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(04/07/95 9:00am)
While the Ivy League has traditionally featured some of the biggest names in Commencement speakers, headliners seem few and far between in this year's crop. Dartmouth College scored perhaps the biggest coup of all, convincing President Clinton to come to Hanover, N.H. to address graduating seniors, parents and alumni in June. The governing boards of the Harvard Corporation -- the school's board of trustees -- and Harvard's Board of Overseers went international, choosing Czech Republic President and playwright Vaclav Havel. Students at Harvard are not involved in the Commencement speaker selection process. However, they select their own Class Day speaker -- an honor extended to University Law Professor Lani Guinier last year. At Princeton University, president Harold Shapiro always gives the Commencement speech. National Endowment for the Arts Chairperson Jane Alexander -- the University's Commencement speaker -- will be Princeton's featured Baccalaureate speaker, she added. Brown, Columbia and Cornell have not yet announced their Commencement speakers for this year. However, staffers at the The Cornell Daily Sun said president Frank Rhodes may be asked to give the address since he is leaving the school this summer. And Columbia Daily Spectator News Editor Samantha Nicosia said NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw has accepted an invitation to speak at Columbia College's Class Day. The invitation was extended by the senior class marshals, a governing board with about 25 members elected by the class. Brown is the only Ivy League school that does not include dignitaries in its Commencement program, Brown Daily Herald Executive Editor Marshall Miller said. Instead, approximately 1,400 graduating seniors "and a crowd of parents and alumni that reaches into the thousands" hear from two student speakers. Miller also said a committee of students, faculty and staff select the speakers, looking for students who can offer diverse opinions and a unique perspective on Brown, delivered in an "interesting, accessible and well-said" manner. The senior class at Yale University usually invites prominent alumni back to campus for Class Day, since the school does not offer honorary degrees or speaking fees to dignitaries who participate in the ceremony. Yale President Richard Levin will speak at Commencement exercises, said Senior Class Treasurer Adam Marks. This year, Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke -- a 1971 Yale graduate and a Rhodes Scholar -- has been tapped to talk, disappointing students who were hoping for someone similar in stature to alumni George Bush and Jodie Foster, both of whom spoke at recent Class Days. Marks said the senior class council, officers and Class Day co-chairs worked together to find a suitable speaker by distributing surveys to the entire senior class. This year, they also tried to find "someone who is a Yale affiliate who could speak to the importance of this year" -- the 25th year of coeducation at Yale and the 25th anniversary of the school's non-residential African-American House.
(04/07/95 9:00am)
Beginning April 18, Almanac -- the University's journal of record for faculty -- and the more feature-oriented staff publication, The Compass, will merge under the Almanac masthead. Administrators have been discussing merger plans for nearly a year, University Secretary Barbara Stevens said earlier this week. The intent of the change is three-fold: to address the whole University community with one publication, to include University-wide news and feature articles while also conveying "the depth and breadth of Penn's faculty," and to conserve resources while at the same time avoiding duplication of information. The publications will retain their separate office spaces as the merger proceeds, exchanging information mainly through electronic interfaces, according to Almanac Editor Karen Gaines. She added that articles written by Compass staffers will appear in one section of the revamped Almanac, which will also include the weekly Job Opportunities insert published by the Office of Human Resources. Although the new publication will closely resemble Almanac for the foreseeable future, Stevens said it may eventually look similar to The Chronicle of Higher Education, a nationally distributed weekly magazine based in Washington, D.C. Gaines agreed, explaining that "we've got 41 years of back issues on the shelf and we won't change the size of the page." "We all consider it an experiment," she said. "If it works, great. If it doesn't work, we're supposed to separate again. We're trying to serve a very great range of full functions." Perhaps the greatest adjustment Compass personnel will have to make is working on a weekly deadline, Compass Managing Editor Martha Jablow said. "We're going to work on making this the kind of seamless publication for the fall," she said. "[But] somebody described it as marrying an elephant and a giraffe." While Gaines has edited Almanac since fall 1980 -- and from spring 1971, when it was first published weekly, until fall 1977 -- Jablow arrived on campus just three weeks ago. Jablow, who has written for The New York Times as well as Parents and Working Woman magazines, replaced Compass Managing Editor John Shea, who is working on a new publication at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Emeritus English Professor and WFLN theater critic Charles Lee, Glee Club Director Bruce Montgomery, WPVI consumer affairs reporter Herb Denenberg and Executive Assistant to the Provost Linda Koons have also edited Almanac at some point in their careers.
(04/07/95 9:00am)
Blue and white balloons lined College Green yesterday for Israel Day '95, a celebration of Israeli culture on campus. Highlighted by Jewish klezmer music, Israeli folk dancing, crafts and kosher cuisine, the event was intended to "give the Penn community an appreciation and understanding of Israeli culture," according to College junior Steve Ebert, president of PennPac, a student organization devoted to promoting awareness of Israel and its culture. "We wanted to give the entire campus a truly enjoyable and educational experience," he said. The entertainment included a variety of performing groups and other samples of Israeli culture, including a musical group -- the Klingon Klezmer Band -- which performed traditional Jewish party music, first created in Eastern Europe. Band member Jack Kessler said his group's purpose was to demonstrate the music's applicability to the present as well as the past. "We're taking an older style and we're playing it through our experience as late 20th century musicians influenced by a wide range of contemporary and ethnic styles," he said. Ayalah, a University dance troupe specializing in Israeli folk dance, also performed several numbers, inviting audience members to learn various steps. College sophomore and Ayalah dancer Nicole Weiner said it was her group's intention to promote Israeli culture and enjoy themselves at the same time. "We're out here to get people excited over Israeli culture," she explained. "We also do it because we have fun." In addition to performances by such groups as Penny Loafers and the Amorphous Jugglers, there was a special taste test of Israeli food and drink. Students on Locust Walk were asked to sample kosher and non-kosher drinks and determine the difference in taste. Most students -- both Jews and non-Jews -- were unable to taste the difference. College junior and Israel Day co-chairperson Nick Merkin said he was pleased with the event's attendance. "I'm having a great time and we're very happy with the turnout," he said.
