New SCUE head to focus on research

History, it seems, has a tendency to repeat itself. During their high school days, College junior Josh Wilkenfeld succeeded Wharton senior Aaron Fidler as president of a midwestern regional United Synagogue Youth group. And yesterday afternoon, Wilkenfeld was elected chairman of the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education at their annual executive board elections -- once again taking the leadership reigns from outgoing SCUE Chairman Fidler. Wilkenfeld was the expected winner of the position, having served as SCUE's vice chairman for the past year. He has been active on several SCUE committees throughout the past year, including the Council of Undergraduate Deans and the Committee of Undergraduate Education. Wilkenfeld said he is optimistic about what he can accomplish in his new position. "SCUE has proved to be a powerful force in the University in the past," Wilkenfeld said. "[This year] we hope to continue to be a catalyst of new discussions [for positive change]." As chairman, Wilkenfeld said he plans to continue many of the projects he worked on as vice chairman. The most immediate item on his agenda will be this semester's release of the 2000 White Paper, which will list a series of priorities for the group over the coming year. "[It] gives the University a look into how we operate," Wilkenfeld said. The document will likely include assessments of aspects of the University such as technology developments, undergraduate research opportunities and advising and teaching quality, Wilkenfeld explained. During his tenure, Wilkenfeld said he particularly plans to concentrate on improving the research opportunities for undergraduates, a goal outlined in the 1999 SCUE White Paper. He noted that he wants all undergraduates to be able to take part in Penn's acclaimed research projects. "From day one, students should be hearing about research and doing it," he said. Another goal for Wilkenfeld this year is to create a mission statement for SCUE. He said he wants to take a "critical look at what Penn is," and create opportunities to discuss the issue. Wilkenfeld will also be serving on the evaluation committee for the soon-to-be-finalized College pilot curriculum. Fidler expressed his confidence about handing his position over to Wilkenfeld. "[Wilkenfeld] has learned a lot over the past year as vice chairman," Fidler said. "The committee is in great hands." Other members of the SCUE executive board include College sophomore Hanny Hindi as vice chairman, Wharton junior Richard Kilfoyle as treasurer and College sophomore Emily Stetler as secretary. College sophomore Lindsey Mathews and College junior Cam Winton were both elected as at-large members of the committee.