CAMPUS BRIEFS: Tuesday, January 27, 1998

Public Safety officially opens new HQ today Although dispatchers are still located in the old station at 3914 Locust Walk, the rest of the department made the move to the new building during winter break. Other parts of Public Safety moved out of the mini-station on 40th Street, which opened a year ago. The event, to be held at the new building, marks a consolidation of police and security operations that were once housed in four separate locations around campus. Sharing the $3.5 million facility are University Police, Special Services, Spectaguard security guards, PennWatch and security equipment from Sensormatic Electronics Corp. The consolidation was one of Public Safety Managing Director Tom Seamon's highest priorities when he released his master plan for campus security in March 1996. Currently, the old building is being renovated for use later this year as a non-residential community service center once University Police finish moving out. -- Maureen Tkacik Software Etc. closes its location on campus Last Saturday was a sad day for the University's video game fans, as Software Etc. -- the only store on campus to sell games such as those made by Nintendo and Sega -- closed its doors. Joe Maguire, assistant manager of the store located in the 3401 Walnut Street complex, could not give any specific reason why the parent company closed its University City location, but he stressed that the owners "want to open up more stores where they will make more of a profit." The owners decided not to renew their lease, which was up for renewal, Maguire said. Software Etc. has another Philadelphia location in Center City, in the Gallery Mall at 10th and Market streets. According to Penn Managing Director of Real Estate Tom Lussenhop, Software Etc. closed due to "changes at the corporate level." He added that the University is exploring a couple of options for the vacant spot, one of which is the expansion of The Gap clothing store, which is currently located near Software Etc. in the complex. -- Sari Post Flames engulf car in Penn Tower garage A car parked on the lobby level of the Penn Tower Hotel garage caught fire yesterday, becoming completely engulfed in flames by about 6:20 p.m., police said. No injuries were reported from the blaze. The building was evacuated for about half an hour while the Philadelphia Fire Department extinguished the flames and put out the fire. The cause of the fire, which also damaged four other vehicles, is unknown, according to University Police. The incident comes one week after University Health System secretary Toby Laiken, 53, was assaulted in her office on the sixth floor of the Penn Tower shortly after she began work. -- Maureen Tkacik