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(04/21/92 9:00am)
The Minister of State of the Republic of Senegal Abdoulaye Wade interspersed English and French in a discussion of Senegal before a group of 30 Friday morning in the Lauder Auditorium. Wade is a leading politician in West Africa and is the author of The Destiny of Africa. He is currently one of the leading figures in the Pan-African movement and is an expert on its policies as they pertain to the integration of Africa's economies and currencies. Wade said he is following in the steps of University alumnus Kwame Ankrumah who was one of the key leaders in the Pan-African movement of the 1960's. Wade began his talk with a brief history of the state of Senegal. He spoke about the country's past as a colony of France and outlined how the country obtained its independence from France. He also explained Senegal's place in the French Parliament and the role of slavery in West Africa. He attributed Senegal's economic problems to over 300 years of slavery and 100 years of colonialism endured by the country and the African continent in previous years. Wade, who is presently in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize, blamed single-party politics for the dictatorships present in many of the 52 African countries. He said he believes that multi-party system and democracy are the answers to many of Africa's economic and political woes. Wade went on to say that Africa should use the developing European Community as a model for integration among currency and economics as a model. Because of the deprivation of Africa's economy, the help of Europe as well as the United States are critical elements in the first steps of the integration of the African continent, Wade said. He pointed out that the World Bank must support the movement more readily, adding that while the bank is currently supplying Eastern Europe with $12 billion, only $8 billion has been allocated for the entire African continent. While Wade supports the integration of the entire continent, he believes Senegal as well as a few other countries are great places to start the major facets of the process of renovation. Senegal's small size results in a need for integration. "It's not possible to set up a stable economy when we have only 200,000 consumers," Wade said. However, he added that is a great place to begin the integration process because of its current political stability. "We have peace and no more demonstrations in the street," Wade said. Wade ended his talk calling for the support of the United States and specifically asked for economic support and investment in Africa from African-Americans. A short question and answer session followed. Winston Nesfield, a first year graduate student, thought the lecture was positive and enlightening. "The more you hear about the development in Africa by Africans, the more rounded you become in your views," Nesfield said. "It gives you knew insight into how Africa is being developed." Papa Ndiaye, a graduate student in the Wharton School and the president of the Penn African Student Association, highlighted the fact that Wade is a popular figure in a very current, ever-active and important movement. "We had the opportunity to know more [about the current issues in the Pan-African movement] than even people in Africa know about the movement," Ndiaye said. "I believe that this kind of problem is not tackled by international levels . . . students at Penn and Wharton need to learn more about Africa so that they don't make the mistakes the World Bank has done in the past," Ndiaye said. Wade's talk was brought to the University by the Penn African Student Association and YEEWU-Africa at Wharton.
(04/21/92 9:00am)
As far as community service programs focusing on the learning that occurs in inner-city Philadelphia, PennLincs seems to be the new fad. The University-run program, which includes 230 University students, has jumped from six grade school participants in 1989 to 1000 children just three years later. The program concentrates on presenting scientific information to grade school students, with no tests afterwards. Pennlincs allows the students to actively participate in the experiments which are taking place and come to their own conclusions about what they have observed. "[There's] much more in showing than in telling," said Jean Roberts, a co-founder of the program. "It's not a one-way show, it's a two-way show." The program has caught the eyes of many private businesses and organizations, which are currently contributing just under $1,000,000 towards the ever-growing program. The program, which began with a series of sessions among several small groups of University students, has also interested several other colleges, including Rutgers and Drexel universities and Stevens College. Temple University already has a similar program in place. According to Roberts, the program is successful because the University students use science as the primary topic of presentation and allow children to interact in the learning process. Roberts said the children themselves have become the driving force of PennLincs because they have shown great interest in the program. "They have a lot of power, these children," Roberts said. Roberts said the children are finding the program a positive experience, relating what one child said to her during a learning session. "They don't know it, they don't think they are," the child said. "They're teaching us in there." According to Roberts, the fact that the participating University students are learning as well as the children also contributes to the program's success. Many students are using the program for research towards their own personal degrees. "Penn students are showing interest in community service," Roberts said. "They want to benefit from the faculty and faculty knowledge . . . and bring it to the community." As PennLincs continues to grow, the program's coordinators have set some goals, including establishing an undergraduate site for research education at the University. Roberts believes the program is a positive step, and while making sure the University is given the credit for establishing PennLincs, is enthusiastic about the replication that is taking place on other college campuses. "The richness of the program is something we want to shout out from the ramparts of Penn," said Roberts.
