CAMPUS BRIEFS: Friday, November 14, 1997

Gravina takes position with Trammell Crow Trammell Crow Co. will assume management of all University buildings March 1, as a result of an outsourcing deal with the Dallas-based company. Gravina said he will help guide the transition of facilities management to the outside company. "I will be acquainting myself with Trammell Crow as a company, and I will also be helping them understand how higher education facilities operate," he said. Hailed as a landmark agreement in higher education management, the Trammell Crow deal will "change the paradigm of delivery of services here," Gravina said. Gravina began Penn's on-campus lighting upgrade program and worked heavily on the recently unveiled Institute for Advanced Science and Technology building. He came to the University in 1984 as Physical Plant executive director. He took on his current position in 1987. -- Tammy Reiss Nursing profs garner national recognition Two professors from the Nursing School were inducted into the American Academy of Nursing at its annual meeting this week. "Election to the Academy is one of the highest honors a professional nurse can receive," Nursing Dean Norma Lang said. "It is based on achievement in many areas of nursing, including research, curriculum development, health planning and leadership in professional organization." One of the honorees was Nursing Professor Eileen Sullivan-Marx, who has spent 20 years studying Medicare reimbursement for the advanced practice nurses who care for the frail and elderly. Sullivan-Marx's research has demonstrated that advanced practice nurses can help successfully treat such patients. The Academy also recognized Nursing Professor Antonia Villarruel, a leading expert on cultural diversity and minority issues in nursing. Villarruel has examined important health issues facing America's Latino population, and is president of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. -- Shannon Burke Male student unhurt in attempted robbery A man attempted to rob a male student near the loading dock behind Steinberg-Dietrich Hall Wednesday night, but the student managed to escape unharmed, police said. The student was walking behind the building when he was approached by man who asked him where the International House was and then demanded money, police said. When the student refused, the man threatened to assault him, but the student walked away unhurt. Police have not made any arrests in the incident. -- Ian Rosenblum