Students at afternoon tea with University Provost Ron Daniels were fascinated by more than just his Canadian accent.
Daniels shared his thoughts on everything from policy implementation to living on the Main Line.
The Philomathean Society hosted the tea yesterday in its red-rimmed library on the fourth floor of College Hall. About 20 students showed up to sample coffee cake as well as to delve into Daniels' thoughts regarding his legal career and student life at Penn.
Daniels, who was dean of the University of Toronto Law School for 10 years and a visiting professor at the Yale University Law School, has a background in the connection between law and international development.
College junior Gerard Leone asked Daniels in what historical era he would choose to execute public policy if he could.
"The 20th century would be the the most interesting. Creating laws that would revert totalitarian regimes like Hitler's or Stalin's would be fascinating. I'm interested in the role of laws in wicked societies," Daniels replied unhesitatingly.
Students were curious as to Daniels' personal goals for improving life at Penn. His answers centered on the notion of a research-intensive university that employs professors who can balance research with teaching.
"It was really interesting to hear the provost's opinions on how to better the quality of student life," College freshman Jessica Staller said.
Yet Daniels did not restrict his answers to the academic realm. When asked how Philadelphia compares to Toronto, he said that although Philadelphia is very different, it offers the "amenities of a great city."
Daniels then discussed the existence, or lack thereof, of legal institutions in developing countries, concluding that while all countries need good laws, "societies face challenges in getting leaders to submit to change."
College senior Bryan Fields, who organized the event, said that "there was an enthusiastic response to Daniels' discussion of the widening gap between First and Third World countries."
Daniels was particularly interested in the move from government-owned industries to gradual private investment. Citing examples from his own legal battles deregulating the electricity industry, Daniels said that such changes need to be implemented in developing nations.
Daniels also spoke approvingly of the Canadian Supreme Court, which he called a "trailblazer" in issues such as same-sex marriages, an example of judicial activism that he says accentuates "the robustness of democratic activity."
College senior Helen Schubert added, "We have had tea with President [Amy] Gutmann, so getting to also meet the provost is a wonderful opportunity."
