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(03/05/92 10:00am)
According to Fire and Occupational Safety Director James Miller, the fire caused "little or no" physical damage, but occured in a "critical area" of the hotel. The fire, which occurred at approximately 4:45 p.m., put the hotel and offices out of service until power was restored on Sunday night at 10 p.m. Jim Atkinson, Director of Security at the Penn Tower Hotel, said the fire was a result of electrical difficulties occurring at 49th and Woodland streets. Atkinson said the Philadelphia Electric Company informed hotel officials that because of difficulties in this area, the hotel would have to switch from its primary to its auxilary power system. But when the power transfer was made, Atkinson said there was "an electrical explosion." Atkinson said the hotel guests were transferred immediately to locations such as the University Museum and the Civic Center, so that the fire could be looked after. The medical practices housed on lower floors were simply moved to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Atkinson also added that a decision was made three hours after the incident to move the aproximately 150 guests to the University City Sheraton. Although PECO did not restore primary power to the hotel until Sunday night, the company brought in a large portable generator to power the hotel. As a result of the fire, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia had to switch to emergency power because it is hooked up to the same primary powerline that fed the fire, Miller said. Atkinson said there was a conference on blacks and higher education at the hotel that had to be postponed as a result of the fire. Miller said that the Penn Tower had "resumed business" on Monday.
(03/02/92 10:00am)
Classified research takes place at the University City Science Center, even though the center adopted a policy outlawing it years ago. Classified research takes place at the University City Science Center, even though the center adopted a policy outlawing it years ago.CORRECTION (3/3): A story in yesterday's Daily Pennsylvanian incorrectly stated that the University City Science Center does classified military research. While it does receive money from the Department of Defense, the research the UCSC conducts for the DoD is not classified. It seems as if one piece of history at the University has been lost. It deals with a little-known institution north of campus on Market Street named the University City Science Center, and it stands as a milestone that rocked the University. The UCSC's research policy was changed in 1969 as a result of intense protest and demonstration by both students and faculty on the University's campus, culminating in a six-day sit-in at College Hall. At the time, student and faculty activists felt the University was using the Science Center as a legitimate way for University professors to conduct classified military research while not breaking the University's open-research policies. Activists pressured the University to revise the charter to state that the UCSC "should only seek research contracts oriented to to the enrichment and prolongation of human life," and that "classified, military or Defense Department research" could not be undertaken by the UCSC. In the 20 years since the Science Center's charter was changed, its significance has all but vanished with its intents falling by the wayside. Some University and UCSC officials said last week that the center is ignoring the charter, which caused such a furor 20 years ago, and now conducts classified research. UCSC president Louis Padulo said he is "positive" the center conducts classified research, adding "I'm not aware of" the center's policy against it. So, while students and faculty protest the University's connections to the Department of Defense and the proposed Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the classified research IAST opponents protest takes place every day at the Science Center -- a venture owned partially by the University. University and Science Center officials say the center's purpose has changed, that it promotes economic development as much as research. But the center's director displayed a marked lack of knowledge about both the policy and its history. · The UCSC is an institution that was "put together under change," said Robert Rutman, an emeritus professor of biochemical animal biology. He added that many of the faculty of today participated in the effort to change an establishment they felt was at the time "destructive" and "oppressing." And he questioned whether the University and the Science Center are living up to the charter that they set into place more than 20 years ago. No one expected the protests of February 18, 1969. Prior to this date, University activists had immersed themselves in civil rights, the research policies of the University itself and community housing. But in February 1969, over 600 students from the University and several surrounding universities marched on College Hall and began a sit-in that would last six days. Concerns about the various policies of the University City Science Center sparked the protest. Protestors had three demands: · First, that the UCSC give land it owned to West Philadelphia. · Second, that the UCSC, the University, and the West Philadelphia Corporation give money to build low rent housing to help out the community. · And third, that the UCSC change its charter so it could not undertake classified, military-related, or Department of Defense funded research. The final demand was a result of 37 classified projects being undertaken by University researchers. The projects, bearing names such as Spice Rack, Summit, and Big Ben, were all highly classified projects. The University undertook the projects so the United States military could gain an advantage in Vietnam using biological warfare. According to Robert Davies, a professor emeritus of molecular biology who was then the chairman of the committee on research at the UCSC, the University had recently established its own policy of not accepting "unpublishable" research. Administrators were then trying to fight the policy's renewal, and were transferring projects to the Science Center. But the president of the University at the time, Gaylord Harnwell, renewed the research for the Spice Rack project without notifying the faculty committee intending to reject the renewal. As well, Davies claimed the project was to be transfered to the UCSC when the University finally adopted its non-classified research policy. The transfer enabled the University to continue research without technically violating its own policy. But, in 1969, the University held 2000 shares in the UCSC, thereby giving it controlling power of administration. As a result, he said that he "welcomed such research as Spice Rack" to the UCSC. By switching the classified military projects to the UCSC, research would still be conducted under the auspices of the University. However, researchers would circumvent the ruling that the University itself had put in place to support "free-publication." "Part of the situation was that when Spice Rack was removed, it would go to the Science Center," Davies said. He also explained that over 10 colleges had arranged a consortium, with students at all shareholding colleges at the UCSC, to discuss the project transfer. The consortium would eventually lead to "the prevention of the project starting at the UCSC. This was a major aim of the sit-in," Davies explained. The executive vice president's