Lindback winner's popular course to be cut

In an ironic twist, Historic Preservation and Urban Studies Lecturer George Thomas -- who will receive one of the most prestigious University teaching awards today -- will not be able to teach one of the courses for which he has been praised next semester because of "budget cuts," according to Historic Preservation chairperson and Architecture Professor David DeLong. He added that the course, Philadelphia Architecture, is usually offered on an alternate year basis and should be taught next year, but that "budget planning and curriculum needs" led to the decision not to offer the course next fall. DeLong's action has sparked student outrage. "To see him being treated as a budget cut is not only an outrage to those who value teaching, but it's also a slap in the face to the distinguished award which is being bestowed upon him," College senior Jeremy Chiappetta said. Thomas, a renowned Philadelphia historian, is the sole recipient of this year's Provost's Award for Distinguished Teaching, which honors part-time teachers. Along with the prize, Thomas will be inducted into the Lindback Society, which supports teaching throughout the University. "I was struck by the timing," Thomas said about the juxtaposition of the two events. DeLong said that the decision was made in part because Thomas is not a standing professor and therefore does not receive first priority when course offerings are decided. "The University is obligated to make sure its standing faculty is fully engaged," DeLong said. "Then one can turn to people who are critical to the University like lecturers and adjuncts." According to DeLong, the professor's popularity was not a factor in the the decision, which he added is not final. DeLong said the course should be offered during the 1996-1997 school year. Graduate School of Fine Arts Dean Malcolm Campbell said the decision to cut the class was made before the recipients of the Lindback and Provost's Awards were announced. And Campbell said the decision to cut Thomas' Historic Preservation class was made entirely by DeLong. DeLong said, however, that the cut was "based on consultation with other members of my graduate group." Both DeLong and Campbell praised Thomas' teaching and said the decision to cut the Historic Preservation course had nothing to do with Thomas' teaching abilities. "I think he's one of the brightest, most imaginative teachers of architectural history in the Philadelphia area," DeLong said. "My intention is to keep him involved in the program for as long as I have any say." Thomas said last night he was disappointed his course would not be offered next semester. "Given the loss of American Civilization as a program in the University and given the steady decline in courses that are based on the city, I think we're missing an excellent subject that has led the way in the development of the contemporary world," he said. Many of Thomas' former students expressed concern over the decision. College senior Jase Feinstein said the decision was "reprehensible." "I would question why the budget cuts affected a man who is hours away from receiving his award for excellence in teaching," he said. "The award only reinforces the severity of the mistake they are making. "It's a sign that perhaps the University really is more about politics than it is about teaching," Feinstein added. Thomas said he would continue to work with graduate students on independent study projects and theses. Thomas has focused much of his research on architect Frank Furness and worked on the restoration of the Furness building, which houses the Fisher Fine Arts Library.