"We need to make education our national mission. I invite you to a life of service that embraces that mission. Be a teacher. Tutor a child. Volunteer at a school. Transform the life chances of our nation’s young people." - Arne Duncan

On October 15th, 2010, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, a Harvard alum, received the Robert Coles “Call of Service” Award during a lecture at Harvard’s Memorial Church, where he emphasized the critical role of education reform as a social justice issue. Duncan called on the audience to embrace a mission of service, urging them to become teachers, tutors, and volunteers to transform the lives of young people.

Reflecting on his previous role as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Duncan highlighted initiatives he championed, such as expanding after-school programs and improving teacher quality. He credited his mother, who organized a tutoring program for underprivileged children, with inspiring his commitment to quality education. Duncan concluded with a call for courage to ensure every child receives a world-class education.

Check out the Harvard Gazette’s recap of Duncan’s message by reading more here.