words sparked a debate that would not end until his eventual resignation after the University won the charter battle. · On February 19, 1969, with College Hall 200 flanked with students, the time had come. The sit-in shook the campus awake, as debates, discussions, and forums were held to argue the issues the demonstrators were bringing to light. The demonstrators formed a steering committee that said its protesters would "stay in this building until we are satisfied that the Trustees of the University have taken postive action toward meeting the requests." The steering committee in fact threatened to turn the sit-in into an occupation of College Hall. By February 20, the second day of the College Hall sit-in, the demonstrators eagerly awaited the reaction of the administration, as approximately 400 students woke up to address President Harnwell as he dashed into his office. With the hallways jam-packed, the president soon returned to the hallway to face the students. The first to address Harnwell was Joe Mikuliak, the leader of Students for a Democratic Society. Mikuliak asked the president to "cut his jive and tell us straight, 'yes' or 'no' to our demands." That same day, the demonstration steering committee issued a statement demanding that "the Trustees of the University to be called to meet within the next 24 hours to discuss the demands about the UCSC and the role of the University within the community." One student demonstrator said that "It's about time the University is confronted so it faces its responsibility." · The results of the eventual six-day sit-in were astounding, explained Rutman. Alluding to the demonstrators at the time at Columbia and Berkeley, he explained that the six-day sit-in was the first "non-violent" protest accomplishing positive results from the standpoint of both students and administrators. By Sunday, February 23, 1969, the Trustees had reached an agreement with the demonstrators to honor all three of their demands. As a result of the Trustee's approval, the University established a quadripartite committee. It was charged with forging the University's future relations with the community and accepting "the concerns and aspirations of the surrounding community as its own concerns." The committee consisted of the Trustees, community members, faculty members, and students. By Monday, February 24, with the agreements and committees in place, the 800 satisfied demonstrators "drifted lazily" out of College Hall, donning victory signs to the watchers-on, according to news reports at the time. Ira Harkavy, the Vice Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who was then the head of the student negotiating team, declared "victory for the community of demonstrators." "We have won more than any other college movement in history." Harkavy said. In the aftermath of the sit-in victory, Davies said, a steering committee was set up to ensure that the newly-established charter of the UCSC was being obeyed. The steering committee consisted of three faculty and two students from Penn, and one faculty and student from the other universities that held shares in the UCSC. · More than 20 years later, two of the three goals are still intact. The community housing, which resulted from the first two student demands, is standing. Davies said the University followed through with the establishment of low-cost housing on the land originally belonging to the UCSC. Standing ghostly still on Market Street, the houses mark the progress of student devotion of twenty years long past. But the UCSC steering committee is only a memory. Davies, who was the chair of the committee, explained that it disbanded. "The student members simply stopped showing up, but the faculty [continued]," Davies said. "The students did not even vote to nominate new members. There was no point in keeping on the committee. One thing about students is that they often lose interest." Davies also said there was no longer a need for a committee, since the Science Center protest had already ostensibly met its goals of giving the land back to the community, building low-cost housing and preventing classified military research. (continues)
(03/02/92 10:00am)
(continued) · After 20 years, the debate about the Science Center's charter has faded in the minds of most administrators and faculty who were present for the 1969 debates. And student activists, whose knowledge of the University only goes back a few years, have moved on to other issues and other causes. Ironically, today's student activists have become concerned about the very issue that concerned their parents' generation -- classified military research on campus. While students decry the proposed razing of Smith Hall to build a DOD-funded Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, classified military research continues undisturbed only blocks away. · The University City Science Center's charter states that: · "the UCSC should only seek research contracts oriented to the enrichment and prolongation of human life, and should not accept contracts whose purpose is the destruction of human life or the incapacitation of human beings." · "no contract be entered into where the needs for secrecy are so extreme as to forbid revelation of its very existence." Top University and Science Center officials said they are unaware of the charter which was so hotly debated in 1969. Louis Padulo, current president of the Science Center, said "I'm not aware of it [the policy]." Padulo also claimed that he had "heard lots of such discussions," but that he "had never heard anyone talk about it." "Is it a hot topic right now?" he asked. Padulo said that although most of the science center's funding comes from the National Institute of Health, a portion of the center's funding that comes from the Department of Defense. "Some must come from the DOD," Padulo said."I would hope so, since they are one of the main players." Padulo did not hide the fact that the Science Center takes confidential research for the military. He said that since the 1960s, universities have "figured out ways to take projects that require confidentiality. It's a way of doing business." He cited the University as an example. Padulo said, however, that unlike the 1960's, accepting classified research "does not involve evil versus good." And since the 1960's universities "had to figure out what work is appropriate so as not to distort the university," Padulo said. Padulo said that a university has to put "safeguards" in place, in order to make things "appropriate." He added that administrators have "figured out loopholes in order to do lots of different things." One loophole, put into research policies after the UCSC charter was changed, allows for this possibility. The clause is referred to as a "one day in seven" policy. It stipulates that one day out of seven, a university professor is allowed to pursue research, consulting, or manangment for external institutions. Davies said he knew of several colleagues that practice under this law, but declined to give names. And Padulo said the "one day in seven" clause has allowed University researchers to participate in Science Center projects that do not fall under the University's research guidelines. University President Sheldon Hackney said he is unaware of classified research taking place at the Science Center, and that "it would not even occur [to him] to wonder." The University still maintains a large block of shares in the science center, although their policies remain separate. "These policies are not ours," Hackney said.
