Hartley, MatthewSchall, Lawrence2023-05-222023-05-222005-06-012006-10-24https://repository.upenn.edu/handle/20.500.14332/34916A meaningful institutional purpose does not just pop into existence. It must be constructed, with reference both to core values and to changing market or demographic conditions. This article examines three important moments in the history of two different institutions to better understand the development of such a process and explore how a sense of mission and the core values can survive over time, despite inevitable challenges.Higher EducationArticle