(04/07/95 9:00am)
College tuition is not the only thing in higher education that's been inflated these days, according to a Wall Street Journal article published Wednesday. Several universities and colleges across the country have taken various measures to improve their images or make their institutions appear more selective than they actually are, the Journal reported. But Admissions Dean Lee Stetson said he is proud that the University has never altered any information. Boston University, however, does not include the verbal scores of about 350 international students, but factors their math results into the mean SAT score. Foreign students often score higher than Americans on the math section, but usually have difficulty with the verbal SAT. Northeastern University excludes both international and remedial students when computing their average. These students make up 20 percent of each entering class. While many officials at different universities denounced such activities, others said that because applicants place such importance on how the school is ranked -- in magazines such as U.S. News and World Report -- they are under tremendous pressure to make sure the numbers stay high. The rankings are based on several statistics, such as mean SAT, selectivity ratings and the number of freshmen in the top 10 percent of their high school class. How schools fare in the rankings has proven, year after year, to have a significant impact. After U.S. News named Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa., the top northern regional-liberal-arts college last fall, applications increased 7 percent, the Journal reported. Some universities have gone as far as encouraging students who are not qualified to apply, so that the institution can decrease its acceptance rate. "This proves that the studies are not the real way to judge an institution," Stetson said. "The level of specificity makes it vulnerable to inaccurate reporting." Stetson added that he hopes that the article will motivate those institutions that do falsify information to stop, and that students will realize how inappropriate it is to focus on the rankings when choosing a university.
(04/07/95 9:00am)
According to a recent study, alcohol awareness is high among college freshmen -- in fact, most are very aware of alcohol. The Harvard School of Public Health study, conducted at universities where drinking is common, found that 54 percent of freshmen attending the schools got drunk during their first week of college. And 68 percent went on drinking binges by the end of their first semester. A binge is defined as chugging at least four drinks in a row. This survey may seem especially pertinent this week, as it is Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness Week at the University. Because the study did not disclose which schools were surveyed, it is unknown whether the University was included in the research. But many students said they were not exactly astonished by the results. "The information doesn't surprise me," said College freshman Robert Ballenger, who got drunk during his first week. "It is pretty common that people drink here." But while the existence of binge drinking is easily confirmed, its causes and the reasons for its prevalence are less clear. While peer pressure is a possibility, students say it is a genuine desire to drink. "I just wanted to," Wharton freshman Todd Buehl said. "I drank every week in high school, so it was no big deal." Wharton freshman Susana Tapia agreed that peer pressure had little bearing on her lifestyle. She does not get drunk, and said she does not feel pushed to drink. "I was not really pressured," she said. "Not where I live -- I live in English House." Second-year graduate student Lisa Dolgoff, who organized events for Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness Week, said pressure to drink does not cause the problem. Rather, she said, it is the pressure to meet people. "There are no alternatives other than bars and parties to meet people," she said. The need to make friends is so great that "it is almost inconsequential that they are drinking." Dolgoff, who works for the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education, said that she, too, was not surprised by the recent survey. "Recovering students found that all the students around them drank during their first week," she said. Dolgoff also suggested that the University provide an alcohol-free place to allow students to meet each other. "Chats is a great idea," she said. "But there is no entertainment. It doesn't offer an atmosphere to meet people."
