Reception honors women at U.

This past year has been one of transition for Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum. Last September, she left her post at the University to assume the position of interim president of Cheyney University in Chester County. And this September she returned to the University assuming a new position in the provost's office. McCoullum described her experiences during a reception for newly-appointed and promoted women faculty and administrators last night in Houston Hall. The reception was sponsored by the University Association of Women Faculty and Administrators. "It is impossible for me to detail all of the excitement of serving as the chief executive officer of a $21 million organization, which touches the lives of tens of thousands of highly partisan students, faculty, alumni, and staff," McCoullum said. "I cannot tell you of the remarkable thrill of being constantly watched by print and electronic media and of my glee at watching jaded reporters transformed into true fans of the University," she added. She talked about what it was like to be the first female president of Cheyney and why when offered the full-time position, she turned it down and came back to the University. "I cannot even begin to tell you of the exultation, pride and passion which moved me through the months of service as the leader of an institution which is the first historically black college in the history of the United States," she said. "Cheyney University has enormous symbolism for me as an African-American woman . . . Cheyney University will always be a part of my soul." "I was selected as permanent president of Cheyney University, but I chose to decline the position because I felt that the university had to be made immediately whole . . . ," McCoullum said. "To me leadership became a possibly hazardous imperative, truth a matter of divided consciousness." McCoullum said she was grateful for all the support she received from her friends at the University. She read a poem by Nikki Giovanni, "The Room With the Tapestry Rug." "And when she was lonely, she would go into the room, where all who lived knew her well, lips would punctuate the talk, with a smile, seasons in fact, unchanging, family waited, never to leave her, in the room, where all who lived knew her well," she recited. "I must say that as I look around this room, I feel a great deal of warmth and I draw great strength from all of you, women who know me well, who have passed through many seasons of my life with me," McCoullum said. McCoullum gave advice to "the mothers and daughters of the University of Pennsylvania." "I invite you, when you are weary of the daily frustration which, from time-to-time, seem to overcom your essential vitality to rest, because all of us will remain vigilant." Doris Cochran-Fikes, director of alumni relations, said McCoullum is a true asset to the University. "Valerie adds a lot of vitality to the University's culture," Fikes said. "When she left to go to Cheyney, I thought for sure she was gone for good. I was delighted when she decided to come back." Selina Roberts, assistant director of the Afro-American Studies program, said she was told by many that she must meet McCoullum. "She's a very inspiring person," Roberts said. "She is an excellent role model and very inspirational. It is wonderful to see a woman push as hard as she did in the level she's in." JoAnn Mitchell, director of the Office of Affirmative Action introduced McCoullum. "She has made an enormous difference in my life both personally and professionally," Mitchell said. "She is truly one of Penn's own success stories."