The 20th century was arguably the century of the American university: visionary leadership and public policy led to a system of higher education that became the envy of the world and the destination for the best and brightest international students. Today, however, intense competition for resources, the lack of a coherent national vision for developing human capital and innovation, and strong investment in universities abroad threaten continued U.S. leadership.

As a special part of the celebration of Homecoming, University of Minnesota President Robert Bruininks will discuss the future of American high education - what makes it great and how to sustain its global stature - with Jonathan Cole, former provost and dean of faculties at Columbia University and author of the comprehensive new book The Great American University; and University of Minnesota alumnus Robert Berdahl, former chancellor of The University of California, Berkeley, former president of the University of Texas, Austin, and current president of the Association of American Universities.

A dessert reception with the speakers follows the conversation. 

$20 tickets available for U of M faculty, staff, students, UMAA members, President’s Club, Learning Circle, MinnPost.com members, and Minnesota Public Radio members