Former University President Judith Rodin received the "city's Nobel Prize" last night.
A ceremony held at the Penn-Alexander School honored Rodin with the 83rd annual Philadelphia Award for her the positive impact on Penn and the surrounding community during her tenure.
The award is presented to a local citizen who has worked toward Philadelphia's common good, and comes with a $25,000 check.
"I am very, very grateful," Rodin said of the honor, which has also been awarded to such well-respected Philadelphians as Leopold Stokowski, Marion Anderson and Gov. Ed Rendell.
Rodin identified Penn's rise in academic prominence as one of the highlights of her tenure, as well as "the rebirth of West Philadelphia as a safe, exciting, wonderful place to be."
The former president said she has been inspired by the work of Benjamin Franklin and his radical vision of education combining theory and practice. She also noted his "determination to improve the quality of life for himself and other human beings right here in Philadelphia" as an example of his great heroism.
Notable initiatives during Rodin's career that won her praise and respect from the trustees of the Philadelphia Award include Penn's partnership with the Penn-Alexander School, and the University's support for the creation of a knowledge industry initiative to encourage college graduates to remain in the city and seek employment here.
William Marrazzo, chairman of the Philadelphia Award trustees and chief executive officer of WHYY, Inc., called Rodin a civic leader and cited the great success of the Penn-Alexander school as an important achievement.
"How very grateful we all are, Judy, for your vision to make this temple of learning possible," he said.
President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc Morial gave a keynote address that named Rodin as "a pioneer and a great visionary."
"The University of Pennsylvania is a better place because of Judith Rodin," he said. "I hope that she will be held up as a great beacon."
Rodin "set a pattern that a great university must be a part of its community, not only in words but in deeds," he said.
As for Rodin's next career -- as the president of the Rockefeller Foundation -- Morial offered some advice.
"Here she comes," he said, "Watch out, Rockefeller Foundation, because Judy is coming."
The Philadelphia Award was established by activist, educator and philanthropist Edward Bok in 1921 in order to honor those Philadelphians who achieved great things while improving the community. Bok thought that service to the community too often went unnoticed and should receive public recognition.