(02/27/92 10:00am)
February is heart month. First there's Valentine's Day, and then the American Heart Association annually calls for a change in American lifestyles to prevent heart disease. "More than six million Americans have symptoms of coronary heart disease," reads a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cholesterol brochure. It is a brochure that could be ignored, if not for its sobering and disheartening tone. Not many people enjoy reading health brochures, but this one was eye-catching. The brochure stated that 1.5 million Americans die of heart attacks and coronary heart diseases every year. And alarmingly, the statistics are not just for the middle-aged, but are also focused on 18-35 year-olds. "The first studies [of heart disease] were autopsies done on soldiers who fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars," said Andrew Tershakovec, a Children's Hospital of Philadelphia pediatrician. He explained that the studies showed a build up of fats and cholesterol that narrowed the arteries by up to 50 percent and impeded the passage of blood in many of the soldiers. He added that the studies were particularly alarming because the cases studied were males between the ages of 18-20 years old. This build-up is due to a process called atherosclerosis. This is a heart disease which afflicts an individual gradually over time, even though many of the effects are latent early in life. As a result of the study, many health care workers and organizations became increasingly involved in the type of foods that Americans eat and the lifestyles that they lead. "The [goal] of the AHA is to have school age children adopt a healthy lifestyle early on," Associate Nursing Professor Laura Hayman said. "School-based intervention is a very effective way to adopt healthy lifestyles. The health outcomes are more positive." Although school-based intervention seems a good idea in principle, much of the data shows that it does not affect the lives of college students, as healthly lifestyles now become a question of human nature and choice, the brochure says. Studies show that over half of American adults over 20 years old have cholesterol levels that are "borderline", meaning that they are at some degree of health risk. The studies show that one quarter of American adults over the age of 20 have cholesterol that is considered high and a significant risk. The American Medical Association also has proclaimed the severity of the American situation in their recommendations for American youth by the year 2000. Among their recommendations are programs in schools and communities to promote the physical activities of children and adolescents. But the recommendations that are the most telling are those that aim to increase by 20 percent the amount of physical activity for people over 20. The AMA also seeks to decrease the amount of overweight people over 20 years old to 20 percent. "There have been increasing trends in obesity," Tershakovec said. "The total calorie intake has not changed. This means that exercise must be going down. People tend to be inactive." It seems as if the majority of Americans are having trouble gaining control of their lifestyles. "People always want a silver bullet or a magic pill to make them live to 100," Tershakovec said. "Your lifestyle can't pinpoint just one thing. Healthy things must be taken in moderation." But according to the AMA, the lifestyles of many college students attracts heart disease. Hayman explained that many young adults have the general attitude that many of their habits, such as smoking, can be "arrested" at any time. "Many young people are thinking that their habits won't have a negative influence in youth," Hayman said. "But it becomes difficult to quit." There is, however a positive note to the disturbing condition of American health. If Americans follow some suggestions provided by health officials, they can lessen their chances of contracting heart problems. It is merely a question of doing it. Some suggestions for positive change given by the Health and Human Services Department include two major points: Eating healthy, and exercising often. HHS's recommended eating patterns include getting less than 10 percent of calories from saturated fat, less than 30 percent of calories from total fat, and less than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol. The department also recommends exercising for at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week. Tershakovec explained that this type of exercise includes a "brisk walk". "Physical activity is a good buffer," Hayman said. "Population data shows that physically active people have less of a chance of premature morbidity and mortality." The health question now lies in the hands of all those who want to improve their health conditions, while at the same time improving all aspects of life, Tershakovec said. "If you can prevent it now, why not prevent it instead of trying to treat it later." Tershakovec said. "Behaviorally, it will not happen, to adopt a healthy lifestyle later."
(02/20/92 10:00am)
Medical School officials said yesterday they are unfazed by Gov. Robert Casey's announced budget cut last month and will help the University lobby for the return of funding. Frederic Burg, vice dean for education at the Medical School, said the school is disappointed by the proposed cut, but added that administrators will not allow the possible loss of funds to affect the quality of research, education and public service. "[The proposed cut] is a signal from the government that it does not value flagship programs," Burg said. "It is a very great disappointment from a medical educator's point of view, that the governor of this great state would cut medical funding. This is an institution that Plato said a society should be founded upon." Earlier this month, Casey proposed cutting all state aid to the University and other private institutions for fiscal year 1993, leaving the University with a possible $37 million gap in its budget for next year. Burg said he views Casey's budget proposal as a challenge to the Medical School that the administrators must meet with hard planning. "The Medical School prides itself on its ability to cope with challenges," Burg said. "Any well-led organization should have the creative capability to deal with fiscal problems." Burg said the Medical School has a responsibility to the community, the state and the nation, being that it is one of America's leading medical institutions. "We are presently modeling responses to the cut," Burg said. "We can't be deterred to meet our obligation." Burg explained that the obligations of the Medical School include quality patient service and research. He said that the school will conduct lobbying efforts in Harrisburg. But according to Mike Nardone, who coordinates government relations for the Medical Center, lobbying Harrisburg legislators may be difficult. "It will be a difficult fight," Nardone said. "There is a feeling this is going to be a tight budget year." Nardone first said that cutting funds to state aided institutions would be "consistent" with Casey's policy, noting that last year, the Medical School received less funding than in the past. But Nardone added that the proposed cuts are "not that consistent" because they are much more significant. He maintained that there is not enough funding being directed to new programs. "Government proposed state aid really took a hit," Nardone said. Nevertheless, Nardone said that the Medical School will work hard to "restore funds," pointing to last year's lobbying effort and stating that it had been "fairly active." Last year, Casey proposed cutting state aid to the University in half, but state legislators returned full funding after severe lobbying efforts by University officials. Meanwhile, Nardone said that the lobbying effort will be a "first priority" and that the Medical School is going to "fight hard."
