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(09/26/91 9:00am)
Two visiting alumni allege that they were physically attacked on Locust Walk Friday night by a group of University students, and claimed University Police mishandled the incident by allowing an assailant to escape and neglecting to interview key witnesses. The alleged victims said they intend to file a formal complaint with the Judicial Inquiry Office and to hire an attorney to file criminal and civil charges against the alleged attackers. One of the victims, a 1990 University graduate visiting campus last weekend who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that a group of five large men approached him and a friend near the button sculpture on College Green. The student said that one of the men told him to "get the fuck off the button." After the student told the men that he "did not want any trouble," the man who first spoke to him started throwing punches at him. "We were minding our own business . . . [the alleged assailant] slapped me in the head after I refused to get off the button," the alumnus said. The alleged victim said that a fight ensued between the five men, who he said all weighed over 200 pounds and some of whom were football players, and the two victims, who both weigh about 150 pounds. He also said that the alleged assailants' friends stood and watched the fight, but did nothing. The accuser also said he smelled alcohol on the breath of at least a few of the attackers. The accuser said he and his friend fought back in self defense and kicked one of the alleged attackers in the mouth. The accuser alleged that when University Police arrived on the scene, officers did nothing to stop one of the alleged attackers, who was running away, despite the alleged victims' pleas. The accuser also said police did not take down the names or question two witnesses who had seen the incident, despite pleas by himself and his friend that they do so. He added that because the incident involved students and not West Philadelphia residents, the police did not take the alleged attack seriously. "It seems [the police] wanted [the incident] to be swept under the rug and forgotten about because the perpetrators are University students," the accuser said. "Because someone is a student doesn't give him the right to commit any crime, and he should be pursued strongly and quickly." Although specific officers present at the incident have not commented on the case, University police reports of the incident differ from the account given by the alleged victim. University Police reports state that several officers responded to a report of a simple assault on College Green at 1:00 a.m. Saturday, and found the complainant had been punched in the eye. The accuser said he knew some of his alleged assailants were football players because he went to the University Police station asked for names taken down by the police, which he said matched the names of men on the freshman and varsity football teams. He said police listed several of these people as witnesses, but also had descriptions of them. He said these descriptions matched his assailants. The accuser's friend was taken to HUP by officers responding to the report and was released the same night, according to University Police. According to police, the assailant is described as a 20- to 23-year-old male, five feet, six inches tall to five feet, eight inches tall, with a crew cut. The alleged victim said the police report was "amazingly flawed," and that five assailants were involved in the attack, not one, and that they were all large men. "I can't believe the report says that," the accuser said. "It seems like the police officers I talked to didn't report information to other police officers or write down the rest of the information . . . I pointed out assailants directly to police." "The police were absolutely unprofessional, apathetic and unorganized, and apparently the information we gave them was not reported properly in the report," the accuser said. University Police said they were still investigating the incident and refused to comment. But University Police Lieutenant Susan Holmes said last night that the first responsibility of police is to care and give "aid to the injured." She said that, although apprehending suspects is very important, caring for victims is paramount. Holmes said that officers on the scene of a crime are instructed to immediately report the situation to headquarters. Although Holmes would not comment on the specific case, she said that, to her knowledge, "there have been no official complaints in reference to this incident filed with police." University Police officer Gary Heller said yesterday he was one of the officers who responded to the assault report but declined to comment on the case. University Police Officer Hugh McBreen, who the attacker said also responded to the assault report, could not be reached for comment. The accuser said this week that McBreen and Heller failed to write down the names and phone numbers of several witnesses and that the only witnesses interviewed by police were friends of the alleged attackers. The accuser said that one of the attackers was freshman football player Kevin DeLuca, but DeLuca said this week he wasn't involved. DeLuca said he didn't know anyone involved in the incident and that he only saw the end of the fight. DeLuca said he felt University Police handled the incident responsibly.
(09/23/91 9:00am)
Fish and Freak fans flocked to the first of several free Friday festivals sponsored by Social Planning and Events Committee last week. Several hundred students milled around and camped out next to High Rise North, as the Friday show kicked off with a rousing hour-long set by alternative band School of Fish. The second act, House of Freaks, was sparsely attended, with only about 50 concert-viewers remaining after the 20-minute break between sets. Despite the sparse attendance for the second act, concert organizers and students said that the show was a success. SPEC Concert Committee Co-director Edward Gold said the concert was "incredible" and the operations of the show went very smoothly and professionally. "I think it was a great concert," said Gold, a College junior. "The bands were happy with the way things went." SPEC Concerts Co-director and Engineering junior William Nicklin said he was pleased with the show, and that "it came off very well." "A lot of people showed up," said Nicklin. "Some left after School of Fish, but they missed a great show." The show also went over well with students in the crowd, many of whom said they liked the concerts as a way to wind down from a week of academics and studying. "I'm really having a good time," Wharton junior Rob Dapice said. "It's good to go outside and listen to music." Wharton junior Lincoln Singleton said the free Friday concert series was a "a great idea." "[The concert] is a different social opportunity for students," Singleton said. "Who will deny free concerts?" College junior Scott Eckstein agreed, saying "it is a great idea for people to come and hang out . . . I hope they keep this up." SPEC's next free Friday show, sponsored by both SPEC Concert and Traditions committees, will be Friday, September 27, and will feature local Grateful Dead cover band Smokestack Lightning. Gold said that he expects more people to show up for the next show. "Word of mouth will be good," Gold said. "A lot of people are very excited."
