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(04/30/97 9:00am)
Already anxious for next year's Spring Fling concert? You might not have to wait so long, after all. Three Undergraduate Assembly members have plans under way for a major concert on campus in the third week of September. Hoping to bring about a new University tradition, College sophomore Samara Barend, Wharton sophomore Clive Correia and College and Wharton sophomore Andrew Ross have begun setting up the fall concert already as co-directors. "Penn needs a major social event in the fall to draw the whole school together and start the year with a bang," Correia said. "We have a lot of events in the spring, but the beginning of the year is bare." Attempting to get the entire school enthusiastic about the concert, Correia said he wants to bring either one major band or two slightly smaller -- but still well-known -- acts to campus. The co-directors have looked into the possibility of booking either Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan or Blues Traveler as a single headliner. A combination show might include They Might Be Giants, L.L. Cool J., the Mighty Mighty Bosstones or Silverchair. "We want this to be a major event," Correia added. "Whoever we bring to campus will appeal to a wide range of people and have the ability to put on an excellent show." The idea for the fall concert developed from meetings of the Tangible Change Committee -- the UA committee working with the Vice Provost for University Life to bring about "tangible changes" to student life. The committee is lining up support and co-sponsorship proposals from various student and administrative groups. The class boards, the InterFraternity Council, the Social Planning and Events Committee and the UA -- among others -- have all expressed some interest in helping to promote the concert. "This is definitely going to be a joint effort on all parts," explained Barend, the UA vice chairperson. "It will be an unprecedented show of students coming together to improve social life at Penn." The three co-directors spent last Saturday in Washington, D.C., meeting with a major booking agent. Correia said "things are looking good" for attracting a big-name band. VPUL Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said the University is committed to working out the funding necessary to support the concert. She added that the co-directors have been asked to move ahead with the planning, and additional funding information will become available over the summer. "I think the concert is a great idea, and we will be working over the summer to finalize the details of our first-ever new student orientation show," McCoullum said. "[The co-directors] have been fabulously innovative, and they are really dedicated to the idea of using the concert as one of many strategies to create the sense of a Penn 'shared community'," she added.
(04/10/97 9:00am)
The Social Planning and Events Committee has added the ska band the Toasters to the bill for the Spring Fling concert April 18 on Hill Field. The Toasters will open for the concert headliners A Tribe Called Quest and Fun Lovin' Criminals, who were both announced last week. Priding themselves on originality, the Toasters claim to be one of the only "honest-to-ska" bands left in the business. They refer to their style as "a musical blend that's right for virtually every taste from hardcore to pop, from reggae to jazz." Members of SPEC and its Fling committee said they are satisfied with the completed concert bill. "A lot of people on our committees really like the Toasters," SPEC Co-Director and Wharton junior Allison Rosen said. "The group puts on a high-energy show that will be fun." Rosen added that the three bands complement each other well. Fling Co-Director and College senior Alyson Tesler said tickets are now on sale on Locust Walk, as well as through the Annenberg Center and TicketMaster. Tickets for all students are $15, regardless of whether or not they attend the University, while tickets for the general public sell for $20. "For everybody's sanity, the sooner people buy them the better," Rosen added. "But people always wait until the very last minute." The Fling festivities will begin in the Quadrangle earlier in the day Friday of Fling weekend. And on Saturday, bands will perform on stages in the Quad throughout the day. A carnival in Superblock Saturday night will conclude the weekend. Students who would like to assist with the concert or other Fling festivities should contact Rosen or Tesler. In related news, Fun Lovin' Criminals drummer Steve Borovini was arrested by the British police on suspicion of making obscene telephone calls, according to The Music Factory, a World Wide Web music news service. Several women working at a sporting complex in Leeds were reportedly annoyed by several telephone calls, coming from the hotel room where Borovini was staying at that time. Borovini was cautioned by the police before being released. FLC was in Leeds as a part of their tour. But Rosen assured that the arrest will not affect the band's plans to come to campus for Fling. "I heard that someone got arrested, but I had no idea it was him," Rosen said. "I'm just glad they are still coming."
(03/31/97 10:00am)
Rappers Redman and KRS-ONE will headline what could be the last Penn Relays concert in Irvine Auditorium, on April 26. A Tribe Called Quest and the Fun Lovin' Criminals will headline this year's "Mother of All Flings" concert, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the campus-wide extravaganza. The concert -- organized by the Social Planning and Events Committee's concerts and Spring Fling committees -- is scheduled for Friday, April 18 at Hill Field. And rappers Redman and KRS-ONE will play at the annual Penn Relays concert in Irvine Auditorium April 26, sponsored by SPEC To Represent Undergraduate Minorities. Because of upcoming renovations to Irvine, this could be the last Relays concert for several years. Tribe -- which played at Penn's fall Skimmer Day in 1993 -- has reenergized rap music and unleashed a new brand of hip-hop since entering the music scene in the late 1980s. SPEC Co-Director and Wharton junior Allison Rosen said Tribe is known for high-energy concerts, especially in outside venues such as Hill Field. "Tribe was my first choice," said Fling Co-Director and Engineering senior Chris Rieger. "I hope the rest of the campus is as excited as we are." And Rosen described the Fun Lovin' Criminals as an "eclectic rap and hip-hop group that has many differing sounds." The band had a recent MTV hit with "Scooby Snacks." "They're not just straight rap," she said. "Many different people will like them." But despite the co-directors' enthusiasm, this year's band announcements come only three weeks before the show -- almost a month later than last year's announcement. Some committee members attributed the delay to difficulties that plagued the process. Fling committee member and Wharton sophomore Howie Blumenstein said Tribe was not the first choice for the concert. "They tried to get two other acts but weren't able to," Blumenstein said. "I would have liked to see [Bob] Dylan." Dylan is playing at Brown University during Penn's Fling weekend. But Fling Co-Director and College senior Barb Burns said the concert "always works out well." "This year wasn't any harder or easier than the past," Burns said. "And I have been getting a lot of positive feedback -- we are expecting a great show." One or two other bands will also play at the concert, Fling Co-Director and College senior Alyson Tesler added, but contracts for these bands have not yet been signed. "The concert will be the traditional, fun Fling concert," Tesler said. "I just want to dance, baby." Tickets for the show will be sold on Locust Walk, by the Annenberg Center and through Ticketmaster beginning April 7. Tickets will cost $15 for Penn affiliates, or $25 for people not affiliated with the University. T-shirts and other souvenirs -- including water guns, beach balls and lighters -- will also be sold on campus. Headlining the Penn Relays concert, rapper Redman is best described as a "complete show," according to SPECTRUM Co-Director Ian Corbin. And Corbin described KRS-ONE as a "mainstay in rap" who is known for original performances. Biz Markie will DJ the concert. "I am really excited about these two bands," said Corbin. "Especially because neither of them have come to this region in the past." Two other acts will join Red Man and KRS-ONE, although they have yet to be finalized, Corbin said. Concert tickets will be sold for $15 on the Walk beginning this week. "Hopefully we will build on last year's great Fugees concert," he added. "I want to attract a diverse and fun crowd." Since Irvine will be unavailable for concerts during its renovation, Corbin said he is looking into alternative options for future Relays concerts. "Unless we find another building that can seat close to 1,900 people, it is not financially feasible for us to plan future concerts," Corbin said. "There might be a comedy show or party next year."
