A Washington Post feature story focusing on Penn's West Philadelphia development has generated an overwhelming public response in several university departments.
The article, "Urban Colleges Learn to Be Good Neighbors," highlighted city schools and their community interactions -- which in many cases has resulted in increased security and popularity.
Admissions Dean Lee Stetson said the article substantiates his department's emphasis on the local community during information sessions for prospective students. He said he has received e-mails from Post readers who had been unaware of, and were impressed by, Penn's involvement in West Philadelphia.
"Some college counselors were very impressed too. [They] were commenting on ... how many students are finding urban education settings a more popular choice," he said, adding that he hopes the article will persuade more accepted students to choose Penn.
"I think it's all part of Penn's rising visibility in general," Stetson said.
The article cited retail development, the Penn-sponsored neighborhood elementary school, increased security and lower crime rates as key aspects of the University's community enhancement.
Government and Community Affairs Vice President Vanda McMurtry said the article is part of a recent burst of media praise for Penn.
Feedback from the article has generated a sharp increase in requests for interviews and speeches from Penn's Facilities and Real Estate Services department.
Facilities spokesman Tony Sorrentino said that while he received about 30 requests for presentations about community development last year, Monday's article already triggered almost a dozen.
"It was fantastic that [the article] captured kind of the University's aspirations for being the best possible neighbor it could be in Philadelphia," Sorrentino said.
News of the article has been traveling fast. Post Reporter Lois Romano , who wrote the article, said it was the second-most e-mailed story on the paper's Web site on Monday.
"I'm assuming that every parent who has a child applying to college e-mailed it," she said, adding that many other publications would likely republish the article.
McMurtry said the article is important because it demonstrates to legislators that universities can be a driving force in community and economic development, in which Penn is at the forefront.
"The focus used to be on what we would call our core activities -- almost exclusively research and education. Now the focus is broader," he said.