(09/23/91 9:00am)
It's not easy being green. Philadelphia Eagles green, that is. The Eagles' mascot, also known as College junior David Leibowitz, endures taunts, cries of "Get a job!" and potentially lethal projectiles hurled from Veterans Stadium's upper deck. Leibowitz remembers a time during the infamous "iceball" game, in which crazed Philly fans were pelting the field with frozen snow, and he almost lost his life. "One of the refs put his hands up for the extra point, and he took an iceball in the head that was meant for me," Leibowitz said. "He was knocked unconscious, so I took my helmet off and got the trainers, then I thought, 'What was I doing, I could be killed' . . . that's why they don't serve alcohol after halftime." He also recalls one time when he was almost crushed by an out-of-control defender. "[The defender] couldn't pull up in time, and he grazed me with his right shoulder pad. I flew like five yards, I thank God I was conscious," Leibowitz said. In other life-threatening incidents, he tells of how an opposing fan lured him over to the stands to shake his hand then would not stop squeezing it until security came, or the time a drunken Eagles fan grabbed his leg while he was standing on the dugout, almost knocking him off, or how he sweats off five pounds of water weight every game in the sweltering uniform. But despite the dangers, Dave Leibowitz -- Lebo to his friends -- speaks of his job with a love and a passion for both the sport and the fans. "I definitely love doing it. The kids love [the mascot] . . . I get to hang out with players . . . I get the best seat in the house, and I get to have fun with the people in the stands," he says in his typical excited and enthusiastic tone. "Not all of the fans like me, but that's Philadelphia." Leibowitz, an avid football fan, member of Mask and Wig Club and all around outgoing person, says he is perfectly suited to the job of mascot. "Being a mascot requires the ability to not have any inhibitions, which is easy because you are wearing a suit that covers your face and body," Leibowitz said. "You gotta have the ability to not care what people think . . . you just gotta want to have fun." Leibowitz says he tried out for the team when he was a freshman, and beat out about 20 other applicants because "I was short enough so that the outfit fit me," adding that his status as a College student guaranteed that he would stay at his post for four years, a trait which appealed to his employers. As a living trademark of the National Football League, Leibowitz says part of his job is to attend charity functions and special events in character. "Whenever there is a charity function, like a Jerry Lewis telethon . . . or a United Way event, it gives me an opportunity to give something back," Leibowitz says. "They would pay me, but I give the check back to them for their charity." There are many regulations when working as a NFL symbol, including that he only play home games and that he never go into the stands, but Leibowitz says he is glad that the rules are in effect. He says a guard once told him of a Washington Redskins mascot who went into the stands at a New York Giants game and was grabbed into the air, passed from fan to fan, and almost thrown over one of the tiers. Although Leibowitz professes a profound respect and admiration for the Phillies' mascot, the Phanatic, who once briefly mentored him and gave him advice, he says he would never attempt to taunt or annoy an opposing player. "I'd get killed," he laughs.
(09/20/91 9:00am)
The Social Planning and Events Committee has booked a reggae all-star show, "The 10th Anniversary Salute to Bob Marley," for Irvine Auditorium as a "kick off for fall break," according to SPEC Concert Committee Co-director Stacy Feld. SPEC Concerts will also feature a free show on Superblock today at 4 p.m., featuring alternative bands School of Fish and House of Freaks. The reggae show, which is slated for October 9 at 7:30 p.m., will feature Rita Marley, wife of late reggae legend Bob Marley, the Wailers, formerly Bob Marley's band, Andrew Tosh, songstress Marcia Griffiths and the reggae group the Maccabbees. Tickets go on sale Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Irvine box office for the reggae show. Students will be able to purchase discounted $8 tickets. Students who purchase tickets after this weekend can buy them through the Annenberg box office and through Ticketmaster for $12.50 apiece, and non-students can get purchase tickets for $17.50, Edward Gold, SPEC Concerts Co-director said yesterday. SPEC Concerts also announced yesterday that local band Smokestack Lightning will star in the second of the free Friday concerts series, playing September 27 on Superblock. Smokestack Lightning is known among students as a Greatful Dead cover band and frequently plays South Street venue Khyber Pass, according to Feld, a College sophomore. Today's School of Fish and House of Freaks double bill marks the kick off of the free Friday concert series, and SPEC Concerts organizers said they are very excited and optimistic for the show's success. House of Freaks, a Richmond-based duo, is reknowned for their innovative approach to traditional Southern rock. Los Angeles-based School of Fish, known for the single "3 Strange Days," features catchy harmonies mixed with a pounding guitar sound and a driving drum section. College junior Gold said that if weather interferes with today's outdoor show, it will be relocated to Irvine. Gold said SPEC has not selected a band for the final Friday show on October 4, but said they are looking for lesser-known Philadlephia and New York bands that are "on their way up." "SPEC is trying to expose students to new bands," Gold said. "People at this school don't like to come out, but if you don't like the music you can walk away." Feld said he feels the the reggae show will be very successful and expects students to sell out the 1500 seat auditorium. "There is a big audience for reggae at Penn," said Gold. "It's good party music."
(09/20/91 9:00am)
Tom Yannone is looking for a hyperbaric chamber. "I heard that Michael Jackson sleeps in a hyperbaric chamber to allow him to sleep one hour a day, and feel as if he had slept a whole night," said Yannone, an Engineering junior. "Unfortunately, I never found one." Yannone's desire for a miracle time-saving device such as the gloved one's is a common one among active students -- for there simply are not enough hours in a day for a student to get enough rest and fulfill the many social and academic obligations that campus life demands. "I find that I don't have enough time in a day too complete my studies, so I encroach on my sleep time with studying," said Yannone. "This makes it harder to study the next day, which makes the problem worse, and the whole vicious circle repeats itself." According to University researchers and psychologists, the rigors of campus life often exact a dangerous toll upon students' sleeping patterns, causing them to adapt erratic sleep habits, thus neglecting an important aspect of their mental and physical health. Dinges, who did sleep research on over 7000 University students during the 1980s, said that students have been sleeping less and less. "From the 1950s to the 1990s, the trend is to sleep less each decade," said Dinges. He attributed this to changes in society, including the fact that it is easier to do things at night, and a priority in college life of participating in many activities. Dinges described a frequently occurring pattern among University students in which they stay up too late, get up early for classes, and overall suffer a "significant" loss of sleep over the week. Violet Kron, assistant director of psychiatry at Student Health, said that students' active lifestyles often cause them to adapt bizarre and irregular sleep patterns. Kron said that some freshmen she spoke with had not slept for up to four nights in a row. Kron also described several students taking an Art History final exam who were so stressed by the prospect of the difficult exam that they couldn't sleep, and yet were exhausted while studying. Andrew Winokur, a professor of psychology and pharmacology, described two major eccentric sleep patterns among University students. In the first, students neglect sleep during the week, staying up late and waking up early, and then "crash" on weekends. In the second pattern, students stay up late and then make up for the sleep by napping in the late afternoon. "With the exception of medical students, undergrads have the most bizarre sleeping patterns," Winokur said. Yannone described one eccentric sleep pattern he devised