reflects on how the new data explodes the political narrative

By Elaine Maimon
Ideas We Should Steal

Free Food at the Free Library

A longtime university president suggests the city’s library system follow Chicago and Baltimore, and add food pantries to its community services

By Elaine Maimon
The Citizen Recommends

Universities, Free Speech, and Democracy

Former Columbia University President Lee Bollinger’s new book contends that universities are critical to America’s future. He’ll make his case on January 28, as part of the Free Library’s author event series, sponsored by The Citizen

By Elaine Maimon

Why Greenland Matters to Philadelphia

A longtime university president on how international controversy 2,500 miles away still hits very close to home

By Elaine Maimon

How To Mobilize Hope In 2026

A longtime university president on how to turn the higher ed disasters of 2025 into actions that will preserve what’s best about our local colleges

By Elaine Maimon

A Holiday Thank You to Philadelphia Eds and Meds

A longtime university president applauds the courage, integrity and resilience of Philly's storied institutions

By Elaine Maimon

College as a Pathway to a Meaningful Life and Responsible Citizenship

A longtime university president reminds us that “career” means a life-path integrating work and meaning in the wider world

By Elaine Maimon