(04/07/95 9:00am)
Runner-up Beverly to serve as body's vice-chairperson and Mike Madden The Undergraduate Assembly elected College junior Lance Rogers UA chairperson last night after nearly two hours of speeches and a question-and-answer session. Rogers defeated Wharton junior Gil Beverly and College junior Eric Tienou. Beverly later won the vice-chairperson election over four other candidates. Beverly and Rogers garnered the most votes in their respective schools during last week's UA elections. The UA also elected College freshman Steve Schorr, a Daily Pennsylvanian sports writer, as its treasurer. Nursing sophomore Lisa Aspinwall will serve as the next UA secretary. College freshman Tal Golomb will represent the UA on the University Council Steering Committee, along with Rogers. Candidates focused on methods of improving the UA and the body's relationship with the other branches of student government. After Tienou was eliminated in the first vote for chairperson, a run-off election resulted in Rogers' victory. Speeches and questioning focused mostly on what direction the UA should take and how problems previously experienced by the body could be solved. The three candidates agreed on many issues, often adding to each other's responses rather than opposing one another's views. College senior Liz Melendez, former United Minorities Council chairperson, criticized Rogers for not properly representing Six Directions -- the University's Native American organization -- at UMC meetings. Rogers attributed the difficulties to the few meetings Six Directions had. Six Directions was recently placed on probation by the UMC due to a lack of attendance at UMC meetings. But this controversy did not appear to faze UA members. The UA questioned Beverly about his lack of experience, since this is his first UA term. Rogers said he hopes to address problems specific students are having -- such as those involving Residential Living or with certain professors. "I am in shock right now," Rogers said immediately following the election."I'd like to encourage all students to keep their minds open with the next UA -- they're going to see a lot of changes." UA members said they hoped Rogers would lead the body well. "I am confident Lance will do what we need him to do," UA member and Wharton freshman Charles Margosian said. But former UA Chairperson Dan Debicella voiced strong opposition to the UA's choice. "The UA has just elected Forrest Gump as chair," the Wharton junior said. "And the UA has unknowingly elected [College junior and Daily Pennsylvanian columnist] Mike Nadel as chair because Lance is just going to be a puppet for Mike's interests." But Nadel said Debicella represented "exactly the kind of politics that's come to an end tonight." "This can really mark a new beginning," Nadel said. "I am nobody's puppet master." Debicella broke a long-standing UA tradition by leaving the meeting immediately after Rogers' election. Previously, the former UA chairperson had thrown a gavel to his successor -- who would routinely fail to catch it. Beverly defeated Wharton freshman Hester Wong, College freshman Larry Kamin, College sophomore Laurie Moldawer and College junior Christian Hensley in the race for vice-chairperson. Beverly said he advocates the development of a "publicity arm," but did not want to provide specifics on UA reorganization believing the body itself should make those decisions. "We need to restore the reputation of the UA to a point where if people don't like us a lot, at least they don't hate us," he said. Schorr, a member of the Student Activities Council Finance Committee, triumphed over Wong and Wharton freshman Alan Danzig in the treasurer's race. Engineering freshman Alex Malek, Golomb, Hensley and Moldawer vied for the UC steering representative position. Aspinwall ran unopposed or secretary. The meeting was televised live from the UTV-13 studios.
(04/07/95 9:00am)
For most students, the nine-to-five work day remains an unfamiliar idea until graduation day, when, diploma in hand, reality inevitably slaps them in the face. And for many, the four-year academic grind between high school and possible employment ends too quickly, breaking the bubble that encloses campus life sooner rather than later. Some undergraduates, however, have selected to prematurely put their nose to the grindstone and work downtown for some "in-your-face" experience. Many work for school credit, some for pure extracurricular interest, and some for financial benefit. All say, though, that their jobs offer the added bonuses of escape and a fresh outlook on life. Early this semester, College freshman Jason Marbutt was scanning the classified ads when a job listing looking for hotel valets caught his eye. As he had some interest in that line of work, Marbutt jumped at the opportunity. "I went and filled out an application and that was it," he said. "It seemed like an interesting job to have." Although Marbutt said location was not a factor in his decision to take the job, he did say that his experiences in Center City have taught him much in the way of life beyond the University's borders. "It kind of sets things in perspective," Marbutt said. "Sometimes you tend to lose track of what the rest of the world is about. "It gives me a new perspective on life," he added. Marbutt explained that much of his new take on life stems from being the youngest parking attendant at the hotel. Rather than suffering from feelings of subordination, Marbutt said he benefits from being at the bottom of the hierarchy. Instead, he learns from his more experienced co-workers. He added that being in the work force has made the cushy comforts of school more evident, but not necessarily more attractive. "I found that I like [my co-workers] more than a lot of people at the University because they're more real to me," he said. "They don't have this dazzling look in their eyes that a lot of college students do." In addition to gaining knowledge and friendships, however, Marbutt also brings home a paycheck, which typically totals five dollars for every hour plus $25 to $30 in tips per night. Marbutt added that his net take for the 16 to 20 hours he works in a typical week varies, however, depending on the generosity of the customers. For example, Mayor and University alumnus Ed Rendell dropped his vehicle off one evening, but upon leaving, left the valets empty-handed. "Ed Rendell. We had him one time, and he did not tip us," Marbutt said. Marbutt explained that the most interesting customer he has encountered, though, is not well-known in the political domain or otherwise. "One night, we had a guy who went out and got a prostitute and went up to the room, and found out it was a him," he said. "'She' stole his claim check and came down and tried to get the car. "We got a big kick out of that one," he added. College junior Ping Huntrakoon said that her downtown internship at an advertising agency has also taught her a valuable lesson -- how to more effectively organize her schedule. She explained that having less free time has caused her to plan her 'to-do list' efficiently and with the remainder of her day in mind. When she started working, Huntrakoon said, she found that her time was being needlessly squandered. "It's helped me a lot with time management just because I plan things out more," she added. "I think when you have a schedule you can fit more things in. "I used to have a lot of free time, and I feel like I wasted it," she said. "Now