Resilience in American Higher Education

Large-scale philanthropic contributors, who offered substantial gifts such as foundations, trusts, and estates, were necessary to higher education budgets in order to pay for salaries, services, and the construction of new buildings. This philanthropy in American higher education brought industry and religion together in what was termed the “Protestant work ethic.” Discuss why this was important to wealthy entrepreneurs. Do you believe it is still important today? Has this work ethic perspective changed? What challenges do current higher education institutions face regarding funding? What are some of the possible solutions to these challenges?