(04/21/92 9:00am)
At the first annual 'Where We Stand' forum last night, student leaders sifted through the issue of diversifying Locust Walk but failed to reach any definite solution. The forum, sponsored by The Daily Pennsylvanian and The Vision, included eight student leaders who discussed changing the composition of the Walk, as well as the Mayor's Scholarship dispute and anti-discrimination policies as they pertained to the Reserve Officer Training Corps unit on the University campus. Just under 40 people attended the two-and-one-half hour forum. The forum began with opening remarks by Nicole Bloom, member of Women United for Change; Jeff Blount, InterFraternity Council president; Pam Urueta, Latino Coalition president and United Minority Council president-elect; Mark Reed, member of the University's ROTC program; You-Lee Kim, Student Activities Council Steering Committee member and United Minorities Council president; Sloan Wiesen, member of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Alliance; and Jeff Lichtman, the Undergraduate Assembly chairperson. While the panel, monitored by History Professor Mary Berry, was given three particular issues to discus, members used the majority of their time discussing Locust Walk. The discussion first focused on why there is a lack of diversity on Locust Walk. The problem was credited by some to the make-up of the student and administrative bodies. "Diversity on the Walk does not mean anything unless there is diversity in the student body . . . and the administrative body," Urueta said. But others felt the problem was monetary. "The administration has chosen . . . to uphold the power of the dollar over the power of principle," Kim said. Many suggested moving fraternities off Locust Walk. However, Blount, saying this idea was "unacceptable," pointed out the element of tradition as a reason not to remove fraternity houses. He said the houses were present many years "before Locust Walk was Locust Walk." But others felt tradition was not valid argument. "To use tradition as an argument is a weak argument," said Urueta. "Slavery was a tradition." "History is precisely why change is necessary," Kim added. Panelists often pointed blame for the lack of diversity on the Walk at the administration and President Sheldon Hackney. "I don't think that Hackney is a bad guy," Dias said. "[He is] sometimes misguided." While the issues of the Mayor's Scholarships and ROTC were not given the same time as Locust Walk issues, panelists did make a few points regarding them. Many students argued that the presence of ROTC violates a University policy stating that groups cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, and said the group should be kicked off campus. However, Reed defended the organization's presence, saying the problem needed to be solved by the government, not the University. "Saying 'it's ROTC, the symbol of homophobia, let's get it off our campus' does not cure the national aspect of the issue," Reed said. Members of the audience said they felt the forum was a worthwhile gathering. "It's a shame that Logan 17 wasn't packed . . . it could have been a vibrant forum," Wharton junior Neil Sheth said. While the discussion ended with some ideas of compromise, specifically with words of goodwill between Wiesen and Blount, Blount said he believes all the organizations involved "need to take part in productive discussion."
(04/03/92 10:00am)
Penn Dance started its second semester production with a bang -- literally. The hour and a half production began with a performance to the music of singer Prince's "Black Box" and the sound of a gunshot. The opening piece, "23 positions," included a variety of lightings and paces and was choreographed by College sophomore Yasmin Holsey and Engineering sophomore Veena Rau. The 10 dance interpretations included in the program ranged from modern pieces to a piece straight from the tropics and two silent pieces. "Gaea," choreographed by College sophomore Patricia Kulash, was an entertaining and interesting piece which tapped into the dance of the ancient Egyptians. The piece was full of motion and mystery. The only piece which was entirely a solo was performed and choreographed by College senior Nina Bauer. The interpretation, which was named "'Chair' Nobyl," included the ever-present dance chair and music by Madonna. The strangest and shortest performance piece was entitled "Evolution" and included four members of the company evolving from fish to Neanderthal to man in under one minute. "Touch of ?", choreographed by guest choreographer Jose Rodriguez, was a piece in which the audience got a glimpse of the individual talents included within the company. The dance began as a group of 13 of the members dancing in unison but broke into solo interpretations as each was succeeded by a fellow performer. The piece included a little gymnastics, a little modern as well as a bit of ballet. "Tropicalismo" was a playful piece which briefly brought the audience to the Carribean tropics as three dancers added a little extra rhythm to music by Chico Buarque. The entertaining piece was choreographed by College junior Kristi Gamble. The night's performance ended with a two-part piece entitled "Too Sexy on the Walk." The dance began with members of the company satirizing a day on Locust Walk with pamphlet racketeers, the merry and the drunk, an old lady and the well-known bike rider/University police officer encounter. The piece continued, accompanied by some hoots and hollers from the audience as the dance, which was choreographed by College junior Allison Powell, went into motion to "Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred. While a few of the pieces could have used a little more practice, the overall performance was an enjoyable one. The company includes talent and much potential and while the performers may have suffered from some "opening night jitters," the performances tonight and Saturday should prove to be as entertaining as last night's, if not more. The last two performances will begin at 8 p.m. in the Annenberg School Theatre. Tickets may be purchased for $5 on Locust Walk. Review REVIEW