I use it more effectively." Like Marbutt, Huntrakoon said that she was not actively seeking a position in Philadelphia proper. But after spending 20 hours a week on 15th and Locust for a matter of months, she said she has identified a certain downtown appeal. "I'm glad to get into the city," she said. "I know the area a lot better now that I work down there. Especially with the nice weather, it's pretty enjoyable walking around." University students, it seems, are now invading a broad spectrum of city businesses and practices. One College freshman who did not wish to give his name told tales of working in the cultural affairs division of the Israeli consulate. Being a Philadelphia native, location had no impact on place of employment for this student, who said he began his volunteer position while he was still in high school. Upon entering college, he called the consulate and managed to get himself rehired. Although his day-to-day work entails helping to organize events for Israelis living in Philadelphia -- such as Memorial Day and Independence Day ceremonies -- the student said that the recent political goings-on in the Middle East have made for exciting happenings at the office. "I was interviewed on T.V. when the Israelis and the Palestinians signed the Declaration of Principles," he said. "That was an exciting time." Echoing Marbutt's feelings to some extent, the student added that being downtown provides a close-up view of the diverse nature of city life, which is not to be found within the confines of campus. "You're kind of enclosed on campus sometimes, and it's a bit of a relief to walk around downtown and see what's available down there," he said. "Even just the walk from the train station to the consulate, you see a whole different group of people," he explained. "You see the different things that can be done downtown." Unfortunately for this student, such sight-seeing has been temporarily postponed due to the Septa strike. Unable to take advantage of shuttle service and lacking the money for cab rides, the student has not been to work since train service was suspended. "I have not been able to get in since the Septa strike began because there are conflicts between my classes and when the Penn shuttle runs," he said. Both Marbutt and Huntrakoon said they, too, have been hurt by strike. "I've had to take taxis down," Huntrakoon said. "It's certainly more expensive. I have to pay for four cabs rides per week." Marbutt agreed. "It has hurt me because I have to ride a taxi, and it usually costs seven to $10 to get there," he said. "I spend my first two to three hours just making up cab fare." College senior Nancy Epstein is also unable to take advantage of the University shuttle service, and is yet another worker/student currently increasing the daily income of cab drivers. Epstein works at a market research firm downtown, telephoning various companies in hopes of conducting an interview. However, she said, this is not always possible because individuals are often reluctant to talk and reveal even impersonal information. "They won't always speak to me," she said. "We don't really look for proprietary information, but it's still hard to get people on the phone sometimes." Epstein said that people's attitudes in getting their messages across varies greatly. "Sometimes I'll be on the phone with someone who's really nice, and other times they won't want to talk with me and will be rude," she said. A series of particularly memorable phone calls occurred during research requested by a transport company. Epstein explained that the organization was looking for information regarding cat litter. "We called cat litter manufacturers and distributors in the New York area and we talked to them about different issues," she explained. "We found out that 'kitty litter' is a trademark item, so we got a nasty letter in the mail saying that we were infringing their copyright," Epstein added. "It's really 'cat litter,'" she said. College junior Bobby Glazer, who works as a paraclerk at a law firm on 22nd Street, said that the strike has forced him to walk to work when a bicycle is unavailable. But, he added, his supervisors are very understanding of his recent tardiness. "I get in a little late," Glazer said. "I have to assume they're being lenient about that," he said. At work, Glazer said he is kept busy filing and generally "keeping stuff in order," which he does three times a week for five hours at a time. While in the office, Glazer explained that he tends to forget his identity of student, and take on one of strictly a worker. "I feel removed when I'm there," Glazer said. "When I'm there I don't feel like I'm at Penn, I just feel like I'm working." Like Huntrakoon, Glazer said that he has become much more familiarized with the city now that he works there. He added that this new familiarity has caused him to rely more on its resources. "I realize how accessible the city is," he explained. "If I need something, I'll go down there and get it [rather than getting it on-campus]. "There's just a lot more opportunities downtown," he said.
(04/07/95 9:00am)
Freddy Berry, one of the stars of the 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, said he's now " 're-runnin' for Jesus." Berry, who played Re-Run -- the nickname of character Freddie Stubbs -- has been an evangelist preacher for the past 11 years. He came to West Philadelphia Wednesday to speak to the congregation of the Sanctuary Church of the Open Door on 59th and Walnut streets. Berry put on his trademark red beret, but told the parishioners that the hat "symbolized the old Re-Run, not Fred Berry." Otherwise clad in a bright pink jacket, black pants and alligator boots, Berry spoke to the packed church about his transformation from a television character to a minister. And Berry, who played a robust, food-loving young man on the sitcom, seemed significantly thinner and said that he had lost 108 pounds and 18 inches off his waist. Berry said that he was traveling to public schools and churches around the country, delivering a message about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Berry, who grew up in public housing projects in St. Louis, later moved to Los Angeles. In 1975, his dreams were realized when he was called for an audition for What's Happening!! Berry said that he was given the role in spite of the producers' originally looking for a tall white male. He said the role was a spring-board to success, and he was paid $250,000 a year and given his own private airplane. "I had all the material things, but I didn't have Jesus," Berry said. Berry also said that his lavish lifestyle brought him into drug culture and he became a substance abuser. He also said that he tried to commit suicide three times. Playfully dancing around the church, Berry moved on to a lighter topic, talking about his weight loss. He said that he tried everything from the "Oprah diet," to a grapefruit diet to a $19.95 TV diet. Finally, though, he decided that he would only eat when he got hungry. Berry, now married, lives in Huntsville, Ala. and has seven children. After his sermon, Berry held a question-and-answer session. Questions ranged from what the rest of the cast of What's Happening!! is doing to what episode Berry thought was best. Berry said that character Dwayne Clemens is married and has three kids, "Shirley" travels around the country as a stand-up comic, character Roger "Rog" Thomas is still a "nerd" and "Dee" is a doctor.
