U. remembers Brownlee

In a memorial service yesterday in Van Pelt Library, more than 100 friends, colleagues and former students remembered the life and career of Rebecca Jean Brownlee, the former dean of the College of Women. Brownlee was 83 years old when she passed away on January 23. While members of the audience choked back tears, speakers recalled the charm and class with which she handled her position. "She maintained an air of dignity to the end, which won her a lot of admiration," long-time friend Robert Teitelman said. "Because of her deep commitment to her students?, her disarming manner and personal warmth?, Jean was generally regarded as a great lady. [And] she was more -- she was a noble woman." Teitelman set the tone for the rest of the memorial, which was punctuated by humorous anecdotes and lavish praise for a woman who had spent over 50 years at the University. "Jean remained an active and viral role model for generations of Penn people," former Interim President Claire Fagin said. "She loved Penn dearly and worked for its betterment." Fagin also read a letter from former University President Martin Meyerson in which he said that "the University is greatly in her debt." Brownlee's love for the University and its people was also conveyed by her former students. "She was always reaching out for others," friend and University alumna Elizabeth McLean said. "She was an integral part of [our lives], and we were the richer for it." Many of those attending the memorial praised its format and the content of the service. "It was a beautiful ceremony with very personal comments," School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens said. "What touched me was how well the different talks brought her to life." McLean agreed. "I think it spoke to the kind of person that she was," she said. University President Judith Rodin, who was a student in the College of Women when Brownlee was dean, had a prior commitment at the University Council meeting and could not attend the memorial. At the University Council meeting, Rodin said Brownlee was noted for promoting the role of women at the University, for her commitment to effective student advising and for her cheerfulness and friendship. Brownlee's life was summarized by University Chaplain Stanley Johnson. "She was the quintessential Pennsylvanian," he said. Staff writer Lisa Levenson contributed to this story.