UA's Levine looks back on four years of service

When University President Amy Gutmann reached over to shake hands with College senior Jason Levine at her Inaugural Celebration, the Undergraduate Assembly chairman leaned in for a kiss on the cheek instead.

The trustees sitting at his table, including the former owner of the New Jersey Nets, broke into laughter over Levine's misinterpretation of her greeting.

As an active member in student government during his four years at Penn, Levine has brushed elbows -- and cheeks -- with many top administrators on a regular basis.

"Jason has fostered amazing relationships with faculty, administrators and staff," incoming UA Chairwoman Rachel Fersh said. "He carries an aura of respect around him."

Levine has served on a diverse array of committees, from the Provost Search Committee to the Ad Hoc Committee on Safety in a Diverse Environment.

Levine also worked on changes to the alcohol policy as a member of the Alcohol Response Team in order to give students a more active role in changing the alcohol culture on campus.

As an ART committee member, Levine remembers once explaining to Interim Provost Peter Conn what a beer bong and ice luge are after they were used as examples.

Fellow student government members revere Levine for his leadership and professionalism.

"Jason is one of my favorite people," outgoing Social Planning and Events Committee President Darryl Wooten said. "He actively tried to fight for everyone's needs or requests in a fair manner."

Another major accomplishment was Levine's work on gender-neutral housing, which will be implemented next fall. Levine brought a proposal for coed housing to the UA after a student approached him with the suggestion last year.

However, Levine's term has not been without its bumps along the way.

"It's often a thankless job," Levine said. "When you're a leader of an organization, you take things personally."

Levine said that criticism from the undergraduate community and The Daily Pennsylvanian regarding a lack of agenda topics and proposals during the fall 2004 semester and controversy surrounding the Nominations and Elections Committee's awarding of University Council seats have been the most difficult to cope with.

Aside from the 25 to 30 hours per week that Levine estimates he put in as chairman, the economics major has worked at the Office of Strategic Initiatives, which deals with technology transfer issues.

"I've learned so much outside the classroom that sometimes I feel like classes just get in the way," Levine said.

The 22-year-old said he can frequently be spotted on Tuesday nights at Smokey Joe's and is a self-proclaimed wine aficionado.

He is also a "Philly lifer" when it comes to sports and an avid golfer.

After a trip to Europe beginning in Rome and ending in London this summer, Levine is off to law school. He is unsure exactly where he will be attending, but really hopes to remain at Penn.

"I want to go into corporate law, but this year has really opened my eyes to public policy," Levine said. "And the door is always open for a life in politics."

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