(04/06/95 9:00am)
Marketing Professor Scott Ward's defense attorney Jean Green continued to argue against the admissibility of evidence seized from Ward's home in the second day of a preliminary hearing Tuesday in the Montgomery County Courthouse. Ward faces charges including criminal attempts to commit corruption of a minor, involuntary deviate intercourse and solicitation to commit prostitution. As on Monday, no jury was present at the hearing -- only Judge Bernard Moore heard the arguments. Montgomery County Deputy District Attorney Thomas Egan said the evidence against Ward includes "articles about boys engaging in homosexual acts?[and] dozens of photographs of young males engaging in masturbatory acts and sexual relations." According to Egan, detectives also found an article about child prostitution in Russia, along with an unsigned letter complaining the article "puts what we like on the agenda." But Green argued that these items were obtained illegally. David Ginsberg, the attorney for "B.M.," the assumed name of a child who is the state's chief witness, questioned Green's claims. "The defense in this case is engaged in a very effective attempt to keep most of the damaging evidence out of the hands of the jury and public," he said last night. "I believe that if all the evidence is carefully evaluated, there can be no difficulty in reaching a just decision." The prosecution also questioned the legality of certain pieces of evidence gathered by the defense. Egan motioned to prevent the use of audio and video interviews that the defense had conducted with B.M. in February. Egan claims the defense acted unethically in their interview, because Ward's attorney "lured B.M. into New Jersey in order to circumvent the wiretap act." Egan explained that certain aspects of the interview violated Pennsylvania state law, so the defense conducted the interview in New Jersey, where the law varies. And Egan claimed the defense attorneys did not inform Ginsberg of the interview. Moore is expected to return a decision concerning the suppression of evidence and the sequestering of the jury sometime next week. The hearing will resume on Monday when arguments on the admissibility of evidence will continue. Green was unavailable for comment.
(04/06/95 9:00am)
If a coalition of community leaders, city officials and area entrepreneurs have their way, a Bagel Builders store will replace the former Getty gas station at 38th Street and Baltimore Avenue. "I hope this is an example of what the community, government and business can do by working together," City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell said. "We're glad it worked out so well." The impetus for bringing new economic development to the currently vacant site is being attributed to a "real coalition" among the groups, according to Center for Community Partnerships Director Ira Harkavy. Blackwell said, however, that planning to replace the former gas station -- located across the street from the Quadrangle -- began in earnest when Bagel Builders approached her with a proposal. She said that she then called a meeting with local civic groups to discuss details of the plan. "It is better to include the community," Blackwell said. "They were very, very helpful and they supported the concept from the beginning." "They seemed happy to take our suggestions," Spruce Hill Community Association President Linda Blythe said. "The people are anxious to see [the store] built there." Blythe and Blackwell said they were responsive to neighbors' concerns that the new store might cause traffic hassles in the area and worked toward the most efficient parking lot design possible. Many people in the community also said that they wanted improved conditions for pedestrians and landscaping, Blythe said. Construction plans are indefinite, although a major obstacle to redeveloping the site was overcome earlier this year when the station's underground tanks were removed. According to Blackwell, Bagel Builders already has several locations in Center City. She described them as especially suited for the area because they are "experienced and have done this before." Blythe also said that she has been impressed by the Bagel Builders store located in 30th Street Station. "It has long been a problem and an eyesore," Blackwell said of the old, abandoned gas station. "This will definitely add to the development of the area."
(04/06/95 9:00am)
On the 27th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., community leaders held a dramatic vigil in front of the peace symbol on College Green Tuesday to call attention to gun-related crime and to suggest ways to end violence. "We have gathered here today to continue Martin Luther King's vision of a violence-free society," said Joel Chinitz of Physicians for Social Responsibility, which coordinated the event. PSR organized similar demonstrations in 20 other cities around the country to commemorate the anniversary of King's 1968 slaying in Memphis. "We want to communicate solutions for violence, especially for children," said Anu Sharma, president of the University chapter of the American Medical Student Association, which co-sponsored the event. Event leaders began the "heal-in" by telling local horror stories of gun-related violence while a woman stood next to the podium, marking each tale with a loud drumbeat. As each speaker read a statistic about gun-related violence, participants fell to the ground, as if shot by an imaginary assailant. The featured speakers tried to identify the causes of violence, some blaming spiraling prison populations and the education system. "We need to lock up our guns, not our people," one speaker said. Reverend James Bevel, the event's keynote speaker, said society is responsible for creating violence. "When you don't protect the education of children, you let loose animals," he said. "You create pimps, prostitutes and thieves." Bevel, who worked as King's director of non-violent education, stressed that Americans must join together to eliminate violence. "Black people have to overcome their rage about a historical event [slavery] and white people have to stop feeling guilty so we can solve the problem," he said. Several counter-protesters handed out flyers urging support for the "safe and responsible use of firearms." "We need to fix the legal system so criminals go to prison and stay there," University employee Mark Litwack said. A diverse crowd of local leaders, doctors and University students attended the vigil. "I'm involved because of him," said Rosemary Matthews, a member of Citizens for Children and Youth, as she put her arm around her grandson. "I don't want him to become another statistic." Several medical students wore white lab coats to make their presence more visible. "Violence is something that for me, as a future physician, is a question of public health policy," said Dave Comptom, a first-year medical student at Jefferson Medical school. Ron Phillips, chairperson of Leaders Involved for Everyone, an area youth group, likened the war against violence to the civil rights battles of the '60s. "We must speak up and speak out," said Phillips, age 19. "Young people must realize we have the power to affect change." Several teenagers stood alongside the lectern, holding signs suggesting ways to combat violence -- ranging from volunteering at a battered women's shelter to supporting social programs.