(02/03/92 10:00am)
Signs bearing the plea 'Please Save Our Dad' were scattered around campus yesterday afternoon, as the Bill Gold Drive for Life began the first of its two-day drive at the Hillel Foundation. Gold is a 1989 Wharton Healthcare Mangement graduate, who was diagnosed as having Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia last September. The only known cure for CML is a bone marrow transplant. To date, Gold has not succeeded in finding a suitable donor match his rare marrow type. Subsequently, the University community agreed to sponsor a donor screening to find a match for Gold. Yesterday's drive proved effective, with approximately 400 people showing up to be tested. Many people described the University community's reception of the drive as "amazing". "The response by the Penn community has been heartwarming and personal," said Kevin Schulman, a Medical Attendant at the Health Economics Research Unit and a friend of Gold. "It's nice to see so many people trying to help in such a selfless fashion." The drive received a lot of local attention yesterday from three local television stations covering the screening. Anchorman Dave Murphy of Channel 6 was tested on camera. "It's been overwhelming," said Susan Day, coordinator of the Hillel drive. "The phone has been ringing this whole week, as well as all morning." Even President Sheldon Hackney and his wife, Lucy, showed up to be tested, and entered into the marrow registry yesterday. "Penn has been very supportive," said Amy Barrett, Gold's sister-in-law. "We are hoping that everyone tested will tell people how easy it is, and will send friends on Monday." The testing process itself is virtually painless and effortless. Only two tablespoons of blood are needed to be entered into the National Marrow Registry. The total time involved, including paperwork, is 15 minutes. The blood extraction process itself is carried out by professional lab technicians and lasts approximately 30 seconds. "I felt kind of silly that I was making such a big deal out of it," said College Freshman Liz Fekete. "The whole process is really nothing at all." Faye Kasloff, mother-in-law of Gold and coordinator of the drive, explained that the Bill Gold Drive for Life has already received $200,000 in contributions to help with the cost of the screenings. An individual screening costs $75. The estimated cost of Sunday's screening at Hillel was $45,000. Drives in other cities are currently being planned. Martha Lubell, a coordinator of the Hillel drive, explained that although the most suitable candidates to match Gold are those of Eastern European Jewish descent, all people are welcome to come out to the drive, in order to be entered into the National Marrow registry. "Bill is receiving great emotional support from the fact that so many have already come out," Barrett said. "It only takes fifteen minutes, two tablespoons, and a heart of gold."
(01/24/92 10:00am)
University Trustees unanimously approved to continue developing the Institute of Advanced Science and Technology yesterday, marking the beginning of the end for Smith Hall. The overwhelming approval came after a thorough hour-long presentation -- showing the first two phases of the IAST -- by Bob Venturi, the chief architect of the project, and Vice President of Facilities Management Art Gravina. Although several Trustees had questions for administrators and Venturi about specific aspects of the building, the final vote was opposition-free. Phase One of the building would be rectangular in shape and five stories tall with dozens of windows all around the rose-colored brick structure. Phase Two will also involve changes to the Music and Morgan buildings, which are across Smith Walk from IAST, including an annex added on to the back of Morgan. Venturi said in both phases, the architects sought to form a continuum between Locust and Smith Walks through the same colored brick and gentle angles on the buildings. In his presentation, Venturi described the design as "relatively simple and rhythmic in composition." He also explained that his model was trying to avoid detracting from other buildings on Smith Walk. Venturi emphasized three main architectural themes: · He sought to "maintain a sense of community" by expanding the science complex to create a space in which people can easily interact with each other. He said he wanted the building to "create space and not just sit on [the land]." One way he would facilitate this would be to utilize courtyards around the facility. · He wanted to frame the view of the historic Furness Building by the specific placement of Phases One and Two. · He was very concerned that the total scheme of Smith Walk be "maintained," and that the IAST "blend" with both the modern style of the Chemistry Building, and the older architecture of the "early red campus." The proposal came from the Trustee's Design and Review Committee, which unanimously approved the continuing development of the IAST on Wednesday. But James Colgate, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly representative who sat on the council for the Design and Review Committee, said yesterday that he did not received an invitation to the final meeting and suspected that it was because of his objections to the proposal. Colgate said that Director of Facilities Planning Titus Hewryk was responsible for sending invitations to all the members of the Design and Review Committee. "I have difficulty believing that his [Hewryk's] not sending me notice of this week's Design Review Committee meeting was merely a convenient oversight," Colgate said. Colgate, as the only student representative on the Design and Review Committee, holds voting status. Although Colgate did not attend the meeting, Hewryk said that "I as far as I can recollect, the last time he was there, he did not oppose [the design of the IAST]." Colgate refuted Hewryk's assertions, saying his addition to the committee was a recent one and that GAPSA did not have a student representative on the committee for some time. Colgate, who created his own model for the new IAST, said that while he commends Venturi on his ability to create spatial courtyards, he feels it is possible to fit the IAST more neatly into the Smith Walk scheme by maintaining more of the aesthetics. Colgate said that by continuing Phase One "linearly" along 34th Street, the view becomes one of a "big wall." "I don't think you want to emulate that," he said.
