Cal Poly — Teaching Innovation

I just got back from California Polytechnic Institute, or Cal Poly as it’s popularly called — at which I interviewed Dr. Tom Mackin, chairman of the mechanical engineering department for my upcoming book. The focus here, of course, is nurturing innovation in the next generation — and I can tell you, few people are more dedicated to the cause than Tom.

I guess what impressed me most was the idea that every incoming freshman hears moments after stepping on campus: “If you can dream it, you can build it.” Here you have thousands of kids from all over the world, in one of the most intellectually stimulating environments imaginable, coming to grips with the realities of science and technology — and how they apply to overcoming the challenges of the real world. Some are developing human powered vehicles that go 60 MPH; another team is working on a gas-powered mini-car that gets 2200 MPG.

And, outside of safety, there are no rules. Think a different approach to aerodynamics will reduce turbulence? Go for it. Whatever you’re doing, you’re free to build it in the most innovative, most imaginative way possible. Tom told me as I was leaving, “Perhaps the greatest thing about the world today is that we do not stigmatize failure. It didn’t work? No problem. Try again.”

Thanks for making a difference in thousands of young lives, my friend.