(02/24/92 10:00am)
Arts House Dance Company was successful in its opening production on Friday night as it drew much applause from the audience and caused others to dream of past aspirations. The production, which took a little over two hours, showcased 26 University students in 22 different dance numbers choreographed by past and present members of the company. Each dance piece contained its own concept, and the numbers jumped from theme to theme portraying an array of day-to-day experiences. The pieces were intriguing and well choreographed. While there were some slight delays between each number, the overall experience was an enjoyable one. The hard work of the members was evident and each individual talent was able to portray his or her own unique style. Pieces such as "May I Have This Dance," choreographed by College sophomores Cindy Codispoti, Sarah Gitchell and Meredith Goldwasser with music arranged by Richard Hayman; "Would I Lie to You?," choreographed by College junior Ruth Zakarin with music by Eurythmics; and "Mr. Monotony," choreographed by College senior Lori Horowitz with music by Irving Berlin portrayed lives of rejected lovers through dance. Of these pieces, "Mr. Monotony" was the most applauded. The piece was about a trombone player, played by College junior Doon Thanadabouth, who gets together with a woman who is an admirer of his music, but the woman is eventually taken away by a man who happens to visit the music hall. The ability of the dancers to combine different backgrounds into one effort was outstanding, and many of the pieces provoked thought and emotional release such as laughter. While "Showgirl Blues," choreographed by alumni Michael Lomotan and Carolyn Caulfield with music by Barbara Streisand was about the lives of showgirls observed as they mingle in the dressing room, "Odi et Amo," choreographed by alumna Jan Grebe with music by Lenny Kravitz was a story about two lovers who "break up" but cannot stay apart. "The Wave of the Future," choreograpghed by College senior Allison Rosenberg with music by Quadrophonia was an energetic modern dance piece including many robotic movements and ideas of futuristic phenomena. "Bare Souls," choreographed by College senior Lisa Wachtell and other dancers, was the only piece that was not accompanied by music. Instead, it included the voices of the dancers telling stories of their individual lives. It exemplified the dancers' ability were able to put speech, music and thought into motion convincingly. Tony Butler, a College junior and second year member of the company, believed the first performance of this year was a success. "It was good for a first appearance . . . I didn't think it would be so good the first time but it was," said Butler, "We were nervous . . . For many it was there first time out there. We worked really hard for this." The company will have three more performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Harold Prince Theatre. Tickets may be purchased on Locust Walk for $5.
(02/21/92 10:00am)
The Arts House Dance Company will be taking audiences out of this world in the next two weeks. "You get taken through many dance worlds," said Wharton senior Kristy Stern, chairperson of the dance company, about the production that opens tonight. Tonight, as well as four other nights this weekend and next weekend, Arts House Dance, an entirely student and alumnae-run dance group, will perform its seventh annual production in Annenberg Center at the Harold Prince Theater at 8 p.m. The two and a half hour production, which includes 26 University students, encompasses 21 different numbers and will include several dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, tap, funk and experimental, and according to Stern, audience members do not need an appreciation of dance to enjoy the show. According to College senior Allison Rosenberg, artistic director of Arts House Dance Company, tonight's production is "a good way to get away from the ordinary Penn campus." While making last minute adjustments during last night's final rehearsal, many of the dancers seemed anxious while others seemed relaxed. Members of the group, which consists of 23 women and three men who have been practicing for a little more than four months, laughed and smiled as they practiced and chatted with each other. The company, which has been rehearsing since October, say they have grown very close. "We're a very cohesive group this year," said Rosenberg. "What separates us from other companies is that we have a strong company spirit," added Stern. "You'll be able to see it in the production." This year is particularly special for Rosenberg, Stern and other seniors in the production, not only because it is their last year in the company, but also because of recent publicity the group has received. "Since this is our last year, we're kind of sentimental about this one," said Rosenberg. The company, which holds auditions the beginning of each year, will be holding a free master dance class for those interested in dance after they've completed their productions. Tickets for the production are $5 and can be purchased on Locust Walk.