(01/23/92 10:00am)
After months of planning, protest and conflict, a University Trustees committee today will view the models for the Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, planned for the current site of Smith Hall. During the Facilities and Campus Planning meeting, the University will present the Trustees with scale models of phases one and two of the IAST -- dry laboratory and wet laboratory -- for the Trustees' input and approval. Vice President of Facilities Management Art Gravina said last night that the presentation is a formality through which the architects usually do not have to go. He said the situation is unique because of the controversy surrounding the demolition of Smith Hall and because of the aesthetics of the surrounding area. "[This] is not how traditionally to build a building," Gravina said. He explained that the IAST is "up for referendum," saying that administrators do not usually have to seek approval from the Trustees on the specifics of new construction. For the past year, some students and faculty members have protested the administration's proposed demolition of Smith Hall to build the IAST. They said the building holds important historical significance and contributes to the beauty of Smith Walk. But administrators argued that Smith Hall's proximity to the Chemistry Building makes it the prime location to place the IAST. After several hearings and appeals last year, the city gave the University permission to tear down the building. Vice Provost for Research Barry Cooperman said yesterday that the demolition of Smith hall will proceed as anticipated and that the funding for the IAST has been cleared. Stephen Golding, executive director of resource planning and budgeting said that the Defense Department has guaranteed the University 25 million dollars for phase one of the IAST project. To date, DOD has given the University 20 million dollars, and Golding says the University "anticipates the remainder in the next year." These figures however do not reflect the total cost of the venture. "The final numbers are being worked on right now," said Marna Whittington, the University's executive vice president. But Whittington said the money for phase one is accounted for and will not be "a problem." She added that the University has agreed to a "fifty-fifty" match with the federal goverment, requiring the University to match the sum that the government provides. Golding said that the University is presently "running fundraising campaigns, and is receiving additional support from the Commonwealth [ of Pennsylvania]." Whittington said the government has agreed to an addtional 15 million dollars for phase two of the IAST. She added that the University has gained permission from the Trustees to enter into debt with the federal government. As for the scale models themselves, Gravina said that the architects are interested in being "sensitive to Furness," and not creating a "monument to the builder." Gravina also said that the architects are very concerned about "the relation of the IAST to [Smith] walk." The plans for the IAST are not yet in their final stages. In fact, Gravina reported that although the architects have completed the plans for phase one, they are still examining the features and specifications of phase two. He added that the materials for the building have not even been decided upon. Cooperman also explained that Trustee meetings have recently been opened to the public, thereby giving the University access to view the plans of the building for the first time. The committee will meet at 1:45 in Alumni Hall of the Faculty Club.
(01/20/92 10:00am)
Roxanne heard the beeper go off for the last time on New Year's Eve. Doctors gave her a beeper to notify her when they found a lung donor. She described carrying the beeper as similar to sitting on dynamite. Roxanne, a 34-year-old from South Philadelphia who asked not to be identified fully, had been suffering from emphysema in both her lungs for several years. Her condition made even everyday tasks a chore, and doctors had determined she needed a lung transplant. The beeper increased the anxiety Roxanne felt as she waited. There were many false alarms, each one raising her hopes and then shattering them. The events of her life, she said, hinged upon the immediacy of finding a lung donor. "I had to live like this -- it was hard," she said. But on New Year's Day, her life changed when she received the first isolated -- or single -- lung transplant ever performed in the Deleware Valley at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The transplant marked a new beginning for both Roxanne and for HUP's surgical program. "I always believed in miracles," Roxanne whispered as her eyes grew wide with wonderment. "Now I know what one is like." · Before the transplant, Roxanne needed help doing basic tasks, such as walking and talking, that many healthy people take for granted. She was unable to raise her children and barely able to take care of herself. But although her throat was sore from tubing inserted after her operation as standard procedure, she had no difficulty expressing how elated she felt and describing her experience. "I was very scared knowing that I needed a transplant," Roxanne said. "I began preparing myself through support groups [and] I got a lot of help from people. It put my priorities in order." One of the people who helped Roxanne through her illness was her mother, who became visibly emotional when speaking about the experience. "I watched my daughter dying," whispered Roxanne's mother, as tears welled in her eyes. "Every day I was crying inside." But as Roxanne glanced over at her, she replied hypnotically: "Now she's alive with a new life, and I say praise God and thank the doctors and nurses that took good care." During a press conference held at HUP, Roxanne looked like a woman reborn as she and her mother recounted the past few years in front of several reporters from local and national media. "It used to be hard for her to talk," her mother said assuredly. "She had to carry an oxygen mask with her everywhere she went. Now she won't shut up." Roxanne explained she had been moved from state to state for nearly two years in order to increase her chances of receiving a new lung from a donor. Her mother said that she had seen a miracle before her eyes. "At 12 o'clock we all said 'Happy New Year,' and by nine o'clock [that morning] I was in the O.R." Roxanne whispered as she leaned forward. During the conference, the nurses perpetually interjected, asking Roxanne if she needed to lie down. Each time she responded slowly with a twinkle in her smile and said she was fine. · On New Year's Day, while many people were preparing for a day full of football and parades, doctor Larry Kaiser was busy, helping the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania gain new recognition. At approximately 9 a.m. January 1, Kaiser embarked on the first ever lung transplant in the Deleware Valley area. Yet it was not the first one he had ever performed. Kaiser was brought to HUP from Washington University in St. Louis to help set up a program for lung transplants as well as to direct the thoracic surgery department. Before moving to Philadelphia, Kaiser