Boston University Launches “You Are Why” Campaign, Highlighting Impact of Research and Discovery

Boston University Launches "You Are Why" Campaign, Highlighting Impact of Research and Discovery

Emphasizing the vital roles that science, the humanities, research, and teaching play at Boston University in creating a more engaged and empathic society, BU has launched a new campaign aimed at forging new partnerships to bolster its work in improving the everyday lives of people in Boston, across the country, and around the world.

From a bionic pancreas that's helping people with type 1 diabetes to tuition scholarships for outstanding Boston Public School students to improving the lives of those with Parkinson's disease, BU President Melissa Gilliam says the goal of "You Are Why" is to engage supporters of the University's research and discovery enterprise, to work more closely with elected officials, and to find new partners who align behind research that solves generational problems.

"We're calling this initiative "You Are Why," Gilliam notes in a letter sent to the BU community September 26, "because fundamentally, the work we do at Boston University is about improving people's lives." Her letter addresses several key questions:

Why is Boston University initiating this outreach now?

Higher education faces immense challenges-from rapidly changing technology and shrinking research budgets to weakened public trust. These hurdles are not just obstacles for universities; they affect the communities we exist to serve. They call on us to adapt to better address a changing world.

In a world that often feels fragmented, Boston University remains steadfast in the belief that we are stronger together. Our work is shaped by the needs and hopes of those we serve-and guided by the conviction that education and discovery should benefit society.

What is the primary goal of "You Are Why"?

This effort will highlight our groundbreaking research and discoveries that have been made possible through federal and philanthropic partnership and investment. The primary partnership with federal agencies remains vital to our work, to our country, and to future generations. "You Are Why" will also share examples of how our scholarship, teaching, and service missions impact the lives of our patients, students, families, and communities.

We must also find new partners. "You Are Why" calls on us to seek new ways of engaging in dynamic and innovative partnerships. These partnerships will help us support and shape the future of research and, above all, provide opportunity for our students, who will become future leaders, scientists, artists, thinkers, and citizens. At Boston University, we excel at convergent research, which creates new fields at the intersection of others. But we must also think about crossing boundaries in a new way as we cross institutional boundaries and team up with industry, foundations, alumni, nonprofits, and others to find mutual ways to serve a greater good.

Are there concrete, specific goals "You Are Why" will try to address?

What is the message you hope people take from this effort?

This initiative is a call to action grounded in service, collaboration, and shared purpose. It recognizes that our faculty, students, staff, alumni, donors, elected officials, government agencies, and partners can't work in isolation. Instead, we must all be united in a shared commitment to improve lives. Whether advancing treatments for Parkinson's disease or supporting students on their career paths, our work is inherently collaborative-and accountable to the communities we serve.

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