(02/03/92 10:00am)
Magician Dan Korem probed the human psyche Thursday evening as he asked an audience of approximately 300 why people are easy to deceive and why people are compelled to believe in the supernatural. Korem, a well-known magician, spent three hours in Logan Hall answering these questions and several others through magical presentations and discussion. He explained why thousands have "plugged into" practitioners of the occult who claim to have captured supernatural powers. "People want power over their pain," said Korem. "Love the truth more than you fear the pain." Korem, who has investigated the occult and self-proclaimed psychics and healers since 1981, said that almost every fraudulent female psychic has been sexually abused. Korem, who has read thousands of books about magic dating back to the 1800's and has written several of his own including Powers: Testing the psychic and supernatural, went on to present statistics which correlate break downs in families and occult participation. "Words and images are very powerful," said Korem as he began to describe some simple methods which magicians and psychics use to deceive audiences. To make this point, Korem presented many tricks using subliminal messages and "profile observation," or rapid character analysis, which many people would usually consider supernatural actions. Although Korem stated time and time again that his actions were simply mind games and purely magic, his presentation was convincing, and much of the audience appeared awestruck. Korem was able seemingly to extract names, colors, words and specific cards out of midair. Korem, who has had a fascination with magic since his childhood, explained how he had accomplished some of the magical feats, but he was hindered from explaining many of them by the magician's code of ethics of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, which states that magicians may not present to the common audience many ideas within the body of magic. Korem pointed out many arenas within everyday life in which people have tried to use psychic powers to help them with their jobs. He detailed many incidents where the military, the police force and the government have tried to tap into what he called the fraudulent world of the supernatural. The main purpose of the presentation, which was sponsored by Campus Crusade for Christ, was to debunk so-called supernatural activity. Korem said he felt that people need to be made aware of the many con-artists and fraudulent psychics who prey on the common person's ignorance and ability to be deceived. Korem said that the more intelligent an individual is the more easily they are deceived. "Children are the hardest to fool," he added. The final part of the presentation by Korem, who is a Jew by ethnicity but a Christian by faith, was a comparison to what he called the "miraculous incidents within the Bible" and the frauds of today. Korem dismantled many of the efforts of Nostradamus, the "psychic" of the 15th century. He said that studies of Nostradamus' predictions show that there is no concrete evidence which connects incidents he supposedly predicted and his actual documentation. Nostradamus was a magician, according to Korem. In contrast, Korem said that the prophets of the Old Testament did accurately foresee many future incidents as they pertained to the life of Christ. Comparison between actual incidents and prophetic predictions of Bible are so much alike it is hard to refute the evidence, Korem said. Although Korem said many of his concepts are steps of faith, he said he uses logic to examine the predictions made by Old Testament prophets about the life of Jesus as it was portrayed in the New Testament, prophecies he said were accurate. Korem ended up his talk speaking about his faith, adding that our society has lost the concepts of bad versus good. "We need to bring back the words evil and sin back into our vocabulary," he said. College freshman Diana Morse, who appeared dumbfounded by the presentation, could not explain Korem's magic but said she enjoyed the speech. "He had things to say and he could get people here to hear it through his magical talent and get his point across," Morse said. Jack Mattern, director of Campus Crusade for Christ at the University, said that Korem was brought to the campus because the concept of supernatural powers needed to be addressed. "I feel there is a lot of confusion about fraud and the supernatural," said Mattern. "There is no criticism of the bad things out there."