trained under doctor Joel Cooper in both Toronto and St. Louis. Kaiser explained that Cooper had done revolutionary work with airway healing in 1981 and 1982, performing the first successful lung transplant in Toronto in 1983. The actual surgery Kaiser performed on Roxanne involved the removal of the damaged lung and the transplantation of a new lung by reattaching the bronchus, the pulmonary artery, and the left atrium. But apparently his work still amazes him. Kaiser, a tall, mustached, self-confident man, shook his head as he sat down beside Roxanne on the couch, muttering to himself "incredible." · "They [the doctors] are very optimistic," Roxanne's mother confided. "They can't believe what they see." Kaiser described Roxanne's state nine days post-operative as "fairly amazing." He explained that Roxanne was doing well after an operation of such magnitude. Roxanne said that a great burden had now been lifted now that she had received the transplant, saying she was nervous right up until the morning of her operation. "It was the hardest decision I ever had to make," she said. "I am glad that I went, and that I don't have to make any more decisions like that." Kaiser said that Roxanne's life would change radically after the four-hour surgery. "The survival rate is 75-80 for one year, up to the age of 60," Kaiser said. "I think there is every indication that she will be able to lead a normal life. [However] she must be followed by doctors and take medication on a daily basis." Kaiser also speculated just after the surgery that Roxanne would be able to return home after two weeks in the hospital -- a week earlier than standard recovery for this type of operation. Yet Kaiser grew solemn when he talked about Roxanne's long-term prognosis. Despite the routine use of anti-rejection drugs, he said, there is always a chance that the body will reject the lung. Although Roxanne and her mother say they are excited and thankful, she is still in a period of transition. After answering several more questions at the press conference, Kaiser said that he had to go home. The cameramen asked Roxanne to walk toward her mother, and they embraced for a long time. A nurse who helped Roxanne through her surgery joined them for one last picture, then placed a surgical mask around Roxanne's face and helped her sit down in a wheelchair. As Roxanne's mother gave the camera the 'thumbs-up', the three exited the conference room quietly through white double doors. · Lung transplantation is a very recent procedure, and Roxanne's successful transplant marks HUP's entry into an exclusive group of medical centers that can perform the operation. Few hospitals have the facilities to support this procedure. And only a few specialists are trained in this area of transplantation. Kaiser said that in 1990 only 300 lung transplants were performed in the United States. Kaiser explained that HUP is the only facility in the Deleware Valley with both the funding and state permission to perform these lung transplants. He added that HUP is one of the only facilities in the country with the capability to facilitate all five solid organ transplants; namely heart, lung, kidney, liver, and pancreas.
(01/17/92 10:00am)
Over the holidays, many people made New Year's resolutions to help their fellow man. And local blood bank workers are praying that they will follow through. On Monday morning, elective surgery at local hospitals was banned, including the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The freeze was lifted yesterday morning as blood inventory began to rise. "As of Monday morning, we did not feel that the group O blood [supply] would support surgery safely," said Kathleen Glackin, interim principal officer of the Penn-Jersey Region of American Red Cross Blood Services. The Blood Center reported Monday that it had under 15 percent of type O positive and negative blood, types most commonly used in transfusions. Glackin added that the blood supply shortfall is part of a drain debilitating all of the Red Cross centers nation-wide, which supply over half of the nation's hospitals. "This is not sudden," said Red Cross spokesperson Susan Snyder. "At this time of year there is a general decline in donations." Snyder attributed the nation-wide fall off to the busy holiday season. She added that a local flu epidemic has reduced the number of eligible donors. A general increase in donations is usually expected shortly after the holidays. "The problem this year is that we didn't bounce back," Snyder said. Glackin said that if the shortage continued, the Red Cross would have to enforce tight controls on the inventory and possibly cancel surgeries. "We would not let hospitals rebuild their inventory in order to try and centralize the supply," Glackin said. But donations in the past few days have offered temporary relief. "When we get to the point where we must limit the hospitals on the blood we can provide, we must advise the public through the media," Snyder said. 3500 donors gave blood to the Red Cross over Tuesday and Wednesday, shortly after local media had publicized the inventory's critical condition. But the blood supply remains in danger, said HUP physician Leslie Silverstein. "As of today we are in the clear. [However] I encourage the student body to donate," Silverstein said. Rebecca Mison, a college recruiter for the Red Cross, noted that the University has fallen behind last year's donation levels.
(01/14/92 10:00am)
ARCO Chemical Company announced last month that it will award $250,000 to University researchers as part of a program to support science programs for underrepresented minorities. Michael Brennan, director of corporation and funding relations at the University, said ARCO will give the University the money over a five year period. The money is to be distributed to the seven different schools within the University. Most recently, ARCO presented $50,000 to the Wharton School to support an MBA program for minority and international student fellowships. ARCO officials said last month that the corporation will award 17 major research universities an annual grant of $450,000. This grant is to be distributed to the universities in individual installments ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Overall, this money is to support either chemical engineering and science programs, or help establish funding to support under-represented minorities in science and math disciplines. "ARCO has a long tradition of giving to education both at the secondary and college levels," said Gerald Davis, director of public affairs at ARCO. "If you took a cross section of minority students going into science, you'd find there are fewer than would be expected. The idea is to promote cultural diversity." Stephen Cohen, manager of ARCO contributions, explained that the size of the individual grants is determined by the relation that ARCO has to each university. With one of ARCO's central research sites located in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, the University stands to benefit greatly by the generosity of ARCO Chemical. "ARCO has traditionally been generous [to the University] in support," Brennan said. "It recognizes the University's mission in higher education."
