Carnegie In Sneakers

It looks like Phil Knight has recovered from his angst over his alma mater's joining a group that promotes the rights of overseas workers. Then, Knight withdrew a $30 Million donation to the university. Now, Knight, who co-founded Nike, and his wife have pledged $100 Million to the University of Oregon. Or, more precisely, the University of Oregon athletic department. A computer in every dorm room? No, more likely a widescreen TV in every locker. (U of O has gone down this road before; its $100 Million football facility features lockers wired for video games and internet access among other amenities.)

Carping about Knight's focus on atletics is easy and cheap. The fact that he has contributed vast sums of money toward an educational institution (and has perhaps freed up spending for academics by essentially single-handedly funding sports) is, in a broader sense, laudable. If only other modern industrialists were so inclined. If, for instance, one of my high school's graduates were similarly committed, Homestead High School might be the technological envy of the educational world, to the benefit of its students and their future.