(01/22/92 10:00am)
African-American Studies Adjunct Professor Eric King spoke Monday about Martin Luther King and issues pertaining to blacks in America. King, who is also an assistant dean for college advising at the University, lectured to a group of 20 on Dr. King for two and a half hours at the Christian Association. The talk encompassed the era surrounding the civil rights leader's life and the effect of the movement he led on present-day America as well as on other nations. Although the talk began as basic history of King, the majority of the lecture discussed the issues which he had to confront as well as the issues Americans must adhere to today. The talk discussed the bus boycotts and marches of the 1950s and 1960s and the issues of economic status and affirmative action of today as they pertain to blacks as well as to other minorities. Besides quoting Dr. King, King also quoted such renowned black authors and orators as Langston Hughes, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey and Booker T. Washington, and cited several books including Martin and Malcolm and America by James Cone. The audience also spent a half hour viewing the British documentary of Dr. King and the movement, The Dream on Hold. King touched on the relationship between violent and non-violent resistance to oppression, the debate about integration, de-segregation and segregation, the conflict between democracy and black nationalism and the ideas of morality and constitutionalism as they pertain to civil rights. He also discussed how the American Civil Rights movement of the mid-20th century has been an example to movements such as the revolt in Tienanmen Square and the resistance in South Africa. "We are a long way from what King envisioned," said King, adding that although most of the fight for civil rights is being realized, there is much to be done in the area of economic equality and opportunity. He also discussed the importance of keeping the youth of today conscious of the efforts and progressions of yesterday. Ruth Anne Church, a first year graduate student in fine arts, enjoyed the discussion and found the talk enlightening. "I was impressed by how much courage was shown by the people who participated in the protest movements of the 1960s," Church said.
(11/20/91 10:00am)
1990 University graduate Joelle Roberts was chosen as one of seven people to serve as an ambassador for Youth Engaged in Service, a division of the Points of Light Foundation which President Bush helped to found. As a YES Ambassador, 23-year-old Rogers' efforts will be geared toward the mobilization of youth between the ages of five and 25 in the fight against problems such as poverty, illiteracy, drug abuse, and hunger. Rogers said to accomplish this the group will act as a catalyst to youth service by making presentations and giving workshops on how to form community outreach programs and develop service. She and the other YES Ambassadors will also use the forums of television, radio and newspaper to make their efforts known. The YES program not only helps give ideas of how youth service can help communities, but it also thrives on ideas of others within the general public, she said. YES then mobilizes these idea with financial help. Rogers, a history major while at the University, applied to the program because of a "great need [for community service] exists." She has worked with the Benjamin Franklin Public Service Program and is currently a member of the American Jewish Congress Issues Forum Committee for Philadelphia. Before becoming a member of YES, she was part of the West Philadelphia Improvement Corps, where she was a senior administrator. The Points of Light Foundation was created in May of 1990 as a result of President Bush's call for national participation in community service. As a University student, Rogers studied abroad for a semester at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria where she obtained a "totally different perspective" of her life and the world. She said the United States and Nigeria have "very similar problems." Rogers said that although she believes that poverty, homelessness and illiteracy are worldwide problems, she is taking direct steps to solve the problems in this country, specifically in Pennsylvania. "There is a discrepancy between those with money and those without," she said, "I'm amazed with the resources we have." Rogers said she believes there are plenty of resources -- both human and natural -- to solve the problems this world holds. Rogers feels that "youth participation[in community service] means building youth leaders." Education is one of the keys to solving the problems of this country and she enjoys the fact that the YES program makes a tie between service and education, Rogers added. Public awareness of the problems in this country and advocating youth participation in community service are important elements in improving conditions in this country, she said.
(10/31/91 10:00am)
Republican Mayoral candidate Joseph Egan pledged not to raise taxes to solve the city's budget deficit and expressed his support of Senate candidate Dick Thornburgh at a Republican reception last night. But beyond his tax pledge, Egan did not elaborate on the plans he had to address the deficit. "This is a great city, with great potential," Egan said. "We have to bring it together first." Also featured at the two-hour reception held at Cavanaugh's were former mayoral candidate Sam Katz and David Thornburgh, the son of Dick Thornburgh. Egan opened by endorsing the elder Thornburgh, saying that it is "critical" that the former U.S. Attorney General be elected for positive change to come to Philadelphia. Egan also told the group of 50 that his own willingness to "take it slow" and "not shoot from the hip" are important qualities for the next mayor. He said the problems that plague Philadelphia must be examined carefully and that permanent solutions take time. He also said that he has a proper appreciation for the office of mayor. "You should have some initial fear, moving into a task like this," Egan said. Egan also challenged his supporters to work hard at raising support for his campaign as well as the rest of the Republican ticket. David Thornburgh said that his father is "very confident" about his chances in Tuesday's general election. "The secret is jobs, jobs, jobs," Thornburgh said, citing his father. Thornburgh also reciprocated Egan's endorsement, and discussed the importance of the Republican ticket. Sam Katz, Egan's campaign chairman and former candidate for the Republican nomination for mayor, followed Thornburgh with a short speech about Egan and the Republican ticket. "[Egan] is a man of integrity -- he has the skills to lead this city," Katz said. Charles Djou, a Wharton senior said that Egan is what the city "and Penn . . . need." "He's not part of the old machine . . . he can move Philadelphia," Djou said. Milton Pilgreen, a volunteer for the Republican party and a Philadelphia resident praised Egan's character and stance on crime. "He seems to be dependable, not soft on criminals, hardworking, and an honest individual," Pilgreen said. The beginning of the reception included short speeches by Republican city council candidates Thacher Longstreth and Diana Roca, Register of Wills candidate Harry Schwartz, and Common Pleas Court candidates Gary Glazer, Seamus McCafferty, Jack Snite, Webster Keogh, Anne Lazarus.
