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(12/12/96 10:00am)
The Penn Band struck up "You Can Call Me Al," as Vice President Al Gore entered a filled-to-capacity Irvine Auditorium yesterday morning to deliver an address in celebration of the 50th anniversary of ENIAC. After citing lyrics from Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" and playing a musical valentine card for his wife, Gore identified the crux of his speech. His 40-minute talk focused on the federal government's commitment to furthering science and technological research. " 'You can't start a fire without a spark,' " Gore quoted. "The federal government provided the initial spark that eventually flickered into extraordinary products." The audience, which was comprised of not only Penn students and faculty but other area students and community leaders, applauded and laughed through Gore's speech. And when Gore asked how many people regularly use the World Wide Web, nearly everyone in the auditorium raised their hands. Gore lauded ENIAC for being the forerunner of the computer age. "In the early days of ENIAC, nobody knew where it would all lead," Gore said. "Talented people improved on what ENIAC began." University President Judith Rodin presented Gore with a University of Pennsylvania Medal for Distinguished Achievement during her introductory remarks. Camera flashes punctuated the medal presentation, as more than 50 members of the national media covered yesterday's ENIAC celebration. The vice president also discussed the public's perception of technology, focusing on the individuals who are now pioneering the future of computers. "The spark of innovation that has led to multi-billion dollar industries has been the desire of the American people to work through self-government to spark good ideas," Gore said. Gore concluded his speech by wishing ENIAC a happy birthday. After the morning's ceremonies, Rodin said she was pleased with the event and Gore's speech. "We're also thrilled that he talked about the importance of research," Rodin said. "Obviously as a research university, we want the federal government continuing to make an investment on what we think are the important things for the future." Several students said that Gore's speech, while positively reinforcing a commitment to technology, did not discuss other key scientific political issues. "I thought the speech was sort of ironic since the [Communications Decency Act] is being passed and he's pushing innovation in computer research while stifling free speech," College senior Lauren Zaslansky said. College senior Jon Slotkin agreed that Gore should have addressed the recent telecommunications reform law. "Just like a good politician, Gore was able to discuss the Internet without discussing the CDA, even though it was the issue on everyone's minds," Slotkin said. But other students said the speech was fitting for the anniversary of the world's first programmable computer. "I thought Gore was well-prepared, informative and humorous," Engineering freshman Seelig Sinton said. "He is genuinely interested in the technology issue, which made him an appropriate choice for this event."
(12/09/96 10:00am)
University employees had protested outsourcing Penn's Way. In an effort to raise awareness about charitable giving, representatives from United Way recipient agencies spoke to University employees Friday afternoon at Chats. University administrators organized the event to increase donations for Penn's Way, the University's annual charity fundraising campaign. Executive Vice President John Fry said he hoped the presentations would clarify the aim of Penn's Way. In the past month, several faculty and staff members have expressed discontent that the 1996 Penn's Way campaign was being administered by United Way, an umbrella organization that keeps about 12 percent of each contribution as administrative charges to run its fundraising drives. The employees passed a referendum several years ago stating that the University -- and not an outside organization -- should administer the campaign. In reaction to the administrative decision to hire United Way without consulting faculty and staff, several employees said they would not contribute to Penn's Way this year. Manager of Field Community and Training Barbara Murray, who runs the campaign for the University, said she has not seen a decrease in the number of pledge cards. But she added she does not know how much money has been promised by employees. At Friday's event, which included wine and appetizers, two guest speakers discussed their agencies and addressed concerns about the United Way fee. "If [the employees] would look at our agencies, the United Way dollars are going to the right places," said Lorraine Latham, director of volunteer services at People's Emergency Center. Latham, who also spoke at the event, said the United Way is able to publicize People's Emergency Center better than the agency could on its own. People's Emergency Center is a shelter for homeless women and children, offering transitional housing and educational programs for its participants. Cheryl Durgan of Freedom Theater agreed at Friday's meeting that her organization benefits from being part of United Way. "It's an organization that spreads the word for charitable organizations at the lowest cost," said Durgan. Freedom Theater is a professional acting troupe that offers drama classes for impoverished children in the hopes of keeping them away from drugs and gangs. To increase interest in this year's campaign, administrators are holding a drawing for two USAir round-trip tickets to anywhere in the continental United States. Although the deadline for the drawing was December 6, donations will be accepted through the end of the month, Murray said. "When you see these speakers, it makes you realize the importance of giving and how even a small contribution can make a difference to an organization," she added.