(12/06/91 10:00am)
Following a number of Holocaust revisionist advertisements circulated in top college newspapers, Thomas Radel thought it was time to speak up. Radel began his lecture with a series of slides from the Auschwitz-Berkaneau internment camps that he personally survived. "What is distressing and horrifying is that the story did not finish in the spring of 1945," Radel said. "As George Orwell successfully predicted [in his book 1984] totalitarianist thinking not only changes what is to come, but it also changes the past." Radel added that anti-semitism and hatred flare up more vividly when times are rough. "When big economic problems occur, that causes fear," Radel said. "People do not know what is going to happen. They are waiting for someone to point to the scapegoat. Someone is saying 'Come. Just follow me, and I'll take the responsibility.' " Although Radel directed his initial comments to the California-based revisionist group sponsoring the Holocaust ads, his talk also touched on ideas ranging from the biological ramifications of the Nazi uprising to the development of social Darwinism. Radel specifically talked about the difficulties of survival from a scientific point of view. "The stress was so great that it was impossible to survive," Radel said. Radel went on to illustrate the fact that people died young by showing a slide of a man who physically looked 70 years old, but in actuality was only 40. "It is interesting, the difference between the psychological adaptation, and the physical adaptation," Radel said. "Some lost interest to live." Radel then explained the phenomena of camp societies formed by prisoners to increase "the probability of survival." "What was important was getting food, and dividing food," Radel said. He said people he knew for many years became emotionally distraught from starvation and would "do anything" to get food. Radel ended his lecture by discussing the development of ideology within the camp, which he called the strongest means of survival. "People who adhere to ideology were stronger to survive," Radel said. "[The existence of the underground movement] provided the belief that it was possible to resist the Germans." Although Radel initially focused on interpretations of the Holocaust, his final point pertained to human nature in general. "It is practically impossible to break human beings totally, even under the most difficult conditions, of which no one survives." In the question-and-answer period following the speech, audience members addressed issues raised by the revisionist advertisements.
(11/26/91 10:00am)
A small but vocal crowd grappled with the morality of keeping Reserve Officer Training Corps units on campus in an 90-minute forum last Thursday night in the Quadrangle. The two panel members, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance member Sloan Wiesen and Undergraduate Assembly member David Rose, discussed the problems with having ROTC on campus and offered various solutions to the issue. College junior Rose defended ROTC's presence on campus by saying there is no clear cut solution to the issue. "You talk about activism," Rose said. "When you see the light, something riles you up. You see the easy way as the solution." Rose continually asked the audience to consider who was really being affected by having ROTC on campus. He said that ROTC is a very positive force on campus, and that the issue of homosexuals in ROTC should "lead to a change in Department of Defense policy." Rose urged the University community to feel the gravity of the issue, and take action to create change that would affect the University on a long-term basis. Rose said that the short-term moral appeal of removing the ROTC from campus, would be "dangerous," since it would not address the true issue. "Instead of [being] true activists, people are settling for a short-term fix," Rose said. "They are not really doing anything." Wiesen spoke next and said that while he respects Rose's views, he looks at the issue differently. "The University found ROTC in violation of the University's own policy," the College senior said. "I think from the students' point of view, it [removing the ROTC from campus] would not hurt because of all the provisions being made." Wiesen stressed that provisions could be made by the University in the event that the ROTC did leave campus. He said that he would support allowing University students to be members of ROTC units at neighboring schools. He also said he supports the University Council resolution, passed last month, which calls on the Defense Department to change its policy on homosexuals in the ROTC. "I do not want to see the ROTC removed from campus," Wiesen said. After the speeches, several of the 20 audience members expressed their views on what many considered a delicate issue. "By removing the ROTC you are removing a vehicle for change," said College senior Glenn Yeck, one of many ROTC members at the forum. "Today's cadets are tomorrow's policy makers within the military." College junior Rachel Wagman, who coordinated the event, said she is concerned about the morality of the issue as well. "When it comes down to it a lot more people will be hurt by the ROTC leaving, than the ROTC staying," Wagman said.
