Alumnus to edit Gazette

James Prendergast, a 1980 graduate of the University, has been named the new editor or the Pennsylvania Gazette. The Gazette is the alumni magazine of the University of Pennsylvania. Prendergast said he is excited about the new appointment, though he was not completely surprised. "There was a very extensive interview process involved," he explained. Prendergast was chosen from a "huge number" of qualified applicants, both alumni and non-alumni, according to Director of Alumni Relations Martha Stachitas. "The University attracted much interest from people already involved in both in academic publications and commercial publications," she said. "Some read the publication regularly. Others are aware of the fine reputation of the Gazette." The Gazette has been hailed as one of the best alumni magazines in the country, capturing last year's Robert Sibley Award for best alumni magazine of the year. Stachitas said the final applicants were asked to submit a critique of the past year's Gazettes as apart of their interview process. "What I said in mine was, first, that the Gazette was obviously a quality publication produced with thought and care, for which all involved were to be heartily congratulated," Prendergast said. "Without compromising those strengths, I hope to find way the magazine can be made a bit more timely, inviting and relevant to readers." Stachitas said Prendergast's "very powerful assessment of the strengths [of the Gazette] and comments on how to enhance it" swung the search in his favor. "He understands the balance of reporting University news and news of other alumni to alumni," she said. Prendergast said he plans to tap into "the wealth of information" stemming from the research done at the University -- things such as various schools' research projects, articles published, awards received and facility upgrades. "I'm also interested in what it is like to be a student at Penn now, and I suspect other alumni are, too," he added. "So, I'd like to do more in that area." Prendergast also said he is considering some small design changes to help "get people into the magazine." "Long term, I hope we can make adjustments as necessary to meet readers' need as they change," he said. Prendergast said he is looking forward to returning to campus on July 8, when his new position will take effect. "The opportunity o be back on campus and participating in the University community again was a big incentive for me," he said. "It looks a lot different -- much nicer than when I was a student." Prendergast, who recently published his first novel, is currently the managing editor of Civil Engineering, a publication dedicated to the world of civil engineering. However, Prendergast was quick to point out that he is not an engineer himself. "I was an English major at Penn," he said. Prendergast takes the place of former editor Anthony Lyle who retired last year after 31 years of service to the University. Lyle's resignation, though reportedly to "pursue other interests" came amidst an alleged controversy over his work, spurring several other board members to resign after him. Prendergast said he has not yet met with University President Judith Rodin, but added he looked forward to doing so. He said he has no doubt that he will be able to work effectively with the administration. "Everyone I have talked to there has emphasized the university's commitment to the quality of the Gazette," he said.