LETTER: Elitist Approach

Recently The Daily Pennsylvanian featured a section on the deans' support of the "One University" policy (DP 4/6/92). The University administration has been emphasizing this policy as one of Penn's strengths since I came here nearly four years ago. In fact, it's billed as a selling point to many prospective students. Although this was barely a concern or factor in my decision to come to Penn, one factor that I -- as well as many other prospectives -- weighed heavily was the availability of unlimited opportunities at Penn. These opportunities include the University's ability to attract world leaders, Supreme Court justices, famous athletes, former presidents, news anchormen, renowned artists, actors and actresses, leading economists and, yes, even presidential candidates. In fact, four years ago, I listened to Jesse Jackson speak about his Rainbow Coalition at the University Museum. This event must not have been sponsored by Wharton because I am a College student, and I was there! The University is a community and a single entity; each school is dependent upon each of the others. Wharton "professes" the importance of networking but fails to recognize itself as a component within the larger network of the University. At a prestigious school know for its strength in management, it is ironic that Wharton chooses to manage an event with an exclusionary and elitist approach. Such elitism is outrageous and despicable! Four years at Penn have encouraged me to support, promote and praise this University and its objectives. Wharton's assumption of superiority, however, is the most discreditable detriment to this institution. Of all the College, Nursing and Engineering events I have had the opportunity to attend, not one has been shut out to Wharton students. Like many of my fellow students, I am sure I have just as much interest in listening to Bill Clinton or Dick Cheney as does anyone for whom these events were reserved. Last year, I had the privilege of listening to yet another respectable speaker. He is an administrator/Wharton professor, who shall remain nameless, who delivered an admirable message: "To erase Wharton's air of superiority and to integrate Wharton undergrad with the rest of the undergraduate community, eliminate its name!" MIKE PENN College '92