(11/25/91 10:00am)
Fresh off writing his nine-part series about America's problems, two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist James Steele described his two years of research last week in the Rosenwald Gallery. Steele, an investigative reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, discussed several aspects of investigative reporting, from the tedious hours of sifting through corporate exchange statements to the excitement of being out in the field. He also focused on the public's dramatic reaction to his recent series. Steele, along with investigative reporter Donald Barlett, recently completed a nine-part series entitled, "America: What went wrong?," which ran in the Inquirer last month. Steele began the hour-long speech, entitled "Unearthing the Unknown: The Verbal Archaeology of Investigative Journalism" by discussing how he started the series. "Did we sit down one day and say, 'Hey, the middle class is getting hammered. Let's go out and prove this?' " Steele rhetorically asked. "[No.] We became intrigued about what is happening to the people." Steele then explained that he and Barlett began their research from primary sources such as corporate reports. He said they conducted a lot of their research at the University's Lippincott Library. "When you look at things over time, that's where the drama emerges," Steele said. "There is never a blockbuster document. There are pieces of the puzzle that we find. No piece seems particularly important." "Eventually the data became crystalized," Steele added. "We began to see that the story was much broader than just a plant closing." Steele then told the approximately 50 people in the audience that he was "stunned" by the series' large response from "all walks of life." Although the series focused on middle class America, he said it sparked positive reaction from very wealthy people as well. "A lot of people that were rich called up and said it [the situation] was wrong," Steele said. Steele also said that the Inquirer has already received 10,000 letters, many of which requested reprints. In fact, so many people came to the Inquirer's offices, that the paper had to hire security to control the situation. After his speech, Steele opened the floor to questions. The audience's questions ranged from style points to journalistic integrity to political affiliation. Steele concluded by saying he has remained humble in spite of the attention his article has received. "At the Kansas City Times, I used to watch the seasoned veterans," he said. "They typed away in effortless composition. I dreamed of the day that stuff would roll off of my fingertips. I'm still waiting." Audience members, most of whom were not students, said they enjoyed Steele's speech and many went up to Steele to personally compliment him on the series. "He told a pretty persuasive tale," said Richard Sperry, a Philadelphia investment manager. "I agree with most of what he wrote." The speech was sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
(11/18/91 10:00am)
Eight moustached men, one bass guitar, one synthesizer and loud salsa music were at the center of commotion in the High Rise North Rooftop Lounge Thursday night. The Latino Festival of Culture got off to an effervescent start as Sonido Seis -- a North Philadelphia salsa band -- brought audience members to their feet. The festival was designed to introduce Latino high school students to the University's social life and the Latino community on campus. Emily Rodriguez, vice-president of the Asociacion Cultural Estudiantes Latino Americanos, said she wanted to publicize the University's Latino organizations not just to prospective applicants, but also to students. "We want to open up to the campus, so they can learn more about the Latino organizations on campus," said Rodriguez, a College sophomore. Twelve Latino student groups from the University community set up information booths to present the resources and support the University has to offer Latino students. The Latino groups represented ranged from the Latin American Living Learning Program and Casa Hispanica to Lambda Upsilon Lambda fraternity and Sigma Lambda Upsilon sorority, two of the University's Latino fraternities and sororities. The coffee house set-up created a casual and intimate atmosphere in which students from New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia high schools could interact on both intellectual and social levels with University students. Wharton senior Isabella Casillas said there is a need for Latino support services on campus. "Lots of students feel lack of support," she said. "We want to let them know what's out there." Rodriguez mingled with the high school students, telling them about the University's social atmosphere. The event did not only attract Latinos. A diverse group of students danced and listened to the rhythmic salsa band. ACELA President Pam Urueta said she wanted to enhance the bond between the Latino community and the rest of the University.
(11/14/91 10:00am)
Where in the woods are Cinderella and Snow White? And why is Jack off the Beanstalk? The twisted plot centers on several favorite childhood characters -- Snow White, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and the Baker and his wife with a modern twist for the modern audience. Each character is developed within the first act, to a "happily ever after" status. The Prince gets Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk gets his riches, and everyone is happy -- until the second act, that is. "Act two [is] the day after," said College senior Courtney Spikes, who plays the Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella. "After the cow, hair, cape, and golden slipper, it is time to evaluate placement, focus, and love." To help adapt the Broadway play for the University stage, the group hired Danny Peak, the assistant artistic director of the Delaware Theatre Company, to give the production a professional touch. Peak, a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, has directed a number of dramatic productions in his 12-year career, including The Fantastics, Cotton Patch Gospel, and Arsenic and Old Lace. "I want people to leave with something to think about," Peak said. "I hope it stays with them through their own journeys." Producing the play itself posed some great challenges. The main difficulty cast members said they had was portraying their fairy-tale roles in a manner that would remain true to life. "Into the Woods," premieres tonight in the Harold Prince Theatre at the Annenberg Center. The play will continue on November 15 and 16 and November 21 through 23. Tickets may be purchased on Locust Walk and at the Annenberg box office. · An air of anarchy and mystery will hang over Intuiton's opening night performance of The Secret Agent tonight in the Houston Hall Auditorium. Director Yasmin Tuazon adapted the play's script from the Joseph Conrad novel of the same name, and preserved the book's plot and principle themes. The story is about the Verlocs, a family living in London, and their involvement in an attempt to blow up a Greenwich observatory. The play will be performed "in the round" with the stage situated in the center of the auditorium and the audience surrounding it on all sides. Tuazon said this will better draw the audience into the play. "Audience [members] will have the actors in their faces," Tuazon said. Tuazon chose to adopt The Secret Agent into a play because the novel possessed "strong characters" and "the plot plays with the readers without their noticing it." One such character is Adolf Verloc, played by College junior Chris Stillwell, who said his role is like playing "three different characters at one time." College freshman Stephen Houghton said he faced other challenges as a gay actor playing the roles of two heterosexual men, Vladimir and Stevie. He said he had to develop "a whole different way of thinking and acting." Most castmembers said this show is not as abstract as many of their previous performances. But most agreed that the show should prove to be a mystifying and unconventional experience. One interesting feature of the show should be the set, which is composed mostly of string. The Secret Agent will be performed November 14 through 16 and 21 through 23 at 8:00 p.m. in the Houston Hall Auditorium. Tickets cost five dollars and are available on Locust Walk, at the Annenberg Box Office and at the door before the show.