(04/06/95 9:00am)
To help combat problems of substance abuse in the city's poorest neighborhoods, the Philadelphia City Council introduced legislation in 1993 to place restraints on stores that sell malt liquor. According to its supporters, that legislation has recently begun to have an effect. "Our primary focus is the premise that beer and malt liquor shouldn't be sold in groceries and delicatessens," Councilman James Kenney said. "They create a situation where young people are exposed to and may use them." And according to Kenney, many "stop-and-go" food stores claim to be restaurants so that the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will allow them to sell the alcoholic beverages. Kenney also said that the laws on the books are designed for restaurant and bar settings, not for the takeout stores which often cater to minors. "These operations are set up in communities with high unemployment, substance abuse and other social ills," Kenney said. "They are unbearable for the people in the community." Kenney called them "havens for substance abuse," and said they attract drug activity, fights and public urination. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell -- whose district includes the University -- is a strong supporter of the restrictions. "We have many fine businesses, [but] we're trying to get rid of the illegal ones," she said. Blackwell emphasized the negative effects these stores have on members on the community, especially the young and the elderly. "These are the ones we're dealing with [in] hearing after hearing," she said. To combat this, Kenney introduced legislation to the city council in 1993 that would allow the city to review a restaurant's license if more than 25 percent of its business is takeout. This ordinance would also be in accordance with a recent amendment to state law that allows communities to establish rules locally on liquor licensing. According to Kenney, the new city rules have prevented many new establishments from obtaining licenses. But stores that predate the new regulations are continuing to oppose them. Community response to the program has been unanimously supportive, Blackwell said. "We want to allow the community to protest businesses that operate illegally or against their interest," Blackwell said, referring to the several hearings that have been held in the past months. Kenney said that the stop-and-go stores are very lucrative businesses. He cited one store in South Philadelphia that recently sold for $150,000 -- making it one of the neighborhood's most valuable properties. He also pointed out that most store owners have no stake in the community and do not feel responsible for what happens immediately outside their stores. Blackwell also pointed out that tension has risen in black communities because many of the stores are owned by Asian Americans. "We want to make it clear that we are not 'anti' any ethnic group," Blackwell said. Kenney agreed that alcohol abuse is not a race issue. "These stores are a smoke screen to mask immoral, illicit activities," Kenney said. "I don't know or care about the backgrounds of these owners."
(04/06/95 9:00am)
The Philadelphia Museum of Art opened its doors last night to host an open party complete with drinks, music and, of course, hundreds of art-starved college students from across the Delaware Valley. This latest installment of PMA's Wednesday Evening Programs, dubbed College Night, brought students from the University, Temple, Drexel and other schools into the Philadelphia landmark -- free of charge -- for an evening of entertainment and culture. PMA's Great Stair Hall echoed with the sounds of Mask and Wig, the Penn Glee Club and the Temple Jazz Ensemble as students and alumni meandered through the museum's extensive exhibit halls. The museum stayed open later than usual and also offered specialized tours of exhibits to students free of charge. But the number of students who did show up was much lower than in previous years when such programs were held, according to one museum guard. Engineering junior Kathleen Feehery agreed. "I was surprised at the low turn-out, but the students there seemed very enthused with everything," she said. She also said she enjoyed the performances by Mask and Wig and the Penn Glee Club. One of the tours, led by Assistant Curator of 20th Century Art John Ravenal, focused on Impressionism and 20th Century art. Another program offered to students was a special presentation of Quentin Tarantino's Oscar-winning film Pulp Fiction. In addition, food, sodas and alcoholic beverages were on sale throughout the evening in the Great Stair Hall. The Museum's restaurant was also open extra hours. Students also came from other area colleges including Rowan College and Mercer County Community College. Many of the students were art history majors at their respective schools, but said they were generally there to have a good time.
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Publisher, author and activist Barbara Smith -- a radical, black, lesbian feminist -- examined the historical role of African-American homosexuals before an audience of more than 50 students, faculty and community members at the Annenberg School for Communication last night. Smith discussed how black gays and lesbians view their community -- and how their community, in turn, views them. She also discussed her soon to be released book, African American Lesbian and Gay History, which examines, among other things, the Harlem Renaissance period and the life of C. Glenn Carrington, a leftist, black homosexual. Smith's work is the first of its kind, because for many years, most African-American women did not have the education and resources to take on the "complex scope" of this topic, she said. "I think it's so important for all people, no matter what their sexual orientation, race or class, to know that they have a past and that they have a culture, accomplishments and stories that are worth preserving and sharing," she said. Smith, who was the closing speaker for the Bisexual Gay Lesbian Awareness Days, has edited, written and co-written several books on sexism and racism. According to Bob Schoenberg, coordinator for the Program for the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Community at Penn, B-GLAD was not only aimed at the lesbian and gay community at the University, but also focused on "increasing the awareness of the community about its members." Overall, student reaction to the lecture was very positive. One student described Smith as one of those "groundbreaking intellectuals that we don't get to hear often at Penn." Smith is editor, publisher, and co-founder of Kitchen Table: Women of Color Press. The research for her book is being funded by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, which is part of the New York Public Library. This is the first time that the Schomburg Center, which is one of the most distinguished institution of its kind in the country, has funded research in gay or lesbian studies.