(02/25/97 10:00am)
By chipping away at small problems, College sophomore Samara Barend is beginning to make important changes. And her "inch-by-inch" philosophy is beginning to make waves -- on campus, in New York and even on Capitol Hill. At Penn, Barend is an Undergraduate Assembly member and founder of the "Tangible Change" committee designed to pinpoint students' gripes and make visible changes. "Small things can turn into important changes," she said, reflecting on her most recent project -- the designation of New York's major east-west route, Route 17, as a federal interstate. "It's not going to be the end-all, be-all, but it will be the first step for an area that has been economically distressed for years." Last summer, Barend was one of a plethora of interns in Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan's (D-N.Y.) Washington office. But before the beginning of the school year, she was writing proposals and mobilizing support for a major new bill. And Monday she was in Albany, N.Y., selling her plan to state legislators. On normal office days, Barend did not have the opportunity to converse with Moynihan, but she did while the senator was waiting to sign a bill she introduced herself. And a few weeks later, she attended a banquet with Moynihan and discussed her hometown of Binghamton, N.Y., with him. The senator suggested Barend look into Route 17 -- the road which runs 387 miles across New York from the Hudson Valley to Lake Erie. He asked her to prepare a memo on the the road by 5 p.m. the following day explaining the effects of the route's lack of red, white and blue signs on maps. He sought to make the road more noticeable to travelers and businesses looking for a reliable way across the state. "I knew Senator Moynihan had a vested interest in southern New York, but I had to show him that the people were behind the interstate project," Barend said. "There was a lot of hard work involved." Barend finished the memo by contacting the Department of Transportation and various senators, as well as by raiding the office's archives. When she presented it to the senator, he was impressed with her work and dedication, and encouraged her to continue with the project. "He couldn't take the project on himself, so it became my job," she said. "Moynihan needed someone to start the fire and then he would run with it." And Barend did cause a commotion -- by convincing legislators it would not cost $400 million to turn Route 17 into Interstate 86, Barend bridged 40 years of skepticism. The area has tried to designate the interstate in the past, but has faced tough political opposition because of cost issues. In Barend's proposal, however, the 370 miles of the road that meet interstate standards could be designated as I-86, while the remaining mileage would be redesignated over time as improvements are made. "What was really the selling point is that it is not going to require a state payment of $400 million," Barend said. "Once we got past that obstacle it was a winner." Barend's proposal eventually became one of the recommendations made by the transportation action team of the Facing Our Future project, a group committed to enlist residents to help create solutions to revitalize the local economy. During the past two weekends, Barend has presented her proposal to more than a dozen state legislators and February 17, the New York Committee of Transportation came out in support of the plan. Her next project is to organize a demonstration project in order to generate grass root support for federal funds for the route's new designation. "This whole thing has been a lot of work, especially now during school," she said. "But it has been fun, and I feel like I am really helping southern New York."
(02/18/97 10:00am)
Tom McManus, an admissions officer by day, works as a comedian at the Comedy Sportz comedy club by night. By day, 1994 College graduate Tom McManus works as a regional director for the Office of Admissions, but by night, he moonlights as a stand-up comedian and the unofficial "rap king" of South Street. As an undergraduate, McManus held a work-study position in admissions, so staying on in the office seemed like a logical decision. But the 12-hour days and frequent travelling sometimes leave him reminiscing about his former days in Chord on Blues, Penn Players and the Stimulus Children's Theatre. To satisfy his theatrical yearnings, he joined an improvisation group at Comedy Sportz comedy club. "Comedy Sportz saved my life," he said. "My job for Penn is fun but thankless -- no one ever comes to visit their admission officer." The Philadelphia chapter of the national comedy club chain was founded by four University graduates who had been members of Mask and Wig and Without a Net. Since then, several University theater members have joined the chapter's humorous ranks upon graduation. "Once I graduated, I tried to stay in touch with my theatre and music groups at Penn, but I knew less and less people," McManus said. "Comedy Sportz gave me the opportunity to participate in steady acting and introduced me to 20 new friends," he said. Two nights a week, McManus takes a break from analyzing SAT scores and reading application essays to practice and perform comedy. The group -- which performs improv comedy every Saturday night at 623 South Street -- is composed of some full-time actors, but is mostly made of professionals with other full-time jobs, such as a nurse and a district attorney. Since they work without scripts, group members say they depend solely on "trust and support." "The truckasaurus is supposed to be a powerful force for good," McManus yelled during a story game of Saturday's Battle of the Sexes theme show in honor of Valentine's Day. McManus proved his fearless attitude during the show, which featured a competition between four male and four female actors. With the assistance of two referees, the "act-letes" and the audience battled to find the funnier gender. McManus, as team captain, led the "Blues Brothers" to a last-second win over the "Red Sistas," with a final score of 27 to 23. "You know -- I'm going to bust a rhyme," McManus said as he controlled the final game of the night, "Elimination Rap." He said his University English degree probably gave him a little edge on the competition. McManus said the shows are a necessary break from his University job -- especially while the Admissions Office makes decisions for the class of 2001. "I'm glad I'm part of the admissions process," he said. "But Comedy Sportz is also an important part of my life." Comedy Sportz has performed at several events on campus, for organizations such as Hillel, and at fraternity and sorority parties. The group also teaches several improvisation workshops. Information about the group can be obtained from its hotline at 98-LAUGH. Comedy Sportz is beginning a high school league for the West Philadelphia area, and has chapters in 22 cities. The South Street location is above Mont Serat restaurant, where Comedy Sportz patrons can receive a discount on their meals.