(10/29/91 10:00am)
Explaining that many American workers are unaware of their job-related rights, three members of the volunteer organization Eastern Service Workers Association discussed how their group helps people learn about their rights in a forum Thursday afternoon. While only two University students attended the 90-minute forum in Houston Hall, the ESWA workers still detailed the different ways in which workers are victimized and the goals of their organization. ESWA worker Mary Cowhey said there are over 70 million workers in America who may be considered "unrecognized workers," workers who hold jobs which do not receive or qualify for government medical care, insurance or protection. She added that over 70 percent of these workers are women. Cowhey said that many of these workers simply do not know about minimum wage, job harassment and discrimination laws. "Many workers do not know their legal rights," she said. "For the unrecognized worker, the minimum wage has become the maximum wage." The ESWA staffer told stories of many people who can barely afford food and a roof to live under because their employers exploit their ignorance and pay them low wages. Cowhey and ESWA worker Jay Nickerson then discussed how their organization helps educate workers about these issues as well as provide food for those in need. They said that ESWA receives no government funding and relies entirely on contributions and donations. The group provides free legal assistance and has won several court cases in their efforts to get the "unrecognized worker" recognized by the government. Cowhey then explained how their group differs from other volunteer organizations which exploit the poor and homeless peoples' misery for their own gain by using government funding for personal profit. "There are so many poverty pimps," Cowhey said. "Our slogan is here to win, here to stay." Cowhey and Nickerson said ESWA prides itself on being accessible to victims of poverty everyday, all year. "We are an organization that let's people know we will work the same streets as them," Nickerson said. "Our efforts are not just band-aids, they are efforts trying to solve the problems of poverty finally, not temporarily." The two ESWA members finished the talk by telling of the organizations diverse help units. They said ESWA helps the worker in financial choices, legal issues, educational matters and emergency matters such as food or blankets for the night.
(10/28/91 10:00am)
As the gun sounded, 300 people, including University students, West Philadelphia High School students, Philadelphia residents, and parents of University students began the Second-Annual Wharton West Philadelphia Fun Run yesterday. The run, which was sponsored by the Wharton Undergraduate Vice Dean's Office, began at the corner of 34th and Walnut streets, proceeded up Locust Walk, through the streets surrounding campus and finished at the entrance to Franklin Field. The winner of the race was first-year Economics graduate student David Brown, who completed the five kilometers in 15 minutes and 35 seconds and far ahead from the rest of the pack. "[I ran the race because] it was a challenge from a classmate," Brown said. Wharton Evening student Ken Wardlaw won the 31-50 age bracket, finishing in 17 minutes and 9 seconds. "I ran for the competition and the community relations," he said. "It was something to do before church." The $3000 raised from the event will go to the William Ross Scholarship Fund, a charity which contributes 25 awards of $500 to students at four West Philadelphia high schools on the basis of financial need and academic achievement, said Fun Run organizer Darren Klein. But Klein said that all the proceeds came from the several corporate sponsors, including Pepsi Cola, Wharton Reprographics, and CoreStates Bank. The money from the registration fees went to cover tee-shirts given to race participants. Whether to keep in shape or just have fun, students said they had a variety of reasons for participating. College freshman Shana Minkin said that her parents made her run. "My parents dragged me here, woke me up real early and made me come," she said. "It helps those with good academics go to college who don't have the funding," said West Philadelphia High School student Anthony Edmound. Overall, the race was considered a success by its participants and its organizers. Klein said he felt the event ran very smoothly. Klein added that the over 20 West Philadelphia High students were not charged registration fees and were placed closest to the starting line in order to show who the race was for. "I think there should be more [community] races," said Wharton senior Brian Fan. "I think it's great to have this with West Philadelphia high schools. Leave it to Wharton to put something like this together."
