External Relations embraces and celebrates the diversity of Stanford’s constituencies and aligns the work of Stanford's externally facing teams. The group’s five distinct functions collaborate with partners across the university to enhance existing programs and develop new strategies for communications, engagement, philanthropy, and service. Our goal is to support the university’s mission of teaching and research; to advance solutions for many of the challenges facing our world including affordability, accessibility, education, health, and sustainability; and to enhance goodwill in the communities in which we touch and engage.