(12/05/96 10:00am)
Only one community member speaks at the annual public forum. Although extensively advertised as an open forum for public comments and questions, yesterday's University Council meeting only heard from one non-member. Council held the annual forum during the second half of its two-hour meeting to allow students, faculty and staff to present issues to the body for consideration and discussion. During the first hour of the meeting in the Quadrangle's McClelland Hall, Provost Stanley Chodorow presented his State of the University address, discussing research, graduate education and the University's expanded international programming. School of Social Work administrative assistant Paul Lukasiak brought several issues to Council for discussion during the open forum. The University, Lukasiak argued, should not be using central real estate for retail when there are academic departments that need new space. Lukasiak also discussed outsourcing and requested more community-wide involvement in the issue. "The decision to outsource academic services shouldn't be up to just the administration," Lukasiak said. Council Moderator Will Harris, a Political Science professor, said the body's steering committee would deal appropriately with each of Lukasiak's concerns and determine what committees should address the issues raised. When it was apparent no other students, faculty or staff wanted to speak, several Council members brought up concerns of their own. Microbiology Professor Helen Davies commented on the lack of staff consultation by the administration when turning Penn's Way -- the University's annual charitable donation campaign -- over to United Way. Harris recommended tabling that discussion until next September. But Executive Vice President John Fry said he would like to discuss the Penn's Way issue once the numbers are complied from this year's fundraising effort. "For a place of this size, $300,000 to $400,000 is probably not what it should be," Fry said about the decreasing contributions to Penn's Way. This year's Penn's Way drive will end Friday. City and Regional Planning Chairperson Anthony Tomazinas told Council the University should closely examine the potentially growing drug problem on campus. He added that Penn should consider publicly declaring its campus drug-free. Harris said Council would take the idea under consideration, adding that the body could assign a committee to report on drug use on campus. Before the discussion ensued, Chodorow presented his State of the University address, which was postponed from last month's meeting. He talked in detail about taking steps to make the University community more globally aware. The provost's office recently received a report on the foreign language curriculum that included the idea of teaching social science courses in foreign languages. The University's study-aboard programs are also going to be reviewed and some programs may be cut, Chodorow said. He added that the number of international students and visiting faculty from abroad at the University needs to increase. "The presence of foreign students and faculty and research personnel is one of the ways in which we can internationalize the campus," Chodorow said. Currently, there are roughly 2,650 foreign students at Penn -- approximately 850 undergraduates and 1,800 in graduate and professional schools. Chodorow also discussed research funding and sources during his speech. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services gave $186,538,693 in research money to the University in 1996, making it the single largest source of funding. The Medical Center receives the most research funding -- $171,500,848 -- of any school at Penn. Chodorow also discussed the results from the provost's first survey of doctoral students upon their graduation from Penn. The survey asked graduate students to evaluate their dissertation advisor, research opportunities and the quality of their time at Penn. And Harris announced yesterday he would step down from his position on Council effective next semester, since he will be on sabbatical in the spring. Rodin said she has asked someone to serve as moderator but would not release the name, since she hasn't yet received a definite answer. Harris served as moderator for four-and-a-half years, and previously held Council's parliamentarian position for three years.
(12/04/96 10:00am)
Members of the Penn community who are not representatives on University Council will have a chance to address the body at its meeting today. But by the November 27 deadline, Council had only received one request for time. Today marks the annual Council open forum, where students, faculty and staff have traditionally received up to three minutes each to speak. The only request sought the chance to comment on the University's current policies regarding consultation and representation on committees and governing bodies, according to Faculty Senate Chairperson Peter Kuriloff, an Education professor. But those who missed the deadline for informing the Office of the University Secretary may still get the chance to speak, if Council Moderator Will Harris wants to allow it. Harris is also a Political Science professor. At most other Council meetings -- which are open to the public -- only members can speak, although presenters and experts in specific areas have been asked to make presentations in the past. During the first hour of the meeting, which begins at 4 p.m. in the Quadrangle's McClelland Hall, Provost Stanley Chodorow will address Council in his State of the University speech -- delayed from last month's meeting because University President Judith Rodin took the entire time to announce plans for facilities enhancement. Chodorow said he plans to discuss graduate education, research and globally oriented programs. "I'm focusing on these areas because they are major responsibilities of the provost and important aspects of the University's academic program," he added. Council will have 10 minutes to discuss the provost's presentation, which will be followed by the open forum at 5 p.m. The entire meeting is open to the public.
(12/03/96 10:00am)
A shareholder lawsuit and misreported earnings won't affect Penn's contract. Sensormatic Electronics Corporation -- the company installing the University's new safety technology system -- is currently involved in a shareholder lawsuit and recently admitted to misreporting quarterly revenues last year. But University officials chose Sensormatic because they have the best security systems on the market, according to Executive Vice President John Fry. "The products are considered absolutely without peer," Fry said. The University signed a contract with Sensormatic for a $3 million-plus integrated security system in October. Fry said the company's current problems will not affect its contract with the University. But if Sensormatic were to experience significant financial difficulties, the University may service the security products it has purchased through the individual companies that are part of Sensormatic, Fry explained. "We have a whole series of backup alternatives in terms of once we get the equipment," he said. "We know it can be serviced by other companies." Fry added that he is confident Sensormatic will be able to work through its financial problems. Sensormatic Senior Account Manager Dick Saunders, who is handling the University's contract, said Sensormatic is in good financial standings and added there is minimal risk to the University under the contract. Prior to hiring Sensormatic, the University retained a firm to analyze the company and its financial situation "extensively," Fry said. Investigations were conducted in the spring and again during the summer, according to Saunders. Last year, Sensormatic was investigated by the Securities Exchange Commission for suspect accounting practices that inflated quarterly revenues. A shareholder is now suing the company for fraud, claiming that Sensormatic did not inform shareholders about the board of directors' involvement with the revenue discrepancies. "The company has had some struggles because of a very fast pace of growth, but we're convinced that they're on the right course," Fry said. Sensormatic is a $1 billion corporation with more than 6,300 employees and 350,000 serviced sites around the world. According to Public Safety Security Director Chris Algard, Sensormatic employees have been on-site for the past five months. Sensormatic is currently working with the Public Safety officials and individual schools to develop appropriate security systems, Algard added. Sensormatic is considering the use of the advanced technology systems on the University's campus, Saunders added. The same technology was used at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Among the potential technologies under consideration is a single-card security system, in which the PennCard could be used for entrance into buildings, financial purposes and dining services. Sensormatic has implemented single-card systems at Florida State University and Virginia Commonwealth University.