so that he could squeeze 20 hours of engineering classes and ROTC responsibilities into the short 24-hour day. "Since 1:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. is the quietest time of day, it is the best suited for homework, 1:30 a.m. being the time that Letterman is over," said Yannone. "From 8 a.m. to noon I would go to classes, relax in the early afternoon, have 'dinner' at 3, and then sleep until 12:30 for Letterman." Yannone lamented that his new sleep schedule didn't work out too well. "Initially, it worked for about three days, and I was highly productive," he said. "Eventually, I started getting tired earlier and earlier each day, and started sleeping through classes . . . it lasted about a week." Experts also said that many students take chemical stimulants either in order to fall asleep or to wake up. Kron said that when used occasionally, stimulants such as No-Doz would not have any serious health effects, but he did not recommend it. Kron warned against the common practice of drinking alcohol in order to fall asleep, saying that it was a "bad remedy for sleeplessness." "Although it is a depressant, alcohol is metabolized quickly, and within a short time of sleep it will make you wake up, and you will be awake and agitated as well," said Kron. In order to fall asleep, Kron recommended an old wive's tale that he said actually works -- drinking warm milk before going to bed. "A hot cup of milk will release an amino acid called tryptophan, which is a fine sedative that occurs in milk and milk products," Kron said. University Counseling Service Psychologist Leonard Miller said that erratic sleep patterns are potentially dangerous. "It is not a healthy pattern to be tired all the time," said Miller. "When tired, you have a weaker immune system, you get a lot of colds and are more open to germs." Other than health reasons, the most common negative effect of unhealthy sleep patterns is that it interferes with the learning process, experts said. Dinges said that it is difficult to learn when students do not get enough sleep, since it decreases their attention span. "Sitting and intaking information is most difficult when sleepy," he said. Dinges said he would advise students to take sleep far more seriously, as it affects the main activity of University life -- learning. "It is unfortunate that sleep is treated as a joke by college students," said Dinges. "Sleep, as much as anything else, tremendously effects one's ability to acquire knowledge, and they are paying a lot of money and putting a lot of time into just that." But Miller said that not all people require the same amount of sleep. "It depends on the individual, not the number of hours of sleep," said Miller. "There is no rule." Yannone said that he recently discovered a new sleeping schedule. "I go to bed at 9 p.m., and I feel great," said Yannone. "The 'early to bed, and early to rise' theory seems to work, but the one flaw in Ben Franklin's maxim is that you can't watch Letterman."
(09/17/91 9:00am)
A blind Law School student fell down a 50-foot SEPTA ventilation shaft on 36th Street near Walnut Street yesterday, breaking several bones, according to University Police and other reports. McGinn Security guard Marsha Williams said she saw the blind student tap his cane against a security barrier to the right of the hole. She said he then stepped to the left, into the two-by six-foot opening to avoid the obstacle and suddenly plummeted from sight. Williams said she immediately called 911 and University Police. She said she saw Jeandron leaving the Graduate Towers dormitories at about 9 a.m., and was heading down South 36th Street when the accident occurred. According to witnesses, the metal grate which usually covers the deep shaft has been missing since yesterday. They said they saw the hole left open and unattended overnight. Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority representative Jim Whittacker said he "didn't know" why the cover of the shaft was missing, and said SEPTA is currently investigating the incident. HUP Nursing Supervisor Marty Taylor said the 25-year-old Jeandron was very lucky, only breaking the top of his left arm and his left ankle. He suffered no internal injuries, she said. University Police Lieutenant Susan Holmes said that Jeandron also suffered a minor fracture of the spine. Philadelphia Fire Department Lieutenant Jack Christmas said a fire rescue team arrived at the shaft at 9:11 a.m. After medics stabilized Jeandron's condition, he was removed at 9:44 a.m. and taken to HUP. Fire and Occupational Safety Director Jim Miller said his office was told at 2:40 a.m. Sunday that the grate to the shaft was missing. Miller said he forwarded the complaint to SEPTA. SEPTA's Whittacker said the transit authority placed several barricades around the hole after the complaint was received, but did not close the hole. University Police officers guarded the hole yesterday until SEPTA replaced the cover. Whittacker refused to say if SEPTA was concerned about a lawsuit from Jeandron, saying only "if a suit is filed, a suit is filed." Law School administrators said they were very upset by the incident and were doing everything they could to support Jeandron. Law Dean Colin Diver described the incident as "a horrifying fall . . . It is miraculous that [Jeandron] is still alive." Diver said he was trying to get in touch with Jeandron's parents. Law School Vice Dean Margo Marshak called the accident "unbelievably sad," and said she went to visit Jeandron at HUP so that he would "feel that someone who really cares was there."
(09/16/91 9:00am)
In the often stressful and unsettling world of University life, a new phone service will provide a friendly ear for students to turn to in times when they need someone to listen. The Reach-A-Peer Helpline, or RAPLine, opens its phones today providing peer support for students, listening to their concerns, and offering them information about the University's diverse counseling resources. According to the phone line's founders, the RAPLine will provide a free, objective and confidential voice to all students who who wish to share a problem, need information, or just want to talk. College senior Melissa Karz, president and co-founder of the RAPLine, stressed that the students who staff the RAPLine do not give advice, but that the top goals of the line is to listen and describe resources and options to students in need. "We can get them where they need to go," said Karz. "But if they want to talk, that's cool too." Karz said she feels the RAPLine will be a tremendous asset to the University, filling a much needed gap by showing students the way between the University's sometimes confusing maze of support services. Karz said when students call the line, the listener immediately says "Hi, this is the Reach-A-Peer helpline, we provide information, support and referrals," so that callers understand not to expect advice. RAPLine co-founder and vice-president Rachel Miller said that the line will complement the support that friends give students in times of need. "Sometimes friends can [provide support], sometimes they can't," said the College junior. Founders Karz, Miller and College junior Marge Jacobs began the process of establishing the RAPLine over a year and a half ago, after they noticed that the University was lacking a peer support line. "Other places have [RAPLines] like this, but Penn was lacking it," said Karz, who was involved in a similar phone line in Los Angeles before she came to the University. The RAPLine, whose phone number is 573-2RAP, is open from Sunday through Thursday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is staffed by 20 trained student volunteers. However, currently, there are only two lines running. Miller said they are currently training more students to staff the lines, and they hope to expand the hours when the RAPLine is open and the number of lines available. Karz and Miller said one reason the line took so long to set up the service because they wanted to assure the permanence of the RAPLine. "In five years, [the RAPLine] will still be here," Karz said. The volunteer peer listeners undergo a thorough training period, involving seminars with University professors, Student Health psychiatrists, graduate and international students, members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Student Alliance, and other campus organizations, Karz said. Other elements of the training includes role-playing scenarios between the caller and the listener. "The crux of the training is to develop active listening skills," said Karz. ""We try to help people to help themselves."
