Support head Wells to retire

Victim Support and Special Services Director Ruth Wells will retire this week because of her ongoing struggle with high blood pressure after 16 years at the University. "Occasionally, I suffer from hypertension, which boils down to high blood pressure," Wells said last night. "It's not that serious, I just felt it was time to retire. All of us know when it's time to take better care of ourselves." Wells said her job was very "challenging" and "stressful" and that as director of Victim Support, she has had to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "It's necessary for the director to be available at any time when something happens to a person," Wells said. In her role as Victim Support Director, Wells counselled victims of crime, arranged transportation for court appearances and directed victims on how to proceed with their cases. She also advised University police officers and the community on issues facing students, faculty and staff who are victimized. Wells said that she will not abandon her job entirely when she leaves this week. "I've been asked to be available as a consultant [for Victim Support] until a new director is hired around early April," Wells said. Rose Hooks, Victim Support administrative assistant, will take over many of Wells' duties until a permanent director is appointed. Wells said she started her career as a police officer with the Philadelphia Police Department, where she worked for 21 years before accepting a post called safety specialist at the University. Since being hired by the University in 1976, Wells developed a campus-safety education program and worked to create Victim Support. Wells said she also worked to recruit minority and female officers to the University. "I love Penn," Wells said. "I'm really going to miss it. Penn was one of the most exhilarating experiences I've ever had." Elena Dilapi, director of the Penn Women's Center, said last night that Wells was "one of the most superb advocates" of sexual assault victims that she has met. "Not only does she affect individuals, but has also worked for changes in the Philadelphia Police Department to make sure that the system works for the [victims]," Dilapi said. Dilapi said that she will miss Wells and that a replacement will be difficult to find. "I think the changes she's helped bring about will still be here after she's gone," Dilapi said. "Her prescence will be felt here." Wells said she found her work at the University very fulfilling because of the support she found from the women in the community. She said she has just been elected president of of the Women's Division of the Pennsylvania State Baptist Convention and that she will do stewardship work for them on a volunteer basis. Wells said that she also plans to spend some of her free time with her four children and three grandchildren.