(11/22/96 10:00am)
The administration's decision to outsource the Penn's Way campaign has angered faculty and staff. Some faculty and staff said they will not contribute to the University's charity campaign this year since they were not consulted on the administration's choice of United Way -- which keeps about 12 percent of each contribution to run its fundraising drives. The employees passed a referendum several years ago requesting the University -- and not an umbrella organization -- administer the Penn's Way campaign. Employees objected to letting outside groups take a significant percentage of donations for administrative costs. "There seemed to be no attempt to consult with the community [on the decision to have United Way handle the campaign], particularly with the part of the community that worked on the referendum," Physiology Professor Martin Pring said. Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman said she was surprised that several employees were unhappy with the decision. "I truly thought the reasons for not going with United Way were no longer a problem," Scheman said. She added that she spoke with people involved in the referendum before the administration made the decision. Scheman explained that the University chose to outsource the campaign because administrators were concerned by a decrease in donations. Last year, Penn's Way raised $304,386 -- about $100,000 less than the $406,580 raised in 1995. Previously, the campaign -- which deducts pledged amounts from individual University employees' paychecks -- was conducted as a combined effort where employees could donate to individual charities directly, in addition to the overall campaign. Under the new arrangement, however, all donations will be handled by United Way, which keeps about 12 percent of each contribution to defray administrative costs. Scheman noted that the University was paying the administrative costs of running Penn's Way, taking away funds that could have been used elsewhere. "The issue to me is what are the best and most efficient ways to run a campaign," she said. Scheman added that she plans to convene a group to discuss the issues surrounding Penn's Way and how to improve next year's campaign. Senior Law Fellow David Rudovsky said he will urge other faculty and staff members to give charitable donations this year, but not through Penn's Way. "The Penn community ought to be giving more than they have in the past, but we ought to be doing it this year directly to those groups which we support," Rudovsky said, adding that he will not contribute to charities through Penn's Way. But English Department secretary Jennifer Giampietro explained that she would probably donate through Penn's Way. "The 11 percent is going to a charity? it's just going to the United Way charity which is an organization that helps everyone," she said. Scheman said she is concerned that donations for Penn's Way may decrease, but added that the overall goal is to give money to charitable organizations. "A secondary goal is to make it is as convenient and easy as possible," Scheman said. The campaign will end December 6.
(11/20/96 10:00am)
The high rises may be replaced by more intimate residences as part of a collegiate planning initiative. The high rises are not conducive to the development of the 21st Century Project's residential collegiate programs, administrators and faculty said this week. "[High rises] do not tend to foster community, and in their own formal character they're alienating," Historic Preservation and Urban Studies Professor George Thomas said. Last week, University President Judith Rodin announced the University was considering the destruction of the high rises and building new dormitories on the north end of campus to replace them. Housing and Residence Life Acting Director Chris Dennis said smaller dormitories better serve the collegiate programs the University is considering. "Smaller communities function in better ways than large monolithic structures," Dennis said. According to Thomas, the University has three options for the Superblock area. In one version, the high rises could be renovated into "vertical houses," grouping four stories together. Option two involves filling the currently open area of Superblock with low rises and retail space. The third option is demolishing the buildings, Thomas said. The University has discussed the possibility of gutting the high rises as opposed to demolishing the structures, Senior Manager of Residential Operations Gordon Rickards said. But a price tag for that type of project has not been calculated, he added. It isn't complicated to implode a high rise in an urban neighborhood, Thomas said. Timed charges would blow up the center pillars of a high rise, causing the building to collapse toward the basement. Plans for new residences will likely include town houses, apartment houses and family homes, Rodin said. The University has to have a variety of housing options including two-to-five story residences, according to City and Regional Planning Chairperson Anthony Tomazinis. "[Low-level buildings] will occupy more space of course, but they will be more workable, more homey," Tomazinis said. But administrators need to consult with students to evaluate what they want for their residences, Thomas added. "The question they have to think through is if undergraduates want the Quad experience or the intimate Pine Street experience but with a closed-off street," Thomas added. Compared to freshmen and sophomores, few upperclassman live on campus. "It's a brain drain that has a detrimental affect on our communities," Dennis said. With the development of collegiate residences, administrators hope more upperclassmen will live in University dormitories. While the facilities plan is feasible from a technical standpoint, the University must be able to justify the considerable cost of the improvements to residences, Tomazinis said. "The idea is to maximize our options in terms of building types and location so we have as many different options that we can on the table," Dennis said. Before the high rises were constructed, the Superblock area contained a mix of two-level Victorian houses and 20th century "arts and crafts" buildings, according to Thomas. When discussing plans for Superblock in the 1960s, administrators looked at proposals that included town houses and apartment homes, Thomas said. "In a sense, [the high rises] have always been a compromise," he added.