(02/13/97 10:00am)
From the lingerie department of Manhattan's K-Mart, the Irish rock band U2 announced details of its upcoming worldwide "PopMart" tour yesterday, which will include a stop at Franklin Field. Tickets for the June 8 concert go on sale for University students today and tomorrow at the Athletic Ticket Office. The tour -- which coincides with the release of the Grammy award-winning band's new album Pop -- is the group's first in several years. And the Franklin Field show will be the first concert held in the facility since the '70s. But officials say such events may become a trend for the stadium -- and an integral source of income for the University. "Five football games and the Penn Relays are not utilizing all of Franklin Field's opportunities," University spokesperson Ken Wildes said. "We need to find out how to use the stadium in a better way." Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta said Penn wasn't actively searching for a group to perform in the stadium, but U2's promoters contacted the Athletic Department about it. The department negotiated with the band's promoter to give students, faculty and staff the opportunity to purchase two or four tickets prior to the general public sale on Saturday. Ticket orders will be taken in person at the Athletic Ticket Office today and tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Presentation of valid PennCard and a $52.50 cash payment per ticket is required. No phone orders, checks or credit cards will be accepted for the advance sale, but there will be no service charge or handling fee. A receipt will be issued at the time of payment to guarantee the ticket order. "I can just imagine how crazy our MAC machines are going to be around campus," Social Planning and Events Committee President and College senior Melissa Muniz said. But Athletic Ticket Manager Peggy Kowalski said this ticket-distributing system has been "tried and true" at other universities and will benefit the Penn community by reducing hassle and increasing safety. The $52.50 ticket price is standard for the entire tour. The one exception is the last 12 rows of the east side of Franklin Field, which will be sold during the general public sale for $37.50 because of their poor sightlines. "Some students are going to be disappointed because [U2] is coming in the summer and because of the high prices of tickets," WQHS General Manager and College junior Christian Stadler said. "But I think it is definitely a positive step for Penn." All advance ticket orders will be filled with randomly selected seat locations throughout the stadium. Kowalski said there is absolutely no benefit to being first in line and "camping out" for tickets is "not necessary and will not be permitted." "These special seats are randomly selected, but trust me -- no one from Penn is going to get a horrible seat," Kowalski said. "Because there is no limit on the number of pre-sale tickets, we are giving the University community a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see this great band." Tickets buyers must pick up their orders between February 18 and March 3 at the Athletic Ticket Office during normal hours -- Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Penn students, faculty and staff may also participate in the general public sale, regardless of whether or not tickets were ordered through the advance sale. Kowalski said that University Police plan to work with city and concert security personnel in order to make the concert "flawless." She added that there is an abundance of parking space in the Franklin Field area, but she is concerned that concert-goers will not know all the options. To combat this problem, the University will launch an "advertising blitz" for local parking lots and public transportation. The elaborate U2 tour of more than 100 shows, many in outdoor venues or giant stadiums, kicks off April 25 in Las Vegas and ends more than a year later after stops all over the world. Penn is one of only six concerts on college campuses. There will be no rain dates for any of the concerts, because the 52-truck U2 entourage cannot be easily rerouted. Opening acts for the tour have not yet been announced. Moneta said if all goes well, the future might hold several more concerts in Franklin Field. In the event of concerts held in the stadium during the school year, schedules will be coordinated with all student groups, he added. "I don't want student groups to feel like this is an intrusion or deterrent," Moneta said. "All planning for future concerts will include a discussion period." Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson and College junior Tal Golomb predicted "pandemonium" on campus due to excitement about the concert.
(02/06/97 10:00am)
ResNet has added new channels and an interactive website in response to increased viewership. Controlling the days and nights of thousands of unsuspecting University students, a "faceless" organization plans its schemes out of a small, three-room complex in Graduate Tower B. Five men, armed with 16 VCRs, have spent the last five years developing the video program of the multi-million dollar ResNet system -- and ravaging many students' study plans with television and movie options. And with several new channels, an interactive website and greatly expanding viewership -- 1,500 Quadrangle residents will have access by next year -- Penn Video remains a dynamic program, according to the Network Services Coordinator Chris Cook. New to the program is SCOLA Channel Two, offered on ResNet channel 58. The channel compiles current entertainment and cultural programs from around the world, using native languages without subtitles. "The new SCOLA comes out of Iowa, of all places, but it really presents great stuff -- like this week's news from Korea or Slovenia," Cook said. "And this is very important for Penn, with its large international community." The additional SCOLA channel -- which complements the SCOLA general news station on ResNet channel 5 -- will provide necessary information for international students, while providing a "valuable service" to students studying foreign languages, Cook said. Funding for SCOLA Channel Two was provided by the Linguistic Data Consortium, a University program designed to promote native language sources for linguistic study. Also new to Penn Video is the Discovery Channel's Animal Planet, which will replace WWOR on ResNet channel 18, Cook said, adding that he hopes to make the temporary contract with Discovery permanent in the near future. Cook, the University's only full-time Penn Video employee, said the stations require constant updating to adjust to changing student needs. This semester Cook plans to complete a market analysis to gauge student interest in channels. Right now, he said he believes the two most popular channels are CNN and the Movie Channel -- but emphasized that the network does not run like a popularity contest. "A number of stations have small viewership, but are very crucial to those people," Cook said. But one perennial headache is determining the movie channel schedule. Cook says the process is not "mysterious" and encourages all students to express their opinion by calling 898-VIDEO, sending e-mail to video@pobox.upenn.edu or accessing its page on the World Wide Web at http://www.upenn.edu/video. The schedule is available on Channel 2. In addition, Cook said requests from University professors for academic-related movies are on the "upswing," and many campus groups organize movie weeks on a specific subject. For example, ACELA and the Video network presented a Latino movie week. Cook said he is constantly trying to obtain as many popular recent releases as possible, relying on a student advisory committee to determine schedules and times of showings. College sophomore Ryan Rutledge said he has become very popular with his friends as a result of his work-study job at the ResNet Video program. "This job is a lot of fun -- I'm really into graphic art and all my friends like to tell me what movies they want to see," Rutledge said. "Our audience decides what is playing for us."
(01/29/97 10:00am)
Come on, you've seen them. Groups of men and women taking over campus fields, throwing disks at each other -- none of which even hit the ground. Engineering freshman John Gensel broke his leg earlier this year, but he still considers himself a member of what he describes as an "addictive cult." What group is generating this intense loyalty? Its playing field contains end zones and points are tallied as goals. Pressure defenses -- like those in basketball -- try to force turnovers. There is only one sport that fits this unique description -- ultimate frisbee. The object is simple. Pass the disk up the 70-yard field into a teammate's hands in one of the 25-yard end zones. And while the University's ultimate players execute this task well, drawing on their skill, strategy and experience -- members of both the men's and women's teams said they are proudest of their camaraderie. "After classes are done, you get to go outside, get a workout and get dirty with your friends," Gensel said. "One time last fall we practiced through a hurricane and then played in the mud for awhile," he said. "It was great." Since only a handful of high schools support ultimate frisbee -- a sport invented in New Jersey around 1975 -- many University players are newcomers to the game. College senior Tom Shin, co-captain for the men's team, said ultimate frisbee is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. He attributes the growth to the "spirit of the game." "Ultimate is one of the few non-contact sports that is played outside," Shin said. "I don't know anything like it." The University's men's team was formed in 1985 and won the national title that year. The team's success has gone "downhill since then," Shin said -- but it prides itself on having fun and staying competitive. The women's ultimate team has a different history. Since its beginnings in 1989, the team has competed in every national competition but two. College junior Bethany Rubin, co-captain of the women's team, fell in love with the sport during her first week at the University. "We are competitive, but we play to have a good time -- no one ever goes crazy," Rubin said. "Ultimate is a very social sport." But hard work is an integral part of the teams' success. Rubin said the teams usually practice four nights a week. "We practice just as much as any sports team, but we don't get the recognition," Rubin said. But the lack of attention does not seem to affect the morale of the players. Shin maintains that ultimate has "taken over a large part of my life." And the popularity of the sport has remained steady at the University. Composed of both undergraduate and graduate students, the University's men's team has 14 members and the women's has 17. College senior Andrew Loughrey, co-captain of the men's team, said he enjoys the year-round aspect of ultimate frisbee. From September to November the ultimate teams practice with non-collegiate club teams. During the competitive season -- which begins in March and continues into May -- the University's ultimate team has tournaments almost every weekend. And throughout the summer months, many University players join city leagues. Loughrey said the leagues, which are found in any major city, are an invaluable learning experience. During spring break this year, the teams will travel to compete in Gainesville, Fla. and Wilmington, N.C. -- but the players are saving some energy to party, according to Shin.