(09/12/91 9:00am)
The first show will feature the bands School of Fish and House of Freaks at 4 p.m. on September 20 and will be either on College Green or Superblock, pending a decision by the University, SPEC members said. College junior Gold said bands have not been chosen yet for the second and third shows, slated for September 27 and October 4, but School of Fish and House of Freaks have signed contracts for their appearances. Assistant to the President Nicholas Constan said President Sheldon Hackney will decide whether the concerts will be allowed on College Green "very soon." David Rose, a College junior who worked with School of Fish this summer while at Capitol Records, described the group as "the perfect band for the Penn community." "School of Fish crosses over from classic rock into the alternative sound of the '90s," said Rose. "Also, they kick ass in concert." Gold said the series is a valuable addition to the University social scene because it "gives students a place to hang out and exposure to different kinds of music." SPEC Concerts Co-chairperson William Nicklin said the three chairs chose mainly little-known alternative bands for the series, adding that they listened to dozens of demo tapes before choosing School of Fish and House of Freaks. Nicklin said that SPEC Concerts is trying to start a new tradition with the free Friday afternoon shows, and if the concerts this fall are popular, they will be continued next semester. He added that SPEC wants to make the University a more festive place, especially for freshmen, "who haven't seen anything yet." "We're all very psyched about it," said Nicklin, a Engineering junior. SPEC Chairperson Lisa Nass heralded the concerts as an opportunity to "bring new music for Penn." Nass said the concerts were also an excellent opportunity for up-and-coming bands, and that the shows could "double the people that know about the band."
(09/09/91 9:00am)
Of all the free-roaming wildlife in North America, none is as prominent at the University as the first-year student -- freshus ignoramus. Arriving at the University in massive groups each autumn, these seasonal mammals tend to nest in the Quadrangle and at Hill House, feeding at such locales as Stouffer Dining Commons. But this exotic group is perhaps best known by upperclassmen and other nature lovers for its bizarre migratory patterns, specifically its tendency to travel from place to place in gigantic groups of up to a dozen, surrounded by hallmates of all kinds. Despite the phenomenon, University professors and freshmen themselves have recently theorized that this species-wide occurrence is not caused by some inherent genetic trait. Psychology professor Justin Aronfreed says the genetic explanation for the large packs is a "myth [perpetuated] in order to make interesting copy." "I'm not sure there is anything specific about a freshman mind, and I don't see that they are all that different," Aronfreed said. "There is no scientific evidence to look at that shows that freshmen are different . . . It's not their dispositions, but the structure of the subculture." Whether or not the freshmen are genetically different from other students may be irrelevant, however. Most agree that, for whatever reason, they are there clogging up Locust Walk every fall. Psychology professor John Sabini called the mass freshman migrations "not surprising," and said that such grouping patters are normal for any new species entering a foreign biosphere. "Freshmen are something of an outgroup because they are newcomers to a culture," Sabini said. And Aronfreed said that the conglomerations are more the fault of an outside force -- namely the University's scheduling. "The administration causes them to be at the same place at the same time," said Aronfreed, citing freshmen seminars and freshmen dormitories. "They are structured [together] by the temporary social scaffolding that the University gives." Freshmen themselves emphasize that the flocking phenomenon is strictly temporary and is induced largely by a feeling of culture shock. "In the beginning, they feel more secure in large groups," College freshman Edward Skyler said. He added that they travel in smaller groups "as soon as things start settling down, and they feel more comfortable." College freshman Melissa Brecher said the groupings are practical because they provide "more people to talk to." "Its kind of a security thing . . . you want to feel you have more friends," Brecher said. "The more people you hang out with, the more people you have bonded with . . . I just travel with whoever comes to meet me." College freshman Sandra Choo agreed freshmen do tend to travel around in packs, but provided a different reason -- "because we don't want to be mugged."
(09/05/91 9:00am)
Roger Ebert's job is safe. President Sheldon Hackney abandoned his tried and true technique of using a summer movie as the cornerstone of his Freshman Convocation address Sunday night, instead stressing the need for a pluralistic University community in response to current traumatic world events. The hour-long ceremony was marred, however, by the absence of nearly half of the the Class of 1995's 2200 freshman because of a hoax in which freshmen were told the ceremony would begin a hour late. Surrounded on stage by University administrators and faculty in their gaudy academic robes, Hackney welcomed the incoming freshmen their first of many University traditions. Hackney said after the ceremony he did not pick a summer movie as his theme because he felt it was important to explain how turbulent world events affect the University. "I didn't see a movie that allowed me to talk about that," he said. But Hackney added that "I almost named a [movie] title just to resolve office pools." Citing the disruptive repercussions of the failed Soviet coup and the ethnic strife in Yugoslavia, Hackney said nationalistic loyalties have strongly reemerged around the globe. He said problems resulting from the "paradox" of finding a balance in life between one's individual and group identity have become evident, both around the world and in West Philadelphia. Hackney said that for an individual, "confrontation with the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable is important to education," but participation in homogeneous religious and ethnic group activities also contribute to better learning. The president stressed that pluralism -- the sharing of cultural values in a manner that reinforces a common commitment to a larger group -- is the key to reconciling the paradox between the individual and group identity. Hackney concluded his address by saying despite the University's faults, it is still "a beacon . . . for society at large." Provost Michael Aiken also spoke, emphasizing that students should use the University's resources to expand their awarenesses, and that they were joining a "proud and rich" tradition. Vice Provost for University Life Kim Morrisson's speech was well received by the crowd of freshmen, as she listed some of the more interesting members of the class of 1995. Morrisson highlighted freshman who were race-car drivers, jig-saw puzzle champions, inventors, mathematicians and Soviet translators, but closed by saying that old achievements were "past history" at the University, and all the new students should strive to make their distinct mark at the University. Despite the hoax which caused about 750 students to arrive late to the ceremony, the 1500-seat auditorium was filled to brim by its finish. Students afterwards said they had enjoyed the traditional ceremony, although they said that at times they were bored. College freshman Tara Sen said she enjoyed the Convocation ceremony because "it was the first time you feel school pride." College freshman Rich Westreich said he was entertained by VPUL Morrisson's list of interesting freshmen, but complained that "the president seemed to want to get us into an academic frame of mind instead of greeting us."