(11/19/96 10:00am)
Administrators don't know how much the buildings will cost, but are looking into options fo financing the plan. Administrators say they have not yet determined a price tag for the facilities proposals University President Judith Rodin unveiled last week at University Council. But officials are already in the process of discussing how to finance the construction and renovations. Rodin's master facilities plan includes the creation of "Sansom Commons" -- an urban park with a hotel and retail space on the 3600 and 3700 blocks of Sansom Street. The plan also details the construction of new dormitories and academic buildings. Philadelphia architects said some parts of the plan, if implemented together, could cost more than $45 million. But Executive Vice President John Fry said two of the three main projects -- Sansom Commons and new residences -- will partially pay for themselves. And he said the University will solicit donations to fund the construction of new academic facilities. The University will look to private investments to fund the construction of retail space in Sansom Commons. Hotel operators will bid for the Penn Inn, which the University hopes to build on the parking lot at 36th and Walnut streets, next to the future Barnes & Noble bookstore. In building and renovating residences, room fees paid by students who live in existing dormitories will generate a certain amount of usable income, Fry said, adding that the University could also take money from its "cash pool" to fund the construction of new residences. If the University demolished the high rises, as discussed last week, it would cost several million dollars per building, according to Philadelphia architect Eric Daubert, who said he couldn't give a specific dollar figure. And building a hotel like the Penn Inn could cost about $45 million, he said. But Daubert, who works for Philadelphia-based Arris Architects, added that even the roughest cost estimated require actual designs. Kevin McGee of McGee Co., a Philadelphia-based cost-analysis firm, said no one can estimate the new projects' price until they are designed. The University has consulted McGee Co. for past projects and McGee said he was minimally involved with preliminary discussions of the development of Sansom Commons. Penn's Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Gloria Chisum said she expects the administration to brief the Trustees on the new projects at a closed meeting of the Trustees' Executive Committee this Friday. Chisum said administrators have not specifically asked Trustees to donate money for the facilities projects. But Vice President for Development Virginia Clark said she has begun talks with alumni and Trustees about donating money for Rodin's many strategic plans, although she does not have a specific goal amount. "We really haven't gotten to that point where we can come up with specific numbers," Clark said, adding that the donations will be earmarked for academic programs and facilities. Fry said he doesn't want to use alumni donations or the cash pool to fund retail and residential projects. "I don't want to take fundraising dollars away from an academic program," Fry said. The University is currently planning a large fundraising drive for all of the strategic plans that fall under the Agenda for Excellence. When the University undertakes a drive like the $1.4 billion Campaign for Penn in 1994, the schools each have their own fundraising goals, while the University as a whole has its own monetary target, Clark said. The University does not establish a specific percentage of the total funds that the schools must contribute, Clark added. Fry said the University will help each school pay for renovation and construction fees initially. After the schools solicit donations from alumni and raise the necessary funds, they will pay the University back. Wharton School of Business administrators have completed an analysis of the amount of space the school will need for its new building at The Book Store site, Fry said. They will now meet with other University officials and architects to design the new complex, which will be built at 38th Street and Locust Walk, Fry added.
(11/18/96 10:00am)
Fifteen undergraduates will advise the administration on its 21st Century Project for undergraduate education as part of a newly formed Undergraduate Advisory Board. The UAB will gather student opinions on proposed programs within the plan, said Provost Stanley Chodorow, who oversees the entire 21st Century Project. "The success of the 21st Century Project relies on student involvement," Chodorow said. The project, developed in 1994, is geared toward revamping the undergraduate experience at the University and focuses on research opportunities, advising and residential programs. The UAB includes students from all four undergraduate schools, the Undergraduate Assembly, the Nominations and Elections Committee and the Student Committee on Undergraduate Education. The students were nominated by their peers and then chosen by the provost's office. "Without students, I don't think [administrators would] get enough perspective on what student life should be like," said College sophomore David Futer, who will serve on the UAB. Members of the project's UAB hope to hold their first meeting before Thanksgiving, but schedule conflicts may prevent the group from convening until December. Since Chodorow's UAB hasn't met yet, several members said they were unclear about the board's focus. "There's a lot of work just defining who we are," said UA Chairperson and College junior Tal Golomb, a member of the UAB. Though no official decision has been made as to how long the board will serve, College sophomore Hillary Aisenstein said the board should function throughout planning and implementation of the 21st Century Project. "Whenever the University takes on these big projects, there should be some constant deliberation to see if we are going in the right direction and if things have changed," said Aisenstein, a UAB member who sits on the UA also. The project's UAB will work with the Council of Undergraduate Deans -- the academic plan's oversight committee. Many members have already formulated ideas about which issues should draw most of the UAB's efforts. Golomb said he wants to look at collegiate planning --Ethe attempt to bring academics into the residences -- in further detail. "Hopefully, we'll be able to bring a kind of perspective to the planning," he added. Aisenstein said the UAB will take the Biddison Hier report on facilities and residences into consideration when evaluating future residential programs. "If you want to have a successful academic program in residences, you have to make sure the buildings are built to facilitate that," she said. The UAB will also tackle the student-faculty relationship. "We're going to be working more towards increasing faculty and student interaction," said Engineering sophomore Margaret Jones, a UAB member.
(11/15/96 10:00am)
Some parts of the 21st CenturySome parts of the 21st CenturyProject need further planning,Some parts of the 21st CenturyProject need further planning,Rodin said this week. Although plans for the administration's 21st Century Project on Undergraduate Life are currently underway, the full project will not be implemented by the original 1997 target date, University President Judith Rodin said earlier this week. When Rodin and Provost Stanley Chodorow announced the undergraduate education reforms in fall 1994, the project was slated to affect members of the Class of 2001 in their freshman year. Rodin said certain aspects of the plan need more detailed planning then originally anticipated, causing the delay. "The idea is to get it right," Rodin added. Chodorow said he will form an Undergraduate Advisory Board to advise the administration on the 21st Century Project. The members of the new UAB will be announced next week, Chodorow said. In Tuesday's Almanac, Chodorow released a report on the project's progress. The report highlights new interdisciplinary programs and ways to enhance faculty-student relationships. For example, the School of Nursing is negotiating with the College of Arts and Sciences, and may establish a dual-degree International Studies and Nursing program, Chodorow said. The School of Engineering and Applied Science is also discussing dual-degree possibilities with the other undergraduate schools. Since each dual-degree program requires administrative staff, personnel considerations limit the number of programs the University can offer, Chodorow added. The report also focused on advising and computing support for students. In an effort to improve interaction between professors and their students, faculty members will receive digitized PennCard pictures of their students with class lists at the beginning of each semester. The University is drafting a policy regarding the confidentiality of those photos, Chodorow said. "We need to be sure the faculty understand" the pictures are to be used for teaching purposes only, he added. The 21st Century Project will also establish a research center, similar to the Writers House, Chodorow said. "It would be a center where you could grant funds to undergraduate research," he said. According to the report, the center will provide information on research opportunities to students and faculty as well as establish a World Wide Web site on research at the University. Chodorow hopes the center would sponsor small, focused research conferences for undergraduates. No specific site has been designated for the research center, he added. The report also announced the development of three inter-school courses -- "Creating, Managing and Presenting the Arts," "Cognitive Neuroscience" and "Technology and Engineering in America." The courses will be funded by a Pew Grant monitored by the Council of Undergraduate Deans. Funding for similar inter-school courses will be awarded throughout the year, Chodorow said. Progress reports similar to the one released Tuesday will come out at least once or twice a year or whenever significant work has been completed on a 21st Century Project initiative.