(01/27/97 10:00am)
Spring Fling's co-directors plan to host two "big-name bands." This year's Spring Fling will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the campus-wide extravaganza, which now draws more than 10,000 people from Philadelphia and beyond. "The Mother of All Flings" -- April 18 and 19 -- will memorialize the growth and tradition of the festival that began as a relatively small event. "We are very excited about all our plans for Fling this year," said College senior Aly Tesler, one of the three co-directors of the Spring Fling committee. "And we hope that everyone is prepared to 'Fling Your Mother'." As always, a concert on Hill Field will highlight the weekend. But as opposed to past Flings, the planning committee hopes to bring two "big-name bands" to campus, instead of several lesser-known groups, Tesler said. "We do not definitely know what bands will be performing this year, but our options are very exciting," Tesler said. "Something should be determined in two to three weeks." She estimated that the concert will cost between $15 and $20. And for those looking for a less expensive way to enjoy Fling, the Quadrangle will host a free series of lesser-known bands, hailing for the most part from the Philadelphia area. One of Fling's original founders may return to the Quad to perform the opening set of the original song he wrote for the first celebration, Tesler said. Other alumni will also take part in the anniversary celebration. The committee is currently searching for suggestions for vendors and carnival-type attractions to fill the Quad, Upper Quad Assistant Chairperson College sophomore Heidi Pechter said. "Sumo wrestling has proven to be a popular attraction," Pechter said. "But we are looking for input as to which other activities will attract crowds." Pechter added that the committee will discuss possible options -- including a moonbounce, a trampoline and boxing -- after an open input meeting February 4. And the committee will accept entries for the annual Spring Fling logo design contest until February 14. The logo will be printed on Fling T-shirts, programs and other souvenirs, Tesler said. The winner of the logo design contest will also take home $100. Members of the University community may submit entries to the Office of Student Life in 110 Houston Hall.
(01/22/97 10:00am)
The first step in a large-scale project to improve the University's debit card system -- and eventually incorporate a multi-use computer chip in all PennCards -- is underway. Students can now use their PennCards to buy food and drinks in the student-run commissaries in the high rises. This brings to seven the number of campus locations where students can use their PennCards for purchases, including Chats, Stern Dining, The Book Store and Wharton Reprographics. Since students may use their PennCards either to charge purchases to their bursar bills or as a debit card by putting money into an account, cash transactions are eliminated. "This new service will offer late-night convenience, enable students to avoid going out at night and in inclement weather and enhance 'cashless' convenience," said Ira Hillman, manager of Penn Student Agencies. By February, the PennCard service should expand to include the Quad Commissary. Wharton freshman John Baker, who works in the commissary, said the wiring process necessary for the new system began this month. "I think a lot of students will be happy that they can buy things without paying for them," Baker said. "And it also makes my job much safer and easier -- I won't deal with as much cash." Commissaries in other campus residences will also eventually be included in the new service, according to Telecommunications Director Laurie Cousart. And by next fall, students should be able to use their PennCards for an even greater number of services. Representatives from Dining Services, the Department of Housing and Residence Life and area retailers are working with students and administrators to make Penn one of the first universities to use a student identification card that contains an integrated computer chip. Currently, the University of Florida and Michigan State University are the only two schools that use an identification card with a chip. To prepare for this new debit system, the PennCard was revised at the beginning of this school year. All newly issued PennCards use digital photographs, said Cousart, who is also project leader for the investigative PennCard team. The new IDs use plastic cards rather than laminated paper, making alterations almost impossible, according to Director of Student Financial Services Operations John De Long. "This new card will prevent a lot of shady business from going on," De Long said. Currently, "several [possible] partners are negotiating" for the right to provide the University with a cost-efficient integrated chip for use in the PennCard. Cousart said the University will select a company within a few weeks. The new PennCard will be used as an electronic cash card, with access to vending, laundry and copy machines, De Long said. Although last year the committee proposed a debit card system with a magnetic strip, they decided instead on the card with a chip because it will not require wiring of campus machines -- saving the University the cost of the expensive process. Cousart added that using the chip will make it possible to provide the same services both on and off campus, without charging wiring fees. "When we have everything working properly, students should be able to swipe their cards at residences and have their computerized pictures appear on a screen for the guards," De Long said. "This type of process will make it so much easier to apprehend unwanted visitors."
(01/20/97 10:00am)
After years of complaints about slow, unreliable elevators in the high rises, Residential Maintenance has completed almost two-thirds of its elevator renovation project. Three of the elevators in High Rise East and all four elevators in High Rise South are now functioning, according to Associate Director of Residential Maintenance Al Zuino. The refurbishing plan for High Rise North, however, is on hold -- along with other large-scale maintenance projects -- until the release of the Biddison Hier report on facilities and residences, Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta said. That report is scheduled to be completed in early March. "By April, 100 percent of the HRE and HRS elevators will be renovated and operating," Zuino said. At that time, all elevators in the two residences will have received refurbished compartments and revamped computer systems. The improvements comply with recent regulations. And while the elevators may not necessarily run faster, they should make fewer inefficient mistakes, such as opening doors on random floors and stopping for extended periods of time without a reason. Zuino said the new "computer brains" in the renovated elevators will shorten the wait between when an elevator is alerted and when it arrives. "I hope students are pleased with the work we have done so far," Zuino said. "Not all the work is very noticeable, but it really makes a difference." The continuation of the renovation project for more than a year and a half, however, has caused frustration among some students. "The elevators are great when you can get one, but in HRE that's not too often," said College and Wharton junior Jason Wang. "It's kind of annoying." And some HRN residents are distressed with the conditions of their unrenovated elevators. "My mom won't even visit my room because she is so afraid of the elevators," said College sophomore Christina Franchetti. "They shake so much and are really annoying." Franchetti, a 20th-floor resident, added that it is often quicker for her to take the stairs than wait for an elevator. Zuino said all maintenance projects for elevators are completed on a special schedule that plans most construction during summer months in order to disrupt students as little as possible. The most noticeable change in HRE and HRS are the new elevator stops at the upper lobby of each building, which allow access for the disabled, Zuino said. The renovation of HRS cost approximately $750,000 and HRE is expected to have a similar budget, according to Zuino. College senior Patrick Merriam, a HRS desk worker, called the newly renovated elevators more efficient. He added that having all four elevators operating in the building is the most positive difference.
