CAMPUS BRIEFS: Thursday, July 16, 1998

U. signs letter for new campus movie theater University spokesperson Phyllis Holtzman confirmed that Penn had signed a letter of intent with Sundance Cinemas -- a joint venture of actor-director Robert Redford and General Cinemas -- to bring an independent film theater to Penn. Since 1995, the Cinemagic 3 on the 3900 block of Walnut Street has been the campus' only movie theater, filling the location of the AMC Walnut Mall 3, whose lease the University did not renew in 1994. The United Artists Eric 3 in the Hamilton Village shopping center on 40th Street also went out of business in 1994. But last spring, University City Associates -- Penn's for-profit real estate arm -- informed Cinemagic owner Andrew Sheppard that Penn intended to bring an art theater to campus. Several chains expressed interest in building a facility in Hamilton Village. However, Sheppard's contract with the University gives him the right of first refusal over any new cinema on campus, a protection he has thus far been unwilling to relinquish. Sheppard could not be reached for comment this week. Despite the University's recognition of the agreement with Sundance, UCA Managing Director John Greenwood and Managing Director of Real Estate Tom Lussenhop refused to comment on whether any deal had been made with Sheppard. Though she said that the letter of intent could lead to an announcement in the near future, Holtzman emphasized that most of the details -- such as the design and location of the cinema -- were still unclear. -- Edward Sherwin U. officials to get 'pied' for charity fundraiser Ever wanted to just sock one to your boss? A pie, that is. Well, you can on Wednesday, and as if you needed any more incentive, it's for charity. The revelry is set for noon to 2 p.m. on Hill Field and promises to provide several Kodak moments as University officials volunteer to have tins of shaving cream hurled in their direction to benefit Easter Seals. Although such a rare opportunity may be motivation enough to pay the $5-per-pie fee, the proceeds will also help Penn's Franklin Flyers as they gear up for a city-wide Easter Seals softball tournament later this month. The faculty and staff-composed Flyers -- one of the teams in the Recreation Department's summer softball league -- will take on other area teams to bring home the grand prize of Phillies tickets and a photo opportunity with centerfielder and 1992 Engineering graduate Doug Glanville. The tournament's entrance fee is $250, but the winner is determined not by wins and losses -- but by how much money each team raises for Easter Seals. Team members chipped in to raise the entry fee, according to Student Financial Services Executive Secretary Yvonne Oronzio, who moonlights as the Flyers' coach. The team has raised $500 from the pies, combined with t-shirt and raffle ticket sales. Oronzio said that the pie-throwing has attracted the most attention so far. "One woman in accounts payable actually spent $100 to hit her boss with 20 pies," Oronzio added. As of yesterday, 12 administrators had volunteered to get hit with the pies, including Vice President for Finance Kathy Engebretson, Student Financial Aid Director Bill Schilling and Vice President for Facilities Services Omar Blaik. Executive Vice President John Fry was asked to participate and is "considering" the offer, Oronzio said. Oronzio added that anyone interested in hurling a pie -- or multiple pies -- should contact her as soon as possible to reserve their "pie tickets." -- Ginny Dorsey