(11/14/96 10:00am)
Officials are considering demolishing the high rises, Rodin said yesterday. The University plans to build new residences on the north side of campus and may demolish the high rises, University President Judith Rodin announced at University Council yesterday. "Superblock seems, to me, a real missed opportunity for this University," Rodin said. "I think we can rectify the error." In its study of University residences, the consulting firm Biddison Hier will look at all options, including demolition of the Superblock area. "We've told [Biddison Hier] that restoration, renovation and take-down are all viable alternatives," Rodin said. New residences built in the next decade may include apartment houses, townhouses and family homes, according to Rodin. The University has not built any new dormitories on campus in more than 20 years, she said. Residences in the north area of campus will benefit from the construction of the new Sansom Commons area, she added. In conjunction with the project, the graduate towers will undergo renovations and repairs as well. The University is also targeting the Quadrangle and Stouffer residences for major renovations. "Stouffer is a mess," Rodin said. Sections of the Quadrangle are still unrenovated, and most of the dormitory is not wired for ResNet. Although administrators want to address the housing issue immediately, the results of Biddison Hier's residential planning study are likely to be seen in a series of long-term projects over the next decade, Executive Vice President John Fry said.
(11/13/96 10:00am)
Administrators and students will pressure area businesses to repave streets and sidewalks. A newly formed University team comprised of administrators and students will focus on cleaning up the 40th Street corridor between Sansom Street and Baltimore Avenue. The 40th Street Action Team will work on identifying the area's problems and developing solutions -- within 45 days. Executive Vice President John Fry, who created the team, said he hopes it will put pressure on city officials and local businesses to clean up the area. "There are some things out there that don't take long deliberative study but require quick action," Fry said. The group met for the first time last Friday and will continue to meet at least once a week, according to co-Chairperson Diane-Louise Wormley. "We want to make sure the things we do are self-sustaining," said Wormley, who is the associate treasurer for cash management. Fry said the group will probably disband after the 45-day period, although the University will maintain a presence in the area. The team will especially work to improve lighting conditions along 40th Street. But to accomplish that goal, the University must ask the city for help. The team will also put pressure on the city to repave roads and sidewalks on 40th Street. Trash and graffiti in the area are among the serious problems the team identified, Wormley said. "We want to start knowing where the graffiti is so we can clean it up," she added. Team members have proposed a "zero tolerance" graffiti plan and a weekend cleaning program, although neither are fully developed. Graffiti can be reported to the University by calling 898-0000 or e-mailing zerotol@pobox.upenn.edu. Both Physical Plant and University City Associates have committed to keeping the area clean in the future. "The goal is to attack the core of underlying causes for why people feel they can come into the area? and commit crimes," said Maureen Rush, chief of University Police operations and another co-chairperson for the new team. The University's Special Service Division and Public Safety Mini-Station will move from 3927 Walnut Street to office space in a 40th Street storefront near Burger King. Fry said he did not want to wait until the new Public Safety headquarters at 4020-4060 Chestnut Street was complete in order to establish a police presence on 40th Street. With the University developing a special services district proposal to present to City Council, Fry said he hopes community members will join the University in its efforts to improve 40th Street. "We can model something here that is impressive," Fry said. The team will study commercial development for the block in conjunction with the University's larger retail plans. The team will look for new tenants for the street's vacant properties, while also working with local vendors to find other, more suitable locations for their businesses. To improve the area's outer appearance, the team plans to paint the facade of Ryan Mall, the set of stores on 40th Street between Walnut and Locust streets. Administrators from Government, Community and Public Affairs, Facilities Management and the Dental School make up most of the team. The group also includes two students -- Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Tal Golomb, a College junior, and Graduate and Professional Student Assembly member David Scott, a Wharton graduate student.
(11/13/96 10:00am)
Also during University Council, Rodin will give her 'State of the University' address about Penn's long-range strategic goals. The future of the current Book Store site will be announced at tomorrow's University Council meeting, ending months of lobbying by both the Wharton School of Business and the Psychology Department. Also at Council, University President Judith Rodin will discuss the University's long-range strategic plans during her "State of the University" address. "Campus master planning is an ongoing process," she said yesterday. The address will also detail the principles behind master facilities planning as presented by architect Denise Scott Brown, Rodin said. Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates is working with the University in developing a building plan. The company worked on the restoration of the Fisher Fine Arts Library and the Perelman Quadrangle plans. Rodin added that in order to effectively carry out a master plan, administrators must focus on specific sections like retail and University facilities and residences. "You can't move everything at once," she added. Retail and vendors throughout the University make up a key component of the master plan. Rodin said all retail on Walnut Street and on the ground floor of Houston Hall will be distributed appropriately. "We have a strong sense of what students want," she said. In December, the University will regain leasing responsibilities for 3401 Walnut Street, which had previously been handled by a Philadelphia-based leasing company. As a result, the University will be able to control which vendors are located in the Food Court and the store fronts at Walnut and 34th streets, Rodin said. She added that she wants to emphasize the importance of long-range planning even though the benefits are not immediately visible. Provost Stanley Chodorow will also report to Council on the University's international strategic plan. Chodorow said he will specifically address the globalization of the University, research and graduate education. The body will also hear a report on equipping University Police officers with semi-automatic weapons. Last year, Council's Safety and Security Committee looked at the University's proposal to replace University Police revolvers with semi-automatic pistols. But the group did not vote on the issue, since members couldn't reach a consensus, Committee Chairperson Sean Kennedy said. Since then, the Division of Public Safety decided to arm its officers with semi-automatics. They are now trying to decide which company's pistols to purchase. The Council meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today in the lobby of the Annenberg Center.