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At a campus where incidents of ethnic intimidation and free speech controversies seem commonplace, University graduate Brian Levin thought his speech on how hate crimes have affected American society would be received with much interest and support. But no students attended his lecture last night. "I mis-appraised the concern that students had about hate crimes," remarked History Professor Robert Engs, who organized the event. "I'm a bit embarrassed for our speaker." However, Levin, currently the legal director of the Center for the Study of Ethnic and Racial Violence in Edgewood, Colo., was still eager to talk about the issue of hate speech and crime. "People don't realize there is no broadly applicable federal hate crime law," he said. "If someone murdered a black or Jew, that is not enough for federal jurisdiction. You have to show a specific intent." He explained, though, that he is vehemently opposed to speech codes curbing free expression. "I think people talking at each other is a symptom of a disease, and speech codes are like taking aspirin to cure a cancer," Levin said. "Most institutions have already scrapped speech codes, including Stanford in a well-publicized case." Levin added that many hate crimes are caused by individuals looking for excitement. "Contrary to some belief, the vast majority of hate crimes are not committed by members of organized hate groups," he said. Levin began his research at the University before graduating in 1989. Since then, he has done work for civil rights groups, including testifying before Congress and writing Supreme Court briefs on hate crime. Levin used his research at the University to write a report that showed the harm associated with hate crimes. The report was used in the 1990 passage of the Hate Crimes Statistics Act. Levin has gone on to work on every piece of federal legislation with regard to hate crimes. In May, Levin will be joining the Southern Poverty Law Center located in Montgomery, Alabama. Until then, he continues to travel cross-country to speak out against hate and speech codes.
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The University's first Asian-American newsletter, Asian America, made its debut Monday. Produced by the Asian Student Union, the publication is the first at the University to address all Asian-American communities in one forum. The publication contains articles addressing current issues, features and pictures, contributed by students not just from campus, but from the entire East Coast. "We address Asian-American issues," said College junior Tina Chinakarn, the newsletter's editor and president of ASU. "Ours is solely Pan-Asian -- everyone. I would call it the first one." Other ASU members agreed that the newsletter marks the first united effort from Asian Americans at the University. "I think Asian Americans on campus have failed to offer to the campus a united voice, an Asian-American voice that addresses Asian-American issues," Wharton freshman and ASU Special Projects Vice President Eric Lee said. "The Asian America will help education and Asian-American activism." "I think it's a giant step toward addressing Asian-American issues such as affirmative action, Asian-American studies programs," Lee added. "[It is] providing Asian Americans a viewpoint and a stance on issues that will increase awareness on campus." Asian America has definitely made an impact on the University's Asian-American community, according to many students. Chinese Student Association President Steve Lin, a College and Engineering junior, said he was very impressed with the publication. "I think it's great," he said. "I was really impressed and it's very unique. It fills a need and addresses concerns that a lot of the publications of other Asian groups don't." Lin said he appreciated the articles from other universities such as Johns Hopkins. "It was kind of exciting to see what activities are going on on other campuses," he said. Chinakarn said that unlike Mosaic, the University's Asian-American literary arts magazine, the Asian America has articles and informative pieces rather than just prose, poetry and art--although she added that she would one day like to emulate Mosaic's circulation of about 4,000 copies. "We want to do that, but we don't have the funding," she said. "We'll have to work towards that."
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Will house galleries The legacy of cartoonist Charles Addams -- a University alumnus and creator of the creepy, kooky television family of the same name -- will soon be a permanent presence on campus thanks to a gift by his former wife, Lady Colyton. Lady Colyton has donated an undisclosed sum to fund the renovation and rehabilitation of the Asbury Methodist Church, located on Chestnut Street between 33rd and 34th streets, University spokesperson Barbara Beck said yesterday. Upon completion, the site will be renamed the Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall. According to Malcolm Campbell, the interim dean of the Graduate School of Fine Arts, the new facility should be ready for use in 1997, with an annex to be added behind the main building after the first phase of restoration is finished. In a statement released yesterday, Colyton said Addams -- who received a fine arts degree from the University in 1934 -- would have loved the church, which will memorialize his contributions to the "field of graphic art." It is said that Addams modeled the mansion in his Addams Family cartoons after College Hall. Addams Hall will provide studio, classroom and gallery space for both undergraduates and graduate students, replacing the Morgan Building -- which is slated to be demolished during construction of the Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. Undergraduate fine arts instruction that currently takes place in the "blau haus," the blue shed near Hill Field built four or five years ago as a temporary structure, will also be moved to Addams Hall. "This is the first time in a long time the Fine Arts department will have a single, unitary home," Campbell said, adding that students and faculty are excited about the church's architectural possibilities. "It really will mark a fresh start in the arts at Penn -- you could almost use the word Renaissance." Although cleanup of the building has already started, the design process is just beginning, Campbell said. A committee has been formed to make decisions on how to allocate space in the new center. Cost estimates for the project, however, are not yet available. Following Addams' death in 1988, Lady Colyton endowed the Charles Addams Memorial Prize at the University. The $10,000 award is given annually to an outstanding student in the School of Fine Arts. Lady Colyton, who was formerly known as Barbara Barb, is now married to The Right Honorable Lord Colyton, a diplomat who served under former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Lord Colyton is a descendant of Francis Hopkinson, who was a member of the University's first graduating class in 1757.