(09/05/91 9:00am)
Half of the freshman class fell victim to an elaborate hoax Sunday night, arriving late to Convocation ceremonies after a fake memo stating the event had been postponed was posted around the Quadrangle and fake phone calls were made to residence deans announcing a change in schedule. Memos supposedly from Assistant Director of Student Life Pam Spicer were put up all around the dormitory -- from bulletin boards to bathroom walls -- stating that President Sheldon Hackney had been delayed traveling and that the event had been postponed by an hour. Approximately 750 freshmen were on time for the event's 7 p.m. kick-off at Irvine Auditorium, and about 750 more members of the Class of '95 arrived slowly at the 1500-seat theater until Convocation's conclusion at 8 p.m., at which point the room was packed full. "Furthermore, we wish to make it clear that we meant no malice to the freshmen class by this action . . . The freshmen, being the gullible creatures that they are, were just easy targets," the letter read. Witnesses said the pranksters were successful in executing the hoax, creating an atmosphere of bewilderment around the Quad and at Irvine. College senior and Resident Advisor Ethan Lazarus said students and R.A.s in the Quad did not know whether Convocation's postponment was real. "My students barely made it on time," Lazarus said. Assistant Residence Dean Jane Rogers said she received a message from the Office of New Student Orientation announcing the postponment, and as the rumor swept through the Quad, freshmen and R.A.s were barraged with conflicting stories about the event. Rogers said that they only were able to learn the truth when an R.A. ran across the street to confirm that the ceremony had started. The hoax was well executed, Rogers said, adding that the pranksters were clever to announce the fake delay early Sunday evening, so that it would be unlikely to be detected until it was too late. "Whoever did it knew enough to talk to the [residence] deans . . . they covered the major bases," said Rogers. Hackney said that he noticed that the auditorium was not quite full, but he "didn't have a strong reaction" to the hoax. "The freshmen missed a very nice ceremony," said Hackney. "It was not a nice thing, but it is not going to shake the foundations of the University."
(06/20/91 9:00am)
S U P E R D I S H S U P E R D I S H There has been a subtle change in the University skyline. Where once only the flat, stunted buildings and pointed stone archs protruded from the trees surrounding Locust Walk, a far more majestic structure now leaps up into the air. This bizarre colossal creation is located on the roof of the Annenberg School for Communication, with its sweeping, irregular curves and daunting 30-foot height, looks more like a work of modern art than a piece of expensive cutting-edge communications technology. Yet cutting-edge technology is exactly what Annenberg's new toy, called the Simulsat Seven Satellite Dish, is all about. Together with the network which is set to be installed this fall, these ??? space-age rabbit ears, and the sights and sounds they will bring to the University community, have the potential to revolutionize the way the University learns, communicates and watches television. The satellite dish can theoretically receive up to 528 television signals from the 14 satellites which it currently monitors, according to John Masse, the chief television engineer at Annenberg. Masse, casually referred to as "a genius" by the building's maintenance workers, has done most of the work hooking the dish up to the building's receivers. Taking a gander at the infinitely complex maze of wiring which connects the dish to the receivers at Annenberg's video laboratory, one realizes the immensity of the task. The Simulsat Seven is impressive both in its size and its technical complexity, said Masse. The top-of-the-line dish weighs in at almost 5,000 pounds, and measures a diameter of more than 43 feet across and 30 feet vertically. Masse said that a major portion of the dish's cost went to reinforcing the Annenberg School's roof so that a gust of strong wind would not blow the satellite -- and the roof along with it -- onto the Walnut Street food trucks below. ·Many Potential Uses But the Simulsat Seven is good for more than allowing Annenberg professors to get free ESPN. Although the dish is still in its "infancy" stage, according to Catherine Schifter, Annenberg's director of multi-media technology. The potential long-term effects that the Simulsat Seven system could have on the University community are wide-reaching -- ranging from pay TV channels for student dorms to increased security from video cameras linked to University Police. "The satellite dish is more like a television station than a cable system," she said. ·The Academic Video Network According to Schifter, the dish has the potential to broadcast any satellite signal to any monitor on the University campus, bringing the power of the system throughout campus, so long as the miles of necessary wiring are connected first. Projects Planning Manager for the University's Data Communications and Computing Services, Michael Palladino, is in charge of the University's "Academic Video Network;" this network would connect University buildings to the Simulsat Seven, allowing them to access to satellite programming. Unfortunately, with the exception of Lauder-Fischer Hall, none of these places are currently wired so that any television set in the building can receive the satellite programming, Palladino said. Phase One only places the "backbone" of the network in the buildings. In order to deliver full satellite access to all monitors in a building, the division of the University which controls the specific building would have to pay for that procedure, said Palladino. He added that no requests have yet been made for buildings to be fully wired. Palladino also said that there is currently no money available from the provost's office, which funded the initial phase, to connect additional buildings to the satellite dish hook-up. Most buildings that can cover the costs of connection to the Academic Video Network could be hooked up, Palladino said. ·Teleconferencing The dish allows members of the University to both hold and participate in the fledgling field of teleconferencing. The dish's potential to allow University researchers and administrators to participate in national symposiums and conferences from their office would be immensely beneficial to the University, Schifter said. ·Diverse Satellite Programming Though the dish can receive up to 528 different television signals, Schifter said the School's current policy does not intend for the dish to receive the more "frivolous" programming that lacks immediate educational value. Administrators at Annenberg decided on 24 channels from the 14 satellites' selection of programming which would best serve the educational mission of the University, according to Masse. Schifter said that initially, the program selection was based on providing the maximum educational value, such as foreign language and technical programming. Currently, the Simulsat Seven does not receive "frivolous" channels, such a PRISM, HBO, Cinemax or MTV. The satellite programming received by the Simulsat Seven includes Scola, a service which broadcasts news shows from around the globe, Cable News Network, C-Span I and II, live coverage from both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, National Technical University engineering programming, Virginia Institute of Technology math programming, Univision (Spanish programming), a Brazillian channel, a Middle Eastern channel and various other business, medical and international shows. ·News From Around the World At first glance, the list of satellite programming chosen by Annenberg to be sent out around the University may sound a little, well, boring; almost like PBS gone berzerk. Granted, the average student won't get much out of some of the more technical channels, but upon closer inspection, some of these "educational" channels are more than just watchable, but downright interesting. CNN has always been a favorite among more current events-hungry University students, particularly with CNN's recent 24-hour reporting of the Persian Gulf War. But once one focuses on C-Span's live Congressional coverage, one can see just how human the people who run the government really