Celebrating 40 years of service at Stanford

This year marks two milestones in Stanford’s public service story: the 40th anniversary of the Haas Center for Public Service and the 10th anniversary of Cardinal Service. Together, they underscore a commitment rooted in the university’s founding vision. Jane Lathrop Stanford wrote more than a century ago that students should be educated not only for personal success but “in the hope and trust that they will become thereby of greater service to the public.” That vision took shape in 1985, when Stanford became one of the first research universities to establish a comprehensive public service center. Since then, the Haas Center has launched enduring public service programs and built the foundation for today’s Cardinal Service—a hub connecting thousands of students each year to opportunities for meaningful engagement.

As Stanford reflects on these anniversaries, we celebrate the accomplishments of the past 40 years and the transformative role of Cardinal Service. The task ahead is to meet the growing student demand for opportunities to serve and learn in the community and give every student the opportunity to develop the values and habits of civic responsibility that will guide them for life.

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