As if leading the fourth-ranked university in the nation were not enough of an incentive, University President Amy Gutmann jokingly said yesterday that she took the position because it would make marketing and selling her books a much easier task.
Hoping for an up-close encounter with the new Penn president, and curious about her academic work, nearly 100 students, faculty and community members filled the second-floor events corner of the Penn Bookstore last night.
Speaking about and reading from her newly published Identity in America, as well as the recently released paperback edition of Why Deliberative Democracy?, Gutmann explained her views on democratic decision-making, identity in group membership and participatory politics to a standing room-only crowd.
"I think it was terrific to see such a large and diverse group of the Penn community come out and discuss issues that are important to our society, our University and our world," Gutmann said, adding that she also appreciated the opportunity to share her passion for books and scholarship.
Gutmann elaborated upon the connection between her academic work and the running of a major university throughout her talk.
"I think it was also important for me, as president, to talk about issues that go beyond the University and also engage the University," she added.
For example, she explained that, in accordance with her belief that decisions should be made through consultation and discussion, she would seek community residents' opinions as the University moves into the recently purchased postal lands.
Students said they appreciated the opportunity to hear Gutmann address her views on Penn, as well as her other academic interests.
"All my "i's weren't dotted or "t's crossed, but given the time allowed, I think she did a good job expressing her own views and fielding some good questions," said Peter Petite, a classical studies post-baccalaureate student.
For Petite, Gutmann's insights on political decision-making were particularly interesting given their relevance to the upcoming presidential election.
College junior Max Shapiro also said that Gutmann's remarks related to his own interests.
"My passion is politics, and President Gutmann is very well-known for her belief in ethics, her belief in democracy and her view that deliberative democracy works," Shapiro said.
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