are. Perhaps the most amazing channel currently broadcast by the Simulsat Seven is Scola. On this channel (no, its not a brand of mouthwash), news broadcasts from dozens of nations around the planet are shown every half hour or so. News from India is followed by news from Czechoslovakia, followed in rapid-fire succession by the latest breaking stories from Malaysia, Oman, Kenya, Sweden and Saudia Arabia. Although viewers probably can't understand the languages the various reporters speak, and although most international newspeople aren't quite caught up on '90s fashions (India's lead anchor has lapels that would make Elvis proud), the diverse values and cultures of the entire world are dramatically driven home by the network. From the the exuberant facial expressions of the participants in Czechoslovakia's first democratically elected parliament, to the haggard desperation shown by a Filipino reporter while his country is smothered in volcanic ash, Scola thrusts viewers out of their Ivory Tower in West Philly and into the real world. Whether a student of language, culture, political science, media, history, business (some news broadcasts have commercials, too), art or whatever, Scola proves more entertaining and meaningful than thirtysomething, or even the beloved Cheers. ·Looking Into the Future After September 1 rolls around, and the dish has been hooked up to 15 buildings, it will signify a the beginning of a new era in communications throughout the University. Phase Two in the Academic Video Network is as yet undefined, said Palladino. But both Schifter and Palladino said that the number of potential applications for the dish are enormous. If funding is allocated for room hook-ups, then dormitory rooms and student lounges could be wired to receive cable television channels via satellite at a small fraction of the normal cost. Programming for specific classes could be aired over the network, so that documentaries and other specialized academic programming received by the satellite dish, could be coordinated with specific classes. If a two-way signal were installed, technicians said, radio programming from WXPN also could be sent into student dorms, along with University-created informational and educational channels. Sports events from the Palestra and Franklin Field could be broadcast directly to monitors in University buildings. In order to increase safety, dangerous areas such as parking garages and building entrances could be monitored by University Police with the help of video cameras. Palladino describes these examples as being just the tip of iceberg, saying that many applications which exist have not even been thought of yet. ·Linking Obstacles The implementation of the Academic Video Network, and any future modifications of the system powered by the Simulsat Seven, will face several obstacles in the years to come, said Palladino. Installing the large receivers on the tops of the University's more ornate and antique buildings may pose a problem with facilities management, he said. Also, Wade Cable Company, which has a contractual monopoly to bring cable channels to West Philadelphia, may claim that sending satellite programming illegally violates their jurisdiction. Whatever the obstacles, the Simulsat Seven system will bring the technology of the '90s right to your doorstep.
(05/17/91 9:00am)
Hit-and-run driver sentenced to 40 years years imprisonment The driver in the hit-and-run robbery of a College junior last November was sentenced to up to 40 years in prison by a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge Tuesday afternoon. Judge Carolyn Temin sentenced 27-year-old Christopher Turner to two consecutive 20 year terms with eligibility for parole in 10 years for aggravated assault and robbery. Turner and Philadelphia resident Allan Waters both admitted to snatching the bookbag of College junior Roberta Koeppel as she exited her car last fall on the 4000 block of Locust Street. Waters held onto the bag, which was slung around Koeppel's chest, as Turner accelerated the van they were driving in, dragging her about 30 feet. When the bag snapped, Koeppel fell to the ground. Turner then backed the van up, running over the student. He then drove forwards, running over her again, according to court records. The hit-and-run robbery left Koeppel seriously injured, but she has since fully recovered. Waters was sentenced to 15 years in prison last month for his part in the incident. Temin said during sentencing that she handed down an especially harsh prison term because she felt Turner's crime was particularly vicious and immoral, and explained to the court that she gave a sentence which exceeded the recommended court guidelines for the charges. She said that not only did Turner commit violent actions, but he showed no insight into the wrongness of his behavior. During a pre-sentencing psychological examination, doctors found that Turner suffered from undifferentiated schizophrenia, a mental illness which requires that Turner be constantly medicated. Temin said Turner's psychological illness only exacerbated his problems. "The sentence reflects the violent abhorrent nature of the crime and the dangerous nature of the person," she said. Before announcing his sentence, Temin cited Turner's strife-torn upbringing as a possible motive for his crimes. Turner's father and brother both committed suicide during his childhood. The sentencing was attended by several of Koeppel's friends from the University, as well as Sandra Motteles and Ruth Wells of the University's Victim Support Services Department. Motteles said she was "very happy" with the verdict, and she felt that "justice was best served by taking [Turner] off the streets." Motteles called Turner a "a walking time bomb who exhibited uncontrollable and unpredictable behavior." She added that she was pleased to see Koeppel's friends were continuing their support by coming to the sentencing, saying that they have helped Koeppel greatly. Motteles also said Koeppel has made "miraculous" progress in recovering from the robbery, referring to the attack as a "life-altering event." Assistant District Attorney James Lyons, who prosecuted the case, also said he was very pleased with the sentence. "This guy is a very dangerous man. He has proven it before that if free he would [commit a crime] again," Lyons said. "He is a predator." Before the sentence was announced, Turner's defense attorney, Barnaby Wittels, described Turner as a "sick individual" to the judge, and said that Turner knows that he must be incarcerated. After the sentencing, Wittels said the sentence imposed by Temin was harsh, but he was not surprised by its severity. "What is an appropriate sentence for someone as sick as he and has done something as horrible as he has?" asked Wittels. "It is evident that the court only wants vengeance." (CUT LINE) Please see ROBBERY, page 7 ROBBERY, from page 1
(05/17/91 9:00am)
Philadelphia Police arrested a West Philadelphia man April 28 and charged him with the rape of a 12-year-old girl in a building on the 4100 block of Walnut Street, a police spokesperson said this week. Detective Edward Tenudo said the girl, also a resident of West Philadelphia, was returning from an errand at 3:30 p.m. when her alledged attacker, Darryl Bennett Brown, 29, invited her into his apartment at 4111 Walnut Street. Tenudo said Brown took her to his bedroom and raped her. The victim then left the apartment and reported the crime to Philadelphia Police, who arrested Brown at 9:20 that night in his apartment, said Tenudo. Tenudo added that arresting officer Patrick Smith reported no struggle when the arrest was made. Brown has been charged with rape, statutory rape, indecent assault, corrupting the morals of a minor, and interfering with custody, said Tenudo. Tenudo said he did not know if Brown is a University student, but a person at the University registrar's office said no one by that name is enrolled at the University. Tenudo said Brown has been arraigned, but no details were available on the arraignment. The resident manager of the apartment building where the alleged rape occurred, John Richard, referred to the incident as a "terrible thing." Richard said that about 60 of the 78 apartments at 4111 Walnut Street are filled by University students. One University student, who would not give his name, said he did not know that an alleged rape had taken place in the building.