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The School of Arts and Sciences' 11th annual Dean's Forum will take place tonight at 8 p.m. in Harrison Auditorium. The forum "will honor and recognize outstanding undergraduate and graduate students for their academic performance and intellectual promise," according to a letter by School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens. Nine students in the College, one student in the College of General Studies and 10 graduate students will be recognized as Dean's Scholars by Stevens, who will present them with books and certificates. These students were chosen by the Associate Dean of the College on basis of grade point average, rigor of courses taken and extracurricular activities. In addition, Donald Johanson -- who is a world-leading, and America's best known, paleoanthropologist -- will be speaking on "Ancestors: In Search of Human Origins" at the forum. Johanson has spent the last 25 years exploring and discovering. He is responsible for discovering the oldest and most complete human ancestor, the fossilized remains the world knows as "Lucy." Stevens said she is looking forward to this evening's event. "It's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate outstanding students and in doing so we realize the goals and excellence of Penn as a whole," she said. The College students honored are sophomores Tali Aronsky and Nicolae Garleanu, juniors Marsha Cheung, Stephen Lin and Jeong Yeon Whang, and seniors Derek Apanovitch, Aaron Cook, Abigail Doran and Mali Heled. The College of General Studies winner is junior Jessica Robbins. And the Graduate Students who were chosen are Hilary Beth Appel, Maria Hohn, Jon McGinnis, Roumyana Pancheva-Izvorski, Jane Marie Pinzino, David Roxburgh, Paul Sievert, Juuso Valimaki, John Zilcosky and Eric Zorrilla.
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Testifying before the House Appropriations Committee in Harrisburg Monday, University President Judith Rodin hoped to secure almost $50 million in state funding for next year. She was quickly reminded, though, that politicians don't part with taxpayers' pennies easily. During the hearing, Rodin faced a barrage of what she called "difficult and probing" questions from legislators eager to cut higher education costs statewide. They even pushed Rodin to reveal her own $350,000 salary. As a test case, Rep. John Lawless (R-Montgomery) pointed to Temple University President Peter Liacouras, who recently said he will take a five percent cut in his $250,000 salary. Lawless led the attack on state appropriations for higher education, leveling criticism about the cost-effectiveness of teaching and research at all of the officials from Pennsylvania schools appearing at the hearing. He focused on faculty perks like sabbaticals and tenure. Rodin told the Committee that for their approximately $80,000 salaries, full professors at the University spend an average of nine hours per week in the classroom and three hours seeing students in their offices -- in addition to countless hours of related study and preparation. Lawless said he does not begrudge academics their high salaries, but thinks they should work harder to receive them. "I just think that we can reduce expenses by doing away with one out of four professors, by asking each to teach one more class," he said. Rodin acknowledged that her own salary is "generous," explaining that it was set by the University's Board of Trustees based on what former President Sheldon Hackney earned two years ago. However, Rodin's salary is the second-highest in the Ivy League -- behind only Columbia University President George Rupp, who has been on the job one year longer than Rodin. "I work very hard for it," Rodin said, citing her evening and weekend working hours for proof. "The responsibility of a $2 billion corporation is on my shoulders." University spokesperson Barbara Beck agreed. "The woman busts her butt every single day," she said. "Next to [Detroit Tigers Manager] Sparky Anderson, her job is the most second-guessed job in America." Rodin said she was pleased with the way Committee members received her testimony. She especially praised Rep. Joseph Battisto (D-Monroe), whose two children attended the University. "We gave them very strong and hopefully persuasive answers?We weren't treated any more harshly than any of our peer institutions," Rodin said. "Temple preceded us and Lincoln [University] followed us and they got exactly the same treatment." While fellow Committee members grew irritated at Lawless's deviation from the "substantive issues," the hearing didn't faze Rodin, according to Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs Carol Scheman, who accompanied her to the capital.
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When College junior Philippe Visser received a phone call from Provost Stanley Chodorow last week, his first thought was "What did I do?" But Chodorow had called to congratulate Visser on winning a $30,000 scholarship from the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. Visser was one of only 70 college students in the country to receive the prize. The scholarship honors college juniors who have demonstrated leadership ability and service to the community, have distinguished themselves in their academics and seek careers in public service. Visser said he plans to use the scholarship to earn graduate degrees in public policy and law, and aspires to a career in government administration. As coordinator of the pre-freshman PennCorps program and the West Philadelphia Improvement Corps, Visser has had many opportunities to work with fellow University students and aid the community. And this summer he will be an intern in Mayor Ed Rendell's Office of Policy and Planning. Another University student, Engineering junior Kenneth Markus, was a finalist in the scholarship competition. Terry Conn, Truman Foundation faculty representative, explained to The Compass last week that the application process for the award is lengthy. "Of the 60 or so [University] students who picked up the application, only 15 actually completed it," Conn said. "[A University] committee screened that number down to three." Nominees were required to submit seven short essays and a policy statement. Visser, a dual major in urban studies and political science, wrote his analysis on the decline of political participation in cities. The Foundation evaluated more than 750 applications and selected 200 finalists to be interviewed by a regional panel of six notable public servants -- including Kitty Dukakis and a U.S. District Court judge. The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as an official memorial to the 33rd President.