(01/20/97 10:00am)
Connaissance will tie its spring lecture into the series of events planned for Black History Month. As part of campus-wide celebrations of Black History Month, Connaissance has invited actors Danny Glover and Felix Justice to campus for a February 4 address. The program, which is free and open to all students, will be held in Irvine Auditorium. The actors will present theatrical readings of the works of Langston Hughes and the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. as part of a tour entitled "An Evening with Langston and Martin," according to Connaissance Co-Director Ellie Haller, a College junior. Although Connaissance leaders characterized their most recent speakers -- sportscaster Dick Vitale, singer Billy Joel and director Oliver Stone -- as "entertainment" and "inspirational" speakers, they hope to take a more serious turn with their spring speakers. "We figure this program will give our group more purpose," Haller said. "These speakers are famous, serious and meaningful." Glover starred in such films as The Color Purple, Grand Canyon and the Lethal Weapon series. And Justice has acted and directed for 29 years -- highlighted by a widely acclaimed one-man show about King. The two actors, who met while struggling with their careers in the San Francisco Bay area several years ago, have a long history of friendship and mutual respect, Haller said. Connaissance leaders say they plan to work with the Bicultural InterGreek Council, the Black Student League and the African American department to organize and publicize the event. "Hopefully we will all work together in order to utilize this project," Haller said. "We want Black History Month to be special this year." Connaissance Co-Director and College sophomore Carter Caldwell said he is excited to see two of the most notable and versatile African American actors of recent generations perform the works of two influential, accomplished and prolific African American figures. "Hearing how Langston Hughes and the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. impacted the life of Felix Justice will be an extraordinary experience," Caldwell said. "I am sincerely looking forward to the entire event. "I think that it's a great day for this University when a show like Danny Glover and Felix Justice's, which has toured the United States and Africa, comes to this campus," he added. Connaissance leaders plan to work with other University groups to co-sponsor additional speakers later in the semester.
(12/06/96 10:00am)
The analysis may lead to cutbacks for several study abroad programs. Administrators are evaluating and reconsidering all study abroad opportunities -- a process that could result in cuts to certain programs. Improving the international experience -- both on campus and abroad -- has been a top goal of the 21st Century Project, and this semester those ideas are beginning to crystallize. International Programs Director Joyce Randolph explained that a 13-person faculty committee is conducting intensive research of all study abroad programs, beyond the "constant flux" that is routine within her office. "Cuts are not going to happen across the boards," Randolph said. "But this attention is necessary to make recommendations, explore our options and reconsider specific programs." Last year, faculty members began the process by reviewing two segments of the program -- French- and Spanish-speaking countries. They will present their report to Provost Stanley Chodorow and the Office of International Programs within the next week. The second investigation, focusing on Italy and Middle Eastern countries, has just begun and might not be completed until next year. Rudolph said the review process is "long and drawn out," but crucial. International Programs Assistant Director Geoffrey Gee said the research is necessary to evaluate the "academic objective" of each study abroad program, while also responding to each school's preferences. "What students want -- and more importantly what departments want -- must be considered in this drawn-out process," Gee said. "Eventually all study abroad programs will be reviewed, but it is going to take awhile." Gee added that the ongoing process is especially crucial, because the number of students studying abroad has steadily increased over the past 10 years. According to a national survey, the number of people participating in foreign-based programs increased by 10.6 percent last year. Chodorow is also focusing on increasing the number of Penn's international students and visiting faculty from abroad. Currently, there are roughly 2,650 foreign students at Penn -- approximately 850 undergraduates and 1,800 in graduate and professional schools. "Not every student will have the opportunity to study abroad, but they should still be able to have the international experience while at Penn," Randolph said. "If we continue to attract an international community, this school will become more and more diverse."
(12/04/96 10:00am)
Stevens has already taken on a slew of projects, and next semester she will begin teaching again. Accolades, gifts and wine greeted former School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens yesterday, as she formally stepped down from her five-year tenure. A large crowd of Trustees, faculty and staff gathered for the early evening reception in the University Museum's Egyptian Rotunda. Stevens received a ceramic Philadelphia bowl and a plaque that will hang in the History and Sociology of Science reading room. The most precious gift, she said, was the additional time she now has. "I will miss some aspects of the position," Stevens said. "But it is wonderfully exciting to have the opportunity to return to academics. Learning flourishes where it is the most free." As Stevens begins to distance herself from administering academics, a search committee for the new dean was appointed last week, to be headed by Sociology Chairperson Douglas Massey. Meanwhile, Stevens is delving into several projects -- teaching at the University, working in Washington, D.C. and re-issuing one of her favorite books, American Medicine and the Public Interest. And she is not wasting any time. Since the former dean will not begin teaching her classes on the history of health care until next semester, Stevens is now chairing committees on Medicare and graduate medical education in Washington, D.C. Throughout the evening, Stevens's many talents were lauded as frequently as her charm and integrity. "In my book, Rosemary is the best because she has been our most courageous dean -- much tougher than most of the men we have around here," said Chemistry Professor Madeleine Joullie, who has been a University faculty member for 40 years. "When she knew she had to do something, she just did it." Joullie said Stevens is the most charming woman she knows, adding that she is "very envious" of the former dean. Others looked at Stevens's departure with a mix of criticism and praise. "I definitely did not agree with all the decisions she made, but it took a lot of integrity for her to make such unpopular choices," said Folklore Professor Dan Ben-Amos, referring to the elimination of two departments three years ago. "Rosemary picked a hard time to be dean." After Stevens retired at the beginning of September, Physics Professor Walter Wales began his tenure as interim SAS dean. Wales served as interim dean twice before in 1987 and in the summer of 1991. "It's going reasonably well -- I guess it's too strong to say that I dislike it," Wales said. "But I will be happy to return to my laboratory after they find another new dean." The search committee for Stevens's replacement includes eight professors and two students. Wales said the committee will probably select a candidate by April, and the new dean begin work in July. But last night's celebration focused on the past -- and Stevens's reign as dean. "We want future generations to know who you are and what you have done," Trustee Natalie Koether told Stevens. And many people showed their deep respect for Stevens, milling around the rotunda long after the food disappeared. The former dean continually repeated how flattered she was by all the attention. "I have always believed in strategy without straightjackets," she said. "My time has been a negotiating paradox, but I thoroughly enjoyed the five years. I have learned so much from each of you."
