Editor’s Note
Stanford Politics’ third and final magazine of the academic year—and my final magazine as an SP staffer—tackles an important and timely question. As yet another class of Stanford students prepares to graduate and take on what lies beyond the walls of this eminent institution, we have found ourselves wondering: Are Stanford students actually changing the world? In this issue’s cover story, incoming editor in chief Roxy Bonafont, staff writers Wilson Liang and Kyle Wang, and chief of staff Harrison Bronfeld pursue this question, exploring the somewhat paradoxical idea of “entrepreneurship as humanitarianism.” In a piece inspired by Anand Giridharadas’ best-selling book, “Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World,” featuring interviews with several students and leaders of campus groups such as SENSA, SWIB, and CS + Social Good, these writers analyze to what extent Stanford graduates are actually innovating and contributing to society as opposed to simply preserving the status quo.
In addition to our cover story, this issue of Stanford Politics Magazine includes an interview with Faculty Senate Chair Stephen Stedman on university governance, a follow-up on last year’s second issue of the magazine, which explored the many ways in which the university—both historically and presently—has failed victims of sexual assault, and our long-awaited list of the top 10 campus politicos. During a time in which countless students are getting ready to say goodbye to Stanford—be that temporarily or more permanently—we’ve decided to keep this edition of the magazine grounded in the university, delving more deeply into some of the most important issues on our campus.
It has been a great pleasure to serve as the editor in chief of Stanford Politics this year. I have learned and grown more than I could have ever anticipated, and I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented, driven, and dedicated people on this campus. I want to thank every member of the Stanford Politics team who contributed to this effort—your commitment has not gone unnoticed. In light of that, I could not be more thrilled to pass the torch onto Roxy, my successor, who I am more than confident will continue to take Stanford Politics to even greater heights. Most importantly, serving as EIC has allowed me to dedicate myself to something I hold very close to my heart: high-quality journalism. Thank you to Stanford Politics for being my home for the past three years, and thank you to our readers for their constant support. You are the reason Stanford Politics matters, and we would not be where we are today without you.
Daniela González
Editor in Chief, Stanford Politics
Contents
Outgoing Faculty Senate Chair Stephen Stedman on University Governance
Lucas Rodriguez
“Entrepreneurship as Humanitarianism”
Are Stanford Students Actually Changing the World?
Roxy Bonafont, Harrison Bronfeld, Wilson Liang & Kyle Wang
2018 – 2019 Politicos
A Look At Stanford’s Most Influential Undergrads
Editorial Board (Coordinated by Maddie McConkey)
Stanford One Year After #MeToo
Rural Engagement and Stanford Admission
Wilson Liang
Daniela González, a senior studying computer science and English, is the editor in chief of Stanford Politics.