<p>Google and Apple would seems to be ideal employers for Stanford engineering graduates. These and other great companies would be fortunate to have Stanford graduate. The Google engineers who elected to snatch personal from routers while doing Google mapping were likely excellent technical engineers educated at top universities. They were insensitive to the ethical issues and adverse societal impact of their actions, yet excellent, innovative engineers. I mention this in a supportive way as those reading cc for the most part are the generation to sort these issues out and great universities such as Stanford are in a position to provide leadership.</p>
<p>Many in California are about to feel the sting of public school budget cuts producing layoffs, crowded classrooms and insufficient supplies. At the college and university level, tuition will likely be raised again, courses cut, well-liked non-tenured professors let go to the ire of students and parents. Stanford and Apple, for instance do have a relationship related to the recent $50,000,000 endowment and most likely numerous other ways. I think it is difficult to appreciate the impact of public perception while on the Farm. As you can read in ongoing news stories, there is growing discontent with several tech bell weathers. It is by no means a groundswell, but it is growing. </p>
<p>The Apple tax evasion and its impact on public education funding has been commented upon negatively in the press. This is but another non-STEM issue which Stanford can address in the classroom and with the world outside of Stanford. Assuming zenkoan is in a position to know, Stanford is addressing these issues in a manner to increase its stature. Reputation is enhanced or marred by non-academic events. The NY campus event placed Stanford on the map back East and in the fore of public consciousness to the extent someone raised the issues to the acting Provost as a question during the keynote admit weekend address.</p>
<p>Try to be less defensive. Friends can provide useful input, even if they are not at the Farm. I greatly value education and think Stanford is a treasured resource. I also think being able to engage in dialogue with those who have a slightly different perspective is essential to not perpetuate mistakes such as the Google engineers made and some would say Apple is making by evading taxes paid to California at a time when public education and health services are severely threatened.</p>