(12/03/96 10:00am)
With more than 100 different minority-oriented organizations on campus, division sometimes prevails over unity. But through intellectual and social events aimed at uniting racial and ethnic groups, members of Global Village hope to counteract that tendency. Wharton sophomore Neysan Rassekh and Engineering sophomore Vesal Dini founded Global Village last year because they grew tired of complaining about the lack of racial integration on campus. Since its formation, the club has expanded to include a five-person board -- all of whom were Hill College House residents last year and share a common goal of "oneness of humanity," according to Dini. The club has also doubled its membership in the past year. Two weeks ago, Global Village held a fundraising raffle on Locust Walk, offering students a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii, Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean. Second prize was lunch for two at Le Bec Fin. All proceeds from the raffle will go to support speakers, forums and workshops on race relations and cultural awareness issues. The group's first guest lecturer of the year was Swiss author Hossain Danesh, who spoke at Houston Hall November 22. About 20 students attended the discussion about the causes and dynamics of violence from psychological, political and spiritual perspectives. "Dr. Danesh pointed out the difficuly of going against the norm, which people in general view as healthy and correct," Dini said. "In this age, the norm is certainly not the right, and it is the responsibility of individuals to recognize the truth in this mass of modern confusion." Danesh also emphasized that each person's individual viewpoint "shapes the way they approach the world," Dini added. Global Village is planning several other events for the remainder of the academic year, including an informal luncheon on College Green, multi-cultural dances and a possible concert in the spring. The only other club at the University that aims to increase racial unity is Check One, which sponsors a monthly newsletter. Dini said he thinks the University's diversity has the potential to be its greatest strength. "But we just need to get other people involved in order to make this happen," he added.
(11/19/96 10:00am)
Last November, Penn "out-surfed" 35 other schools on the World Wide Web to win a free Everclear concert, but the alternative band opted to "log out" of the deal -- leaving the University at odds with Ticketmaster. But four Social Planning and Events Committee members never gave up on the victory, continuously nagging Ticketmaster to award the University with the prize, worth $15,000. At one point, the University even threatened to sue the ticket company. SPEC's efforts have finally paid off. The entire University community will be treated to a free concert by Morphine -- a self-described "low rock" band -- on December 6. The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. concert, to be held in Irvine Auditorium. Any student with a PennCard will be able to attend the show. "Ticketmaster didn't figure that we were going to fight back," said SPEC member and College junior Erin McKeon. As a promotion of Ticketmaster's new World Wide Web site last fall, the company offered a free Everclear concert to the college with the most students who registered on the Web site. When Everclear decided not to come to the University because of their rising popularity, Ticketmaster didn't have any substitute in line. After months of discussion, Ticketmaster officials said they will give SPEC the $15,000 an Everclear concert would have cost. SPEC bid for a Morphine show, and last week, members confirmed that they will come to the University for the concert. Once described as "Muddy Waters on ganja," the band features a two-string fretless bass, played by the vocalist, drums and a saxophonist who plays both tenor and baritone saxes -- often at the same time. Student Life Assistant Director Kim Allen and 1996 College graduate Mike Parker worked with SPEC to bring Morphine to campus. McKeon said Parker was "absolutely key" during the discussions with Ticketmaster. "I am so excited about bringing Morphine here -- it's going to be a great show," said SPEC member and Wharton junior Allison Rosen. "I think a lot of people are going to come because it's free and it is also at the perfect time, right before people begin studying for exams." The Disco Biscuits, a student jazz/rock improv band, will open the concert. "Morphine is one of those bands that people are really going to enjoy listening to even if they never heard them before," Rosen said. "I hope Irvine is going to be packed."
(11/15/96 10:00am)
Implementation of the new security contract is now behind schedule, because residential life officials aren't in the loop. A breakdown in communication is frustrating the implementation of the University's new safety technology system -- leading key administrators to question the feasibility of the project. On October 9, Penn signed a contract with Sensormatic Electronics Corporation for a $3 million-plus cutting-edge integrated security system intended to deal "thoroughly and successfully with the crime problem," Executive Vice President John Fry said at the time. Since the signing of the contract, Sensormatic officials have not done any work on campus. Public Safety Security Director Chris Algard said he originally envisioned the implementation of the security system for this fall, but has since pushed the start time back to next semester. The contracts were first slated to be signed in June, but negotiation difficulties postponed the plan's completion. That four-month delay is now affecting the implementation and organization of the security system. In October, Fry emphasized that the finalization of the contract marked the University's shift from a short-term to long-term focus in handling crime. Algard said the plan will "fall in place" beginning with the installation of a command and control center in early February. And he hopes to begin pilots of the most advanced phase of the system this spring -- personal and electronic verification in all dorms. But Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta said no one involved with the Department of Housing and Residence Life has reviewed the entire security plan. "I know very little about the entire security plan and have absolutely no details," Moneta said. "We have yet to even see a proposal." Before implementation, Moneta's office must review the proposal thoroughly, then present the details to the Residential Advisory Board, the Residential Faculty Council and the entire residential living department. Moneta added that he hasn't heard anything about the pilots that Algard has scheduled to begin within a few months. "Honestly, I have no idea when this security plan will be implemented," Moneta said. "It will wait until everyone involved is in agreement." He also said he doesn't know how the University plans to finance the new system or how the new contract will work. Currently, residential security is contracted to Public Safety -- a relationship that will change with Sensormatic's new technology. The new security will involve readers that scan hand prints and block access to residences for anyone whose print is not in the security computer system, even if the person uses a valid PennCard. Last summer, Moneta traveled with Algard to Atlanta, where Sensormatic is based, to inspect the new system. Moneta said the security system "seems interesting," but the lack of information he and others have is detrimental to the success of the project. "We are all on the same page," Moneta said. "But the communication is lacking." Algard said he is working closely with RAB and RFC to determine the best residences to try out the system. But neither group has met with him so far. "I'm pleased that the Residential Faculty Council will be involved in making decisions about new residential security systems," said RFC Chairperson and English professor Al Filreis. "But we have not heard from Chris Algard about this." RAB Co-Chairperson and College freshman Nikki Rae said her group hasn't discussed the situation with Algard either, but is planning a meeting for later this month. "We don't have enough information about the new security system to support or denounce it," Rae said. "And we also need to find out where the money is going to come from." Throughout the next few weeks, Algard said he will be examining more than 80 sites where building administrators requested additional security. Algard said he wants Sensormatic to begin studying five locations, including the Graduate School of Education and the Nursing Education Building, by December 1.
