Officials await U. transition

Many University officials said this week they are excited about the upcoming transition in the president's and provost's office, which will translate into big changes across the University, not just in College Hall. President-elect Judith Rodin and Provost-elect Stanley Chodorow will replace Interim President Claire Fagin and Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson on July 1. Executive Vice President Janet Hale added that she is "clearly enthusiastic" about Rodin and Chodorow taking office. "I'm looking forward to continuing on so many of the same initiatives and taking many steps forward," she said. Many officials said they were anxious to embrace the upcoming changes in College Hall because they had confidence in Rodin's and Chodorow's leadership abilities. Wharton Dean Thomas Gerrity said he thinks Rodin has the ability to lead the University in a positive direction. "Judy Rodin is going to make an outstanding spokesperson for the entire University," he said. "She will bring many of Penn's many strengths to the forefront of public visibility." Gerrity added that the incoming president is a "first-rate academic who is articulate, warm and human at the same time." Other officials said they think Fagin's and Lazerson's leadership has put their successors on the right track. According to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta, "the interim president and provost did an unbelievable job in setting the stage for the new administration by asking all of the hard questions -- the new administration essentially has all the doors and windows wide open." Not all officials are positive that the upcoming transition will be beneficial, because they are uncertain of what lurks in the University's future. School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens said that while she anticipates many changes at the University, she does not know exactly what to expect. "I suspect there will be a lot of discussion?during the next few months about undergraduate education, and budgetary issues will loom large," she said. Director of Student Life Activities and Facilities Fran Walker also said she could not predict what changes will take place with the incoming administration, although she is "optimistic." "I have no idea what to expect other than a change," she said. Walker added that she hopes Rodin and Chodorow pay particular attention to student affairs.