(11/12/96 10:00am)
During his visits to the University, Board of Trustees Chairperson Roy Vagelos periodically walks by the half-finished Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at 34th Street and Smith Walk. "It's coming up fast," Vagelos said of the building for which he and his wife, Diana, donated $10 million in 1995. Since taking the Board's helm two years ago, Vagelos has devoted most of his efforts to scientific research at the University. But the former Merck & Co. chief executive officer's concerns are not limited to research. "He's taken an enormous interest in the various departments around the University and has actively visited with the students," University President Judith Rodin said. Most recently, Vagelos has turned his attention to fund raising for student financial aid. The University is currently working to build an endowment to support its financial aid needs. Rodin said she is pleased Vagelos will lead the effort to obtain donations for this endowment. Vagelos is also focusing his time on security issues, noting that University officials must continue working on the problem until students feel safe. "[A special services district] is the answer, but that is only the beginning of the answer," Vagelos said. He added that the University should play a role in developing better housing, improved retail services and good high schools in West Philadelphia to attract faculty to live in the area. "There is no limitation in what we can do," Vagelos said. But he admitted that long-term safety initiatives will cost the University a large sum of money, although he would not specify how much. Vagelos indicated that the Agenda for Excellence strategic plan also requires significant funding -- similar to that raised by the University's $1.4 billion Campaign for Penn fund raising effort in 1994. The Trustees spent an entire day behind closed doors in October discussing the Agenda for Excellence. Under the plan, Vagelos said he hopes to see another research building -- which he called "IAST II" -- constructed. The Trustees must first develop funding priorities within the Agenda for Excellence, Vagelos said. One problem he said requires immediate attention is the School of Arts and Sciences's $2 million operating budget deficit. But Vagelos emphasized that he won't be actively involved in balancing SAS's budget and similar issues, since he views his role as primarily an advisory one. "Running the University is a president's job," Vagelos said. The involvement of any board of trustees varies from school to school. "Our responsibility is to review, advise and accept the proposals made by the administration," Vagelos said. Rodin said she talks regularly with Vagelos and welcomes the his input on all University issues. "It's very important, I think, that we have two voices really commenting on the strategic needs of the University," Rodin said. Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Gloria Chisum said Vagelos accurately understands the role that the group plays on campus. "The separation between the active management and the oversight roles is rigorously observed," Chisum said. Chisum added that Vagelos has encouraged Trustees to increase their contact with the University. In devoting a significant amount of time to his chairperson activities, Vagelos visits the University at least once a week and rents an apartment in the area. "He's become extremely knowledgeable about the University and its people," said University Secretary Barbara Stevens, who serves as the liaison between the Trustees and the rest of the University. Stevens said Vagelos spends a large amount of time meeting with administrators, as well as individual department chairs, faculty and students. Vagelos took over the chairmanship after former Board of Trustees Chairperson Alvin Shoemaker stepped down in 1994. Vagelos had served as a Term Trustee since 1988. Chisum said although Vagelos and Shoemaker have different methods, they have both dealt effectively with issues facing the University. "It's a matter of style and background in terms of the way their functions are carried out," Chisum said. After his graduation from the University in 1950, Vagelos served as a biochemist and enzymologist at the National Institutes of Health and at Washington University in St. Louis. In 1975, Vagelos became head of research at pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co., eventually heading up the company. He retired from Merck in 1994. "Dr. Vagelos's training as a scientist makes him able to appreciate in a very direct way what our faculty does not only in science but all scholarly research, and it's in that role in particular that he brings some very unique strengths to his chairmanship," Rodin said. Vagelos also draws on his Merck experience as the chairperson of Regeneron -- a company that researches new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. The company has approximately 200 employees and is currently working on a treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease. Vagelos and his wife are helping to raise $180 million for the development of a performing arts center in Newark, N.J. The structure has been completed, and the first performances are scheduled for next October. "It will be like Lincoln Center [in New York City] ultimately," Vagelos said. The center will also teach children about theater, dance and music, Vagelos said. When he's not at the University, running a research company or raising money for a performing arts complex, Vagelos, who is retired, said he does find time to relax -- jogging almost every other day and swimming during the summer.
(11/08/96 10:00am)
State Senator Hardy WilliamsState Senator Hardy Williamscalled for a 'renaissance in theState Senator Hardy Williamscalled for a 'renaissance in themiddle of the worst of times.' State officials committed themselves to aiding local leaders in fighting area crime -- especially near campus -- during a community meeting yesterday. "We seek to create new and innovative solutions with the assurance of support from every sector to produce, yes, a renaissance in the middle of the worst of times," said State Sen. Hardy Williams (D-191st District) during the meeting, which specifically focused on recent crime at Penn. But he said he had no specific initiatives he was prepared to introduce. Williams organized the meeting to bring local businesses, schools and political representatives together to discuss collective approaches to attacking crime and other community issues. Earl Edwards of NuCare Systems, Inc. -- a local emergency medical service that puts community members through college in preparation to work for the company -- said he would begin discussions with Williams to utilize NuCare's services in West Philadelphia. "When our drivers are on down time, they'll be patrolling the area," Edwards said. He added that the idea is particularly feasible, since the ambulances have radio equipment linking them to 911. City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell said Philadelphia Police have made the West Philadelphia area a top priority. Blackwell said the city will upgrade several physical aspects of the area. For example, trees currently crowding out streetlights will be trimmed back. "We're doing everything we can to stop crime," Blackwell said. But resident Novella Williams, a member of Philadelphia's Citizens for Progress, said those efforts are not enough and criticized the University for isolating itself from its surrounding community. "We have a serious, serious problem, and it doesn't stop with the boundaries of the University of Pennsylvania," she said. "It stops nowhere. We have to develop a kind of relationship." Penn's Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan said he agreed with community members who argued University officials should be concerned with what happens beyond University Police jurisdiction. The Rev. William Yeats of the Woodland Avenue Presbyterian Church led the group in a prayer for Penn Medical Center researcher Vladimir Sled, who was stabbed to death last week.