(11/12/96 10:00am)
Though some call forThough some call forrandomized housing,Though some call forrandomized housing,many students preferThough some call forrandomized housing,many students preferthe current system. When College freshman Linda Chung filled in the ovals on her housing request form last summer, her main priority was finding a comfortable living atmosphere. Though her new English House neighbors represented familiar cultures and experiences, she still felt like an outsider. Two weeks ago, the Asian American woman moved into the W.E.B. DuBois College House -- a 90 percent black dorm -- because of its "family atmosphere." And so far, she seems pleased with her new home, despite superficial differences. Unlike at other universities, Penn students have a fair degree of control over their housing arrangements -- even in their freshman year. That system allows for the creation of racially and ethnically homogeneous residences, according to the Office of the Registrar's racial breakdown of residences across the University. But students like Chung -- one of three other Asian students in DuBois -- can counter typical residential barriers. Students can also choose to live in University-sponsored living and learning programs that, on a smaller scale, are also ethnic-focused. These include the Asian and Latino floors in High Rise East. In addition, some students have gone beyond the University options to establish their own communities within on-campus housing. For example, many observant Jews -- who cannot ride the elevator on their Saturday Sabbath -- live on the lower floors of High Rise North. Despite residential evaluations and collegiate planning efforts, the University does not plan to take away the residential choices students have now. The consulting firm Biddison Hier is conducting a complete facilities audit due out in April that will include reports on the optimum use of residences. Until the full examination of housing is complete, the residential component of the administration's 21st Century Project has been put on hold, according to Vice Provost of University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum. Last week, the Residential Advisory Board met with management partners Gail Biddison and Tom Hier to discuss residence-related issues, including common spaces, dining halls and athletic facilities. During the meeting, the student-run board also discussed the racial tensions reflected by University housing. But many involved with the living-learning options say their programs are beneficial for residents and the University as a whole. "Students don't just have a room in this house, they have a family and an interest in learning about African American culture," said Stephani Barnes-Robinson, the front desk receptionist of DuBois for the last five years. In a reflection of that familial environment, many DuBois residents call Barnes-Robinson "Mom." Associate VPUL Larry Moneta said DuBois will not be affected by any revisions to the current housing system, noting the "unique needs" of the residence. Three years ago, Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Gloria Chisum, along with the now-defunct Commission on Strengthening the Community, presented a report addressing issues that seemed to divide the University community. The report concluded that learning must not end in the classroom, but rather should continue into campus residences and other programming. Chisum said she believes DuBois is accomplishing those goals and noted it is "not just a black dorm." "DuBois has very rich community culture," Chisum said. "And the more you learn about other people -- the more you learn about the world." Chung emphasized that fact, saying the dorm welcomes "all ethnicities." "I know this because I am not African American, and they like me," she said. "At least, I think they like me." The Commission's report also advocated the establishment of assigned housing for freshmen, a move that would have removed the option of living in a college house like DuBois -- or any of the other similar programs -- for incoming students. Randomized housing has remained at the center of campus debate for many years. Freshmen are randomly housed at many schools, including Princeton, Yale, Georgetown and Stanford universities. Residential Advisor and Engineering junior Chris Hyzer said he advocates randomized housing for freshmen because it would create "equal footing" for students, leading to increased understanding and interaction during their college careers. According to Hyzer, the largest catalyst for social interaction at the University is in the residences. "If we live in segregated residences, we have less hope for a unified student body," the Undergraduate Assembly member said. "Students know that this institution values racial and ethnic diversity when they decide to attend Penn, and they should be prepared to expand their comfort zones." McCoullum said none of the residential models currently under consideration include randomized housing. Citing the support groups at DuBois, College sophomore Rasool Berry said he could not have succeeded at Penn without the assistance he received by living in the house during his first year. "The house has also insulated me from some of the prejudice which surrounds people of color in an elite institution," Berry added. College freshman Charles Howard said DuBois has provided a family atmosphere that he needed as an "inexperienced freshman," noting that many sophomores acted as his "big brothers and sisters."
(11/11/96 10:00am)
Next year, W.E.B. DuBois College House will celebrate its 25th anniversary -- but in doing so, it will also commemorate a very strong and rich history. The concept behind the house grew out of a "problem paper" presented by a small group of black students at a University Council meeting, according to the March 14, 1972 issue of the Almanac. Council decided to investigate the proposal of a "black residence," but responded with five "serious issues of concern," including its legality and how beneficial it would be for the students. Formally drawn up by 1971 College for Women graduate Cathy Barlow, the students' report said the University's commitment to black higher education was "shallow because it provides only a mediocre college experience." The editorial pages of The Daily Pennsylvanian were filled for the next few weeks with calls for "all-white" and "all-Jewish" dormitories, in addition to letters of support for the house. One anonymous student said the University is neglecting "a major bloc of the Penn community," asking for a dorm for "preppies." On March 8, the proposal to create an all-black residence and advising center on the first two floors of Low Rise North won preliminary approval from University officials. But during the next three weeks, the University took no further action as then-Provost Curtis Reitz, who would decide on the plan's implementation, continued to consider the proposal. In the meantime, a local leader of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People attacked the black students who proposed the separate residence, accusing them of being "misguided, misinvolved and misinformed in their quest to turn the clock back 100 years," according to the March 26 DP. The University's legal counsel reported that defending the legality of the proposed residence would be difficult. In an opinion submitted to the vice provost's office, the Philadelphia law firm of Drinker, Biddle and Reath stated that "the proposal may be subject to attack under a large number of constitutional and statutory provisions," as well as local real estate ordinances on racial discrimination. In response to the University's delay in making a decision, roughly 50 black students demonstrated in front of College Hall on April 3. In addition, the caucus of black faculty and administrators and the University's Black People's Coalition issued statements denouncing the University's handling of the proposed residence. The University finally responded on April 5, when the Faculty Senate voted to establish the residence. The following day, University administrators gave final approval for the creation of DuBois. The proposal was adapted to make the house open to all students, a change that satisfied most legal concerns. Barlow, however, expressed doubt that any non-black student would meet the admission criteria for DuBois. "Theoretically, whites are qualified for the program," she said at the time. "But I'll be very interested to see if this is manifested." The Greater Philadelphia branch of the American Civil Liberties Union declined a request from a group of University students for legal assistance in challenging the creation of what they called a "racially exclusive residential center for black undergraduates," according to the April 10 DP. "No white students are being discriminated against by setting aside a portion of one building," the ACLU responded. In August 1972, 60 black students and two faculty members moved into Low Rise North to begin the academic living and learning program. Since then, the house has often been the target of racial harassment. One of a series of bomb threats to the house occurred at the end of October 1981. In response, nearly 1,000 University students, faculty and administrators linked arms and encircled DuBois, singing "We Shall Overcome." Most recently, in October 1993, several DuBois residents received bomb threats and racially harassing phone calls, forcing the evacuation of the building and a temporary ban on non-residents. Since then, however, DuBois has dealt with relatively few racially charged incidents. The residence is now planning a series of activities to celebrate the house's 25th anniversary, Assistant Dean of DuBois Sonia Elliot said.