(04/25/91 9:00am)
Despite an early ruling in the University's favor, attorneys for the inventor and manufacturer of "miracle" wrinkle-control drug Retin-A are claiming a victory in their court battle with the University over the patent rights to the medicine. A federal judge ruled Tuesday that he would not throw out the University's case for control of the drug as the drug's producer, Johnson and Johnson Baby Products Company, and Retin-A's inventor, University Emeritus Dermatology Professor Albert Kligman, had asked. But the attorney for Johnson and Johnson and Kligman, Ellen Martin, said yesterday the judge painted a very negative picture of the University's case in his decision. The University has been battling with Johnson and Johnson and Kligman since last year over the lucrative rights to the drug. Whomever holds the patent rights to Retin-A is expected to earn untold millions of dollars if the Federal Drug Administration approves the wrinkle cream for over-the-counter sales in the U.S. The University's lawyers have contended throughout the case that Kligman was bound by the University's internal patent policy when he developed Retin-A. They maintain he violated this policy when he sold the Retin-A rights to a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson in 1986. Attorneys for Johnson and Johnson and Kligman have asserted that Kligman is not bound by the policy. Martin said it was a very optimistic sign for her case that the judge described the University's case at one point as "scant". Martin said the judge was close to dismissing the case even considering only the University's side, much of which she contends is inaccurate. When the judge is presented with the other side, the University will certainly lose, Martin said. In order for the judge to dismiss the University's suit, he must determine that no reasonable jury could ever in any way find in favor of the University. "We tried to hit a home run, and we hit a triple," said Martin of the denied motion. The lawyer for the University, Associate General Counsel Neil Hamburg, responded to Martin's metaphor by saying, "They lost . . . a triple doesn't score a run." Hamburg would not comment on the judge's view of the University's case, saying only that the University gained a great deal from the judge's decision because the judge refused to prevent a jury trial. "The point of [Johnson and Johnson and Kligman's] motion was to take the case away from the jury," said Hamburg. "We are looking forward to a trial by a jury."
(04/24/91 9:00am)
The University jumped a major hurdle in their legal battle for the patent rights to the lucrative wrinkle-control drug Retin-A in federal court yesterday. A federal judge refused to throw out the University's case yesterday, ruling against a motion by the drug's manufacturer and inventor urging him to do so. The University filed suit against the inventor, Dermatology Professor Emeritus Albert Kligman, and producer, Johnson and Johnson Baby Products Company last year. The suit claims that the University owns the patent rights to the drug, asserting Kligman illegally sold them to Johnson and Johnson's subsidiary Ortho Pharmaceuticals. The University's complaint demands control of Retin-A and a asks for a share of its royalties. Kligman and Johnson and Johnson filed a motion to dismiss the University's case last year, but U.S. District Court Judge Jay Waldman denied the motion in a 39-page written decision which was released yesterday. In reaching his decision, Waldman said that he could not rule out the possibility that a jury would find in favor of the University if the case went to trial. The University's lawyer in the case, Associate General Counsel Neil Hamburg, said yesterday that he was "delighted" by the decision, adding that it was a substantial victory for the University. "We believe that this decision is a vindication of the University's right to enforce its patent policy," Hamburg said. "We expect to be further vindicated by a jury in this case. The attorney for Kligman and Johnson and Johnson, Thomas Morrison, said he could not comment on the decision because he had not yet had time to look it over. Both lawyers said they did not know if the ruling would lead directly to a jury trial or what the next step in the case would be. The judge also ruled that the University did not file its challenge of the Retin-A patent rights in time to sue Johnson and Johnson for punitive damages. But Associate General Counsel Neil Hamburg said he was not as concerned about the punitive damages ruling because the University was successful in "the largest part of the case." Retin-A has been heralded as a "miracle drug" due to its skin healing properties, and has the potential to earn untold millions of dollars for whomever holds its patent rights. Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Retin-A for over-the-counter sales, but the drug may be prescribed by physicians and is available outside the United States. The University's lawyers have maintainted throughout the case that the University controls all patent right to inventions by professors it employs, according to the University's patent policy. The University alleges that Kligman violated the policy when he sold the patents to Ortho Pharmaceuticals in 1986. Attorneys for Kligman and Johnson and Johnson have repeatedly said that because Kligman never signed a written contract with the University, the University's policy is not binding. Hamburg said that the judge's decision is important because "the University is in the business of advancing society through research, and the money the University obtains under its patent policy will go back into research for the betterment of society." It is unknown how much money that Johnson and Johnson has made from the sale of Retin-A, but a 60 Minutes report which ran last year said that Johnson and Johnson has made over $100 million before February 1990.