(11/06/96 10:00am)
and Lindsay Faber Ten votes crushed the jubilant tone of victory at the "Joseph Hoeffel for Congress" headquarters last night as the Democratic candidate lost by the slimmest of margins. Hoeffel, currently Montgomery County commissioner, challenged Republican incumbent Jon Fox for the 13th District's U.S. House of Representatives seat. With 120,287 votes, Hoeffel took 48.9 percent of the vote, the same percentage as his opponent. Despite the announced loss, Hoeffel supporters are optimistic they will celebrate a victory in the coming weeks. "These things change when an official count comes in," a Hoeffel volunteer said. The official results should be released by Friday, at which point the losing candidate is likely to petition for a recount. Waiting until Friday will allow for the counting of absentee ballots. Yellow balloons illuminated the union headquarters that hosted the party, as Hoeffel supporters waited for results under a banner reading: "Stand up for America's working families." Early returns had Hoeffel leading by almost 6,000 votes at one point in the evening. Even then, though, Hoeffel campaign Co-Chairperson Joann Olszbowski said she was "cautiously optimistic" because of the closeness of the race. Hoeffel did not appear at the festivities until the final ballots were being tabulated, despite the crowd's coaxing call of "Joe." Penn students attended the party to support the candidate and decry Fox. "Hoeffel came to speak at the Law School and was pretty convincing," third-year Law student Kathleen Burdette said. "His opponent holds some pretty despicable views." With background music supplied by a local jazz band, supporters munched on egg salad sandwiches and drank soda and beer. Enthusiastic union workers packed Hoeffel's main bed of support, and his campaign was backed by the local unions. "Jon Fox's labor record is one of the worst around and I refuse to have any of my rights stripped," supermarket employee Lois Lidell said. Hoeffel's stance against Medicare helped him gain support in the primarily Republican district, Olszbowski said. "We were really counting on the fact that Joe would do well with the seniors," she added. Despite the loss last night, "everybody's excited because it's not over," a Hoeffel volunteer said.
(11/06/96 10:00am)
Penn Provost Chodorow hadPenn Provost Chodorow hadbeen a candidate, but said thePenn Provost Chodorow hadbeen a candidate, but said thedecision didn't disappoint him. University of Michigan's Board of Regents unanimously voted yesterday to offer the school's presidency to Dartmouth College Provost Lee Bollinger. Bollinger had served as Michigan's Law School dean from 1987 to 1994, before assuming his position at Dartmouth. Penn Provost Stanley Chodorow, one of four finalists for the position, said he was not disappointed that he didn't get the job. He added that the opportunity to remain at the University was "equally exciting." "I would have tried to do there what I'm doing here already in terms of undergraduate education," Chodorow said. The Regents discussed the candidates for three hours at a public meeting yesterday morning. Two members of the Regents board will now begin negotiating an agreement with Bollinger. When that is finalized, the Regents will meet again to officially elect Bollinger to the presidency. "The University of Michigan is a place for which I have enormous respect and affection, and I look forward to returning to Ann Arbor to work with friends and colleagues new and old," Bollinger said in a statement today. There are no plans yet as to when Bollinger will assume his new position. Michigan's eight-month presidential search process became public only after a Circuit Court judge ruled that any planned closed meetings by the Regents would violate the state's Open Meetings Act. As part of the process, each candidate visited the campus in October for public interview with the Regents and a town meeting for questions about higher education issues from the community. University of California at Berkeley Provost and Vice Chancellor Carol Christ and University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Provost and Vice Chancellor Larry Faulkner were also considered for Michigan's top post. Chodorow said he was pleased with his own performance during the interviews, although he couldn't say what kind of impression he made on the Regents. "It's like writing a paper," he said. "You may feel good about it, but you don't really get to asses it a grade." According to Michigan Student Assembly Vice President Probir Mehta, students liked Chodorow's personality -- a sentiment echoed by several letters the Assembly received. During yesterday's meetings, the Regents praised all of the candidates and particularly noted Chodorow's commitment to undergraduate education. Regent Shirley McFee said she was impressed with Chodorow's skills in fund raising and his ability to effectively deal with student issues. University President Judith Rodin said Chodorow's insight will particularly come into play as the University develops its Agenda for Excellence. "I'm very pleased that we're going to continue to benefit from his leadership," Rodin said. Dartmouth officials said Bollinger will be missed when he leaves the college. "He's been a strong figure and has raised questions of the institution that were helpful," said Lynn Mather, Dartmouth's government department chairperson. "It's a shame that he's only been here for a short time." Mather said the decision did not surprise her because of Bollinger's strong ties to Michigan. Bollinger began his academic career at Michigan as an assistant Law professor in 1973. He served in that position until becoming the Law School dean in 1987. "Bollinger has experience in the university and out," Mehta added. "He provides a diverse and varied perspective on the university and that's what we need." Bollinger received his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon in 1968 and his law degree from Columbia University in 1971.
