While she was introduced as "Penn's answer to Judge Judy," the Honorable Marjorie "Midge" Rendell laughs off the comparison. A judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Rendell, the wife of Philadelphia's outgoing mayor and a 1969 University alumna, spoke at Penn's Association of Alumnae Board of Director's Meeting yesterday at the Sweeten Alumni House. "I saw her berating a plaintiff, using her finger and shouting, 'You're really ticking me off, sir,'" Rendell said of her TV counterpart. "I always wonder what would happen if I did that in my courtroom." In front of a small group of about 50 alumni, Rendell gave an informal presentation on the theme "Women in Leadership at the Millennium." Rendell described her life from her days at Penn to her becoming a lawyer and mother to her present juggling of multiple roles as Philadelphia's first lady and a federal judge. "It's been a wonderful time," Rendell said. "It has never been normal but everything has been fun and extremely rewarding." The hour-long program began with introductory remarks by Association of Alumnae Program Chairperson Marion Taxin and concluded with a brief question-and-answer period. "She represents the new woman of the new millennium who is able to successfully balance the demands of career and family," Taxin said. "She also epitomizes the ideal woman who, in addition to fulfilling the demands of career and family, still finds time to be actively involved in her community and assume leadership roles in the organizations for which she works." Among other positions, Rendell serves as a University Trustee, chairperson of the Board of Overseers of the Nursing School and a member of the Trustees Council of Penn Women. Upon graduating from Villanova Law School in 1973, Rendell worked for 21 years at the law firm of Duane, Morris and Heckscher, where she became the firm's second woman partner. "I didn't prioritize my career in the late '60s and went to law school as an investment," Rendell said. "However, my husband instilled in me desire with his 'you can do anything' attitude and he fortified my own ability and drive." Since she didn't prepare a speech, Rendell addressed the audience very informally before opening the discussion up for questions. She highlighted the obstacles that she faced in trying to balance her legal career and role as a mother. "The pressures made me want to quit the job and I wanted people to stop needing me," Rendell said. "But I saw it as a situation where it wasn't just me on the line but women in general. So I toughed it out and in the end it was worth it." She cited her years at Penn as instrumental to her personal development and her sense of empowerment. "Taking leadership roles and learning how to balance enjoying myself with studying was very important," Rendell said. "And also being friends with women with similar goals as me challenged me intellectually." The small, predominantly female audience received Rendell very warmly. "I think she is incredibly knowledgeable, personable and charming," former Association of Alumnae President Binnie Donald said. Expressing her enjoyment for the past eight years as Philadelphia's first lady, Rendell explained that she wished she didn't have to leave City Hall. "I'm not glad it's going to be over soon," Rendell said in regards to her husband's leaving office. "I will miss our special relationship with the city."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