(04/19/91 9:00am)
The results of months of hard work and preparation will come to fruition today in the Quadrangle and later in Hill Field as the Spring Fling festivities commence -- as long as Mother Nature plays along. Yet the numerous Philadelphia area weather forecasters can't seem to agree on exactly what the thunder gods have in store for the University revelers. And unfortunately the dean of weathermen, NBC forecaster Willard Scott, did not return a message placed to his office. But the National Weather Service predicts that today will be sunny with a high near 65, with clouds coming in Friday night, bringing with them a 40 percent chance of rain in the late hours of the night. For the more pessimistic, Accu-Weather claims that today will be cloudy with a high of 62 degrees, with only a slight chance of rain for the chilly Indigo Girls concert. Fling organizers can postpone day-time activities if necessary, but the concert tonight may be cancelled if there is severe weather. Tomorrow night's activities will be moved to Irvine Auditorium if it rains.
(04/16/91 9:00am)
Sparked by a University Police investigation of a report of attempted rape at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, the fraternity issued a statement yesterday which asserted that it does not allow sexually abusive behavior by its members. ZBT said in its statement that it "will not tolerate or condone any form of sexually abusive or assaultive behavior on the part of its members. Members who engage in such conduct are subject to discipline or expulsion by the fraternity." The fraternity's statement also said members are cooperating with police investigations of the reported rape attempt. The statement, however, neither confirmed nor denied that any rape attempt took place at the fraternity's Superblock house. ZBT president Matthew Feinsod could not be reached for further comment last night. University Police, along with the Philadelphia Police sex crimes unit, started an investigation last week into a reported rape attempt of a student from another university in ZBT's house January 26. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said last week the student reported the alleged incident to her school's police department, who in turn reported it to University Police earlier this month. University Judicial Inquiry Officer Constance Goodman said last week she is also investigating an alleged incident which occurred at ZBT. Goodman said last night ZBT has offered to cooperate in her investigation of the alleged incident. The JIO said she has not yet involved the fraternity in her investigations, but added that she will soon talk with members of the house. "Whenever an incident occurs in a fraternity, it is my responsibility to talk with members," Goodman said.
(04/15/91 9:00am)
Judicial Inquiry Officer Constance Goodman said last week that she is investigating an incident at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, but would not say if it was the alleged attempted rape at ZBT that University Police are currently looking into. Goodman declined to comment on the details of the investigation, saying only that her investigation is in conjunction with University Police. The JIO said the complaint is not against the fraternity, but rather against an individual. Last week, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said University Police were investigating a report of an attempted rape on January 26 of a student from another university in ZBT's Superblock house. The student reported the alleged incident to her school's police department, who in turn reported it to University Police earlier this month. Kuprevich said the victim has filed a criminal complaint and is cooperating with police in the investigation. Neither the commissioner nor the JIO would release the names of any suspects involved in the cases, nor would they predict when the investigations would be completed. ZBT President Matthew Feinsod has not returned repeated phone calls placed to the fraternity's house since the middle of last week. Goodman would only say that "the complaint is very serious, and I will investigate it methodically and properly." ZBT has been on probation since the fall of 1989 as a result of a 1988 incident in which brothers hired two strippers for a rush event. During the strip show, several spectators performed sexual acts upon the women with cucumbers and ketchup. The incident lead to an 18-month suspension of the fraternity. Goodman said if she determines that the fraternity is collectively responsible for the alleged incident she is currently investigating, ZBT's probationary status would "weigh heavily" upon any punishment handed down by the Fraternity and Sorority Advisory Board.
(04/11/91 9:00am)
University Police and the Philadelphia Police Sex Crimes Unit are investigating a report of an attempted rape at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said yesterday. Kuprevich said the victim, a student at another university, visited campus earlier this semester. When the victim returned to her school, she reported the attempted rape to her school's police. The department contacted University Police about the alleged incident last week. Kuprevich said the victim has filed a criminal complaint and is cooperating in the investigation. The commissioner would not release the names of any suspects in the case. Kuprevich said police believe there was one assailant in the alleged incident. He declined to release any specific findings of the investigation until its completion, saying only that a preliminary report has been finished and police are currently performing a follow-up investigation. Kuprevich said he did not know when the investigation would be completed. ZBT has been on probation since the fall of 1989, but Vice Provost for University Life Kim Morrisson declined to speculate on the investigation's effects on the fraternity, saying she has not received a copy of the preliminary police report. The probation stems from a 1988 incident in which brothers hired two strippers for a rush event. During the strip show, some spectators performed sexual acts upon the women with cucumbers and ketchup. Before being placed on probation in 1989, the fraternity had been suspended from campus for 18 months. Morrisson said last night ZBT would remain on probation indefinitely, adding that the Fraternity and Sorority Advisory Board has recommended that ZBT's probationary status be lifted at the end of this term. Morrisson said she plans to meet with ZBT officials before then. Morrisson said she did not know if the police investigation would be an issue in her upcoming meeting with ZBT officials. "[ZBT] has worked hard to improve their chapter procedures," Morrisson said yesterday. "That is why the boards felt that probation should be lifted." Morrisson said any punishment of the entire ZBT chapter would occur only after an investigation by Judicial Inquiry Officer Constance Goodman. Goodman has yet to start an investigation of the alleged attempted rape, Morrisson said. If Goodman determines that a sexual assault occurred and that the fraternity is collectively responsible, the issue would go back to the FSAB. The board would then recommend a punishment to Morrisson. Morrisson said she did not know how ZBT's probation would effect any punishment of the fraternity. "If an individual were on probation, a second violation could make things worse," said Morrisson. "However, if it were a collective issue, it depends on the circumstances." Some members of the University community were upset yesterday about the University Police Department's handling of the incident. The alleged crime was first reported by the University in Tuesday's edition of the Almanac. University Council Safety and Security Committee Co-chairperson Jeffery Jacobson said during yesterday's University Council meeting that his committee has not been informed of the incident, and asked for an explanation how the University has responded to the reported assault. President Sheldon Hackney responded only by saying that "the investigation is going on now. We will pursue it energetically." Students Together Against Acquaintance Rape executive board member Erica Strohl said she was concerned by the report. "We expect that the University will respond to this with thorough investigation," said the College senior. "We also find the incident distressing in light of ZBT's history of violence against women."