Drury University's 2008-2009 Convocation Theme

About Entrepreneurship & Innovation:

The United States has enjoyed the status of superpower, with a material standard of living and system of democratic government often envied by many around the world. Innovation, independence and entrepreneurship have characterized this county from its founding in the late 18th century, when it gave constitutional form to the philosophical concepts of democracy, religious freedom and opportunity for material reward through individual effort and enterprise. Arguably our country’s economic achievements over the years have been driven by innovative entrepreneurs in America’s free enterprise system.

But not all of our nation’s citizens have benefited from this economic system. Even as the 20th century was characterized as “The American Century,” the new century offers less certain prospects for America’s continued economic and political dominance in an increasingly global society. We are living in a time of energy shortages, environmental concerns, economic downturns, disparate national and international labor practices, and warring factions across the globe and shifting national and international political landscapes. Innovators and entrepreneurs are needed now, perhaps more than ever.

In the context of these issues, the 2008-2009 Convocation theme Entrepreneurship and Innovation seeks to accomplish two things. First, we will showcase speakers who will challenge us with some of America’s greatest problems, including problems that affect those outside of our borders.

But these speakers won’t just discuss the problems, as innovators and entrepreneurs; they will offer innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to them. The series will highlight speakers who can inspire us, as educated men and women, to become more creative, innovative and entrepreneurial in our own lives and local, national and international communities. It is clear that the pace of change in society, the economy and in international relationships continues to accelerate with the accompanying requirement that individuals and institutions become more resilient, flexible, innovative and entrepreneurial, while at the same time becoming more honest, humane and just.

We invite you to join in Drury University’s common classroom — Convocation 2008-2009.