(11/05/96 10:00am)
draws notional attention and Jaclyn LaPlaca With national party leaders watching closely, Republican Rep. Jon Fox and Democratic challenger Joseph Hoeffel will face off today in a hotly contested race for Montgomery County's U.S. House of Representatives seat. Political analysts have highlighted the 13th District as a key seat for either party to control the House. Libertarian Patrick Burke and the Natural Law Party's Bill Ryan are also in the race, though they lag in the polls. Negative advertising has dominated both the Fox and Hoeffel campaigns, and independent polls show 18 percent of registered voters still undecided on their preference. Hoeffel ads have portrayed Fox as overly loyal to House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), while Fox ads call Hoeffel a tax-and-spend liberal. Fox won the seat in 1994 from University alumna Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky (D). In 1992, Margolies-Mezvinsky defeated Fox by one percentage point for the district's seat. In this Republican-dominated district, voters are concerned primarily with the expense of Medicaid and Social Security, as well as balancing the federal budget. Hoeffel spokesperson Matt Pinsker said the race has been "neck and neck" but believes that Hoeffel, currently the Montgomery County commissioner, has enough momentum from recent public visibility to carry him to victory. Representatives from the Fox campaign were unavailable for comment.
(10/30/96 10:00am)
With video images, poetry and songs of peace, members of the University community and friends of Kathy Change commemorated her life and beliefs at a memorial service last night. Change immolated herself in front of the peace sign on College Green last Tuesday. Approximately 70 people attended the memorial held at Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall. The service was organized by the Office of the Chaplain in cooperation with Change's friends. According to University Chaplain William Gipson, the memorial was held to remember Change and to offer some comfort and support for people who were on the Green the day she died. "We want to answer some of the questions this community might have of who exactly was Kathy Change," Gipson said. The service began with a video collage of Change dancing on the Green superimposed on pages containing poetry and essays Change had written. An audio tape of Change singing and playing the guitar played in the background during the video. Anita King, a friend of Change, read a biography detailing Change's childhood in Massachusetts and then her time spent in Philadelphia. "Her final act of heroism convinced me of the depth of her convictions," King said. A video of Change discussed her belief in the transformation of society toward a more peaceful community. "Why should we suffer another day longer," Change asks in the video. In sharing his thoughts on Change, Education doctoral student Mike Liskey, a Daily Pennsylvanian columnist, encouraged everyone to view Change's death as a starting point for reform in society. Pamela Africa, a survivor of the Philadelphia Police bombing of the MOVE house in 1985, discussed Change's deep-rooted convictions. "Now that she's brought attention to [the problems with society], what are you going to do about it?" Africa asked those attending the memorial. Liskey said he did not know Change as well as he hoped to. "I figured she'd be around forever," he said. "Unfortunately, I was wrong." Mary Gabriele, who performed with Change on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Sundays, read poetry written by Change, including her poem "The Original White Man." A few students attended the service, but most of the audience was comprised of Change's friends. College sophomore Danny Pitt-Stoller said he attended the memorial service because Change touched him personally, although he had only spoken with her a few times on the Green. "The work she did -- the dancing and distributing of literature -- I admire," Pitt-Stoller said. "I have respect for her as an activist." The formal portion of the service ended with a candlelight procession to the peace sign on the Green. Many held their candles, while others put them in the ground next to the sculpture. People then shared personal anecdotes, feelings and comments about Change. A Hospital of the University Pennsylvania operator, who said she did not know Change personally but fielded many phone calls regarding the incident, expressed her emotion in song.
(10/28/96 10:00am)
Only 22 of Penn's 2,200 support staff employees voted in this month's election. The results have not been released. The A-3 Assembly -- representing more than 2,200 University support staff and hourly wage employees -- held its annual board elections three weeks ago, but only 22 people voted. And while eight positions were open to new Executive Board members, only four people appeared on the ballot, according to A-3 Assembly Chairperson Karen Wheeler. Currently, six members serve on the board. The Executive Board is comprised of 20 members who serve two-year terms. Wheeler did not comment on why only eight positions -- instead of the 14 open slots -- were up for election. She said the eight open positions were intended to fill the slots vacated by outgoing board members at the end of last year. The low interest in the assembly comes at a time when the University is restructuring its student services, a move that may result in the elimination of many A-3 positions. The administration is also in the process of overhauling its benefits plan for all employees. The A-3 Assembly holds a seat on University Council and also participates in several of the committees involved in the restructuring of the University. But the assembly does not have any official power, except to advise the administration through those committees. According to Wheeler, results of the October 9 election have not yet been announced and will not be released until at least Thursday, when the Executive Board next meets. "We need to resolve issues prior to making the announcement," said Wheeler, an administrative assistant at the Center for Community Partnerships. A-3 employees interested in running for Executive Board positions were required to be nominated either by themselves or a fellow A-3 employee. Then they had to attend an October 2 meeting to state why they wanted to be on the board. Only two people went to the October 2 meeting, Wheeler said. Since the election, several A-3 members have expressed confusion regarding the nominations and elections process. According to School of Social Work administrative assistant Paul Lukasiak, not everyone who was nominated for a spot was on the ballot. When Lukasiak did not see names of the people he nominated on the ballot, he said, Wheeler told him that the A-3 elections committee did not receive the nominations on time. The deadline for nominations was September 27, according to A-3 Elections Committee Chairperson Yvonne zMcLean, a Wharton Real Estate Center administrative assistant. But Lukasiak said he was not informed of the deadline and was told by McLean after the October 2 meeting that he could still nominate other A-3 employees. While McLean said she did tell Lukasiak he could nominate others after the October 2 meeting, she added that she did not know about the deadline at the time. Former A-3 Executive Board member Gene Haldeman, who manages the A-3 homepage, said he did not receive any information about a nomination deadline to post on the site. "Normally, it would be there, but there hasn't been any action on [the homepage]," said Haldeman, an Undergraduate Admissions employee. One nominee whose name was not on the ballot said the confusion made her want not to be involved with the A-3 Assembly anymore. "You're kind of discouraged," the nominee said. "Who wants to go through that kind of aggravation to put your name on the ballot?"