(11/11/96 10:00am)
Engineering junior Ellen Long doesn’t blend in with the other residents in her dorm. Although perhaps the most obvious dissimilarity is her skin color, Long finds that her upbringing and cultural perspective differ greatly from those of her neighbors. Long is a minority of the majority — one of the few white University students to experience living in the University’s 90 percent black residence, W.E.B. DuBois College House. And as she does so, Long is penetrating a boundary that affects much more than residential life, from dining at the Class of 1920 Commons to Spring Fling. “Prior to moving into DuBois, the house seemed like an unknown entity,” Long said. “Kind of like, what goes on in there?” She is quick to point out that her reasons for moving into DuBois were not “noble,” since she and her roommate were simply bumped out of the high rises into the building. But Long now lauds DuBois’s programming and commends its friendly atmosphere. At the same time, however, Long said she disapproves of programs that isolate specific groups in certain residences. Because she believes students choose to separate themselves, Long said the University should not facilitate segregation as it does through DuBois. In a University community including almost 10,000 undergraduates, Long’s mixed feelings about DuBois seems to mirror many others’ — apparent through the still-continuing 25-year-old debates on the subject. Even though DuBois has never housed more than 18 percent of the University’s black students, it is often used to represent opposing sides of the racial segregation argument — as either a symbol of separation or a source of community. During the last 10 years, diversity has become a buzzword on campus — but Penn is still predominantly white on the undergraduate level, with 6,207 Caucasian students. The 508 black undergraduates comprise 5 percent of the student body. From its inception in 1972, DuBois has functioned as a haven for black students attending the University. Education Professor Howard Stevenson, the residence’s faculty master, said DuBois especially helps students who find themselves continuously explaining who they are. He added that the house is crucial to combat the negative experiences many black students have in classes and other social groups. “Segregation is a historically violent word and should not be used to describe DuBois,” Stevenson said. “This mostly white campus uses that word to label the house — which is an interesting way of looking at freedom of choice.” He added that misconceptions of the house come from the “outside” and prevail because people fail to take advantage of another aspect of the academic residence — teaching the culture and literature of Africans and African Americans. Under Stevenson, the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” has guided the DuBois community, which Stevenson said includes Caribbean, African, South American, Latino and many bi-racial students. “As an African American faculty member, I don’t fit in at a lot of places,” Stevenson said. “But if I spent all of my time talking about that issue, I wouldn’t get any work done. The pain is always present, but there aren’t enough ears to hear it.” Acting as Stevenson’s partner, Assistant Dean of DuBois Sonia Elliot, a former resident herself, said she constantly works to improve the “life experience” of Penn’s black students. To Elliot, that process includes the numerous events DuBois sponsors, such as the annual Souls of DuBois Conference, and the space the house provides for many minority functions — even if they are not house-directed activities. Elliot said she sometimes feels overwhelmed because she is responsible for administering the building, maintaining a base for black undergraduates and providing a cultural center for the entire West Philadelphia community. “Sometimes I feel like DuBois is similar to McDonalds — over five billion served,” Elliot said. “We do not in any way only assist the in-house community. The entire campus and surrounding community uses our services.” Elliot also emphasized that DuBois functions as a “home” for all black students who attend the University, even if they never live in the residence. But many people have criticized this very idea, saying it promotes separatism and impedes the progress of race relations on campus. English Lecturer David Slavitt said he thinks blacks in the United States have not made the effort to integrate fully into American culture, especially compared to Jews and Chinese over the past 40 years. Slavitt said it is “counter-intuitive” for Penn to support DuBois, adding that the only way students can learn from one another is if they live together. “When students live in a segregated residential setting, they are having quite a different Penn experience,” Slavitt said. “And it can’t be a good thing.” History Professor Alan Kors said he is an “integrationist” who believes the University’s residential goals should involve integrating the entire student population. DuBois houses 120 students, 68 of whom are freshmen. Kors said he believes segregated housing is especially detrimental to those first-year students. “The friendships and contacts formed in freshman year are vital, and they tend to last and to have ripple effects throughout a student’s four years here,” Kors said. “Students meet freshman year, when they share a profoundly unifying experience? that so often creates friendships and mutual understandings that transcend those identities by which many would separate people at Penn.” On the other hand, Stevenson and Elliot maintain that without the security of DuBois, some minority students wouldn’t be able to succeed at the University. When people ask Elliot if she feels DuBois is necessary, she said she laughs to herself. “I know a lot of students depend on us,” Elliot said. “And I really believe the University is committed to us being here.” After spending four undergraduate years in DuBois, 1996 Wharton graduate Nicole Maloy describes the housing experience as “invaluable.” Coming from a predominately white high school, like many DuBois residents, Maloy spent her years at DuBois learning about African American history and culture — through both planned house activities and informal gatherings in the house. She said the greatest misconception about DuBois is that all residents are similar — an idea she said is false “both literally and figuratively.” She points out that as an undergraduate, she was involved in numerous activities, ranging from track to singing groups. “This is not a black school and I couldn’t avoid white people even if I wanted to,” Maloy said. “How can anyone say that we are restricting ourselves by living here?” As an alumna, Maloy continues to frequent the house. Whether it is for the superior room size, family-like atmosphere — complete with a desk receptionist who they call “Mom” — or learning opportunities, many current students say they would choose to live nowhere else. “Mom” has been a fixture in the house for five years and many residents say she is the best representative of the house. Stephani Barnes-Robinson models her life around helping students, holding special “walk-in” talk sessions or passing out hot soup on cold days. “I worked for a year in High Rise North, but I didn’t like the job because I couldn’t get to know the students very well, even though I never forget a name or zodiac sign,” Barnes-Robinson said. “I can give my heart to DuBois because I love the family atmosphere here — it’s just the natural thing to do.” College sophomore Rasool Berry, who serves as vice president of DuBois’s House Council, said he decided to live in DuBois as a freshman because it provided him with a dynamic support group. Berry noted that the residence stimulated his personal growth and “insulated” him from some of the prejudice that “surrounds people of color in an elite institution.” DuBois, he said, provided an atmosphere that allowed him to succeed both academically and socially. “Some might consider it presumptuous and even detrimental to predict that an institution has racism before ever stepping foot on the campus,” Berry said. “But such is the reality for African Americans in this society.” College freshman Charles Howard said he is disappointed by some students’ ignorance about the house. “I find it quite interesting that no one questions the existence of the Latin American program, which is very similar to the DuBois house program where many Latinos live together,” Howard said. “Or perhaps the equivalent for Asians that exists in High Rise East or maybe even the [floors in High Rise North] which exist for Orthodox Jewish people.” Noting the difficulty of being a minority, Howard is one of only 40 black males scheduled to graduate in 2000. “It is hard for some of my Asian friends to understand the anger that I get when I see the Georgia state flag with the Confederate flag on it as I go to midnight breakfast,” Howard added, referring to a Quadrangle resident who hung the flag outside his window. College freshman Steven Jessup said he didn’t consider the usual factors of room size, location or programming while deciding where he was going to spend his first year at the University. “I chose DuBois for one simple reason — I wanted to be around black people,” Jessup said. To some University students, however, DuBois’s existence is not productive for the campus as a whole. College senior Cara Reiner said she believes DuBois should not be an option for freshmen. “Freshman year is a really good time to break down stereotypes,” Reiner said. “And I don’t think the need for a safe haven is as strong as when DuBois first opened.” On October 29, a group of 25 Penn students of all races attended a forum held in DuBois entitled “Everything You Wanted to Know About Black People But Were Afraid to Ask.” The event, sponsored by Ma’at, a black student group, included discussion about self-segregation, among other campus issues. “I thought this was a terrific activity because I always wanted an excuse to come into DuBois,” said Wharton junior Helen Horstmann. “And I finally got my chance.”
