In this article, the author describes how institutions of higher education have changed over the course of 40 years, and notes some changes in higher education. In 1966 the total U.S. population was 196,560,338; this fall it hit 300 million. In about the same time, the number of colleges and universities rose from 2,329 to well over 4,000, including branch campuses. Colleges and universities have continued to multiply to accommodate the nation's expanding population. The net addition of more than 900 four-year campuses and more than 900 two-year campuses represents a remarkable national commitment to higher education. Colleges and universities are also becoming increasingly international. However, a number of continuing trends seem to raise general concerns. The author stresses that even as educators celebrate the achievements of higher education since The Chronicle's founding in 1966, they should also confront the issues raised by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings on the report of the Commission on the Future of Higher Education. The issues raised by Spellings are presented.