Public Service Matters

Daniel Mytelka ’87’s letter in the May Inbox section (“In the Nation’s Service”) complains that stories and letters in the March 2025 issue advocate that the School of Public and International Affairs should emphasize “left wing policies.” (The article I read described the dean’s “strategic pillars,” but also included concerns about the lack of public policy practitioners on the faculty.)  Princeton, he suggests, should prepare students to pursue meaningful lives and careers including “building a company,” “pursuing a professional career,” teaching, or research. However, not all careers are viewed favorably. “Princeton is not a school dedicated to producing civil servants or extreme altruists.” 

Really? Since 1930, SPIA has educated Princetonians in public policy. Princeton’s informal motto encourages students studying in all fields to serve the nation and humanity. Michael Lewis ’82’s book, Who is Government?, profiled public servants, including a Princeton professor’s son whose work in mine safety resulted in sharply lower rates of death and injury. The May issue of PAW profiles Princetonians who worked to improve government IT systems and ensure compliance with civil rights laws. Those public servants find themselves suddenly jobless. 

“Altruism” is characterized by a selfless concern for the well-being of others. It is a virtue which lies at the very heart of public service. My hope is that altruistic Tigers of all stripes will heed Jerome Powell ’75’s recent call “to take on the challenge and opportunity to serve your fellow citizens.”