In this article, the author proposes that the notion of America be reintroduced as the "shining city on a hill," that abiding image from American history. The image of the shining city on a hill captures the imagination because it reflects the abiding truth that people become fully human in society, not outside of it. People need one another to become happy, healthy, and whole. What better place to instill those values than at colleges and universities? Campuses have traffic, jobs, utilities, labor unions, questions about sustainability--in short, college campuses face many of the same challenges that the country as a whole faces. There is a broad range of jobs; talents are not evenly distributed. Yet the way to ensure a stronger campus and a better college or university is to make sure that all do well. The constant devotion to improvement, to leaving a better life for the next generation, is the central virtue of a college or university.