Search Results
Below are your search results. You can also try a Basic Search.
(01/28/91 10:00am)
Millions of viewers around the globe last night gazed at the television simultaneously to watch 24 men attempt to move an oblong ball one hundred yards. It was the Super Bowl. All viewers have a different definition of the game. Some say it is an American tradition, others say that it is about friendship, and still others are there to eat and drink. Wharton senior Craig York, who "has probably never missed [a Super Bowl] since the late 70's," explained last night that the event is defined as "Hoagies, beer, and a football game." All three elements were present at the Kappa Alpha Society house, where about 20 brothers watched the game, won by the New York Giants 20-19 after the Buffalo Bills missed a last second field goal. Because of the war in the Persian Gulf, recent rumors that the Super Bowl could be postponed or cancelled due to a possible terrorist attack caused unrest among some of the viewers. "There are more important things going on in this world," College sophomore Matt Bastian said last night. "You've got to look at [the Super Bowl] in perspective." Robert Giacopetti agreed that the war with Iraq is more important, but said the Super Bowl served a role in alleviating some of the tension. "Right now with crisis in the Gulf it's a great escape from reality," College freshman Giacopetti said. "It's good for everyone to look away from the crisis for a few hours." College sophomore Ed Ostad, who was enjoying the event and free chicken wings at Barley and Hops restaurant, recognized that patriotism abounded during the pre-game rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner." "Everyone was getting into the National Anthem, and everyone was waving a flag," he said. Doug Emanuel, a College senior who watched the game at the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house, lauded the Super Bowl as an exciting event that is celebrated annually at his house. "It's a non-social event, unlike a party, where those in the fraternity can get together and have a good time," Emanuel said. Other students were watching the game for a wide range of reasons. Wharton junior Joon Park was rooting for the Giants to win the game. But his reasons have nothing to do with a favorite player, favorite team, or even a dislike for the Giant's opponent -- the Bills. "Every single time an N.F.C. team wins, except twice, the stock market has closed up for the year," Park said. Domino's Pizza also has monetary reasons to enjoy the event. "The sales have been incredible," said Domino's manager Alan Libowitz, adding last night was one of the best nights of the year. Jan Zucker, the owner of Lee's Hoagie House, reported the same results. Zucker said the "Giants have made this a fantastic year." He said since many University students live in or near New York, the Giants are "almost like a home team."
(01/28/91 10:00am)
The list of notable persons who joined in the festivities included President Sheldon Hackney, DP alumnus and New York Times writer Dick Stevenson, and of course, the editors, staffers and alumni of the DP. Hackney kicked off the evening with a five-minute speech satirizing an executive editor's introduction to life at the DP. "Welcome freshpersons," began Hackney, using what he termed as the "politically correct" language. "I thank you for making the great trek past McDeath and the DMZ [Demilitarized Zone] to the Pink Palace [the DP]." Hackney added that every freshman should understand that all news can have a negative slant and it is the responsibility of a DP writer to find it. "You'll have to learn to work through the night and sleep through class," Hackney added. Outgoing Sports Editors Tiffany Sparks and Scott Waynebern, who were disappointed by the sparse meal of a green salad, pasta and chicken breast, and chocolate swirls, ordered four Domino's pizzas -- whose deliverer briefly interrupted Hackney's speech. Stevenson, the keynote speaker and DP Executive Editor in 1980, said he quickly ascended through the ranks at the DP. "I started at the very bottom -- as a sports writer," Stevenson said. Now as a professional writer with the Times, he still has ties to the University. "I've interviewed Michael Milken, Donald Trump, and a lot of other Wharton graduates who are currently in jail," Stevenson added. But for some, the highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony focusing on some of the DP's best over the past year. In the News department, new Executive Editor Helen Jung was the prestigious winner of the Most Valuable Reporter award. The 'Bo Jackson' Award for greatest overall contribution to the newspaper--"she knows graphics and she knows writing"--went to beat reporter Emily Culbertson. But the big-money winner of the evening was beat reporter Christine Lutton, coming home with two awards -- one for her outstanding coverage of the Castle kidnapping last spring as well as the DP Alumni Writing Award. The Sports department's award for best beat reporting coverage went to new Sports Editor Noam Harel, while most valuable reporter for the Sports Department was sports reporter John Di Paolo. Matthew Schwartz was named most improved sports writer. Wayneburn assured them that the news staff that they are all still "a bunch of weenies." In the Photography department, new Weekly Pennsylvanian Editor Brian Newberry was named the most valuable photographer of the year while Debra Lima won the most improved photographer award. The Business department delivered five Distinguished Service Awards. Their recipients were Barry Freeman, Fred Gluckman, Adam Levin, Tara Friend, and Lin Shearer. 34th Street Magazine named Ann Luerssen as the most valuable staffer and commended David Boyer as the one who served as the savior for the magazine. Despite the free alcohol and the good spirit that prevaded the evening, not everyone was pleased. New 34th Street Magazine Editor Andrew Libby was disappointed that he would walk home empty handed. "I don't understand why I didn't win all the awards," Libby said. Others took time to comment on the attire of both the new editors and attendees. University Police Department spokesperson Sylvia Canada commented on the new Managing Editor Peter Spiegel. "He is a real smooth talker and dresser," Canada said. "If I were into journalism and 'x' amount of years younger I would give him a ring and it wouldn't be about reporting either." Spiegel was not the only smooth dresser at the banquet. In an informal poll conducted throughout the evening, Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Duchess Harris was overwhelmingly selected as best dressed.
(01/25/91 10:00am)
It's lonely at the top. Joining newly-appointed Wharton Dean Thomas Gerrity is Wharton Deputy Dean Anthony Santomero, the Richard Mellon professor of finance. Santomero, who began his Wharton career in 1972, has held various positions in the school as both a professor and administrator. He has also served as the co-chairperson of finance department and the vice-dean of the Wharton Graduate division. Gerrity said of the appointment that he looks forward to working with Santomero, saying that the finance professor will bring a lot to his post. "]He will[ play an integral role as we develop a strategy for the school that will generate even greater strengths and accomplishments in our teaching and research," Gerrity, who was unavailable for comment, said in a statement. The process of selecting a deputy dean is a "complex" one. Santomero said that Gerrity, the dean's advisory board, and the provost's office "work together to find someone to assist them." While Gerrity was selected for his broad range of experience in the private sector, Santomero has 19 years of experience at the University. Santomero served on the selection committee that chose Gerrity and said that their pasts complement each other well. "I have worked through the ranks," the new deputy dean said earlier this month. "We're excited to have a nice match." Santomero received his doctorate in economics from Brown University and is an expert of risk and bank financial management. The finance professor said the dean decides the goals and direction of Wharton, adding that it he will focus on assisting in achieving them. "This is an exciting time to assist the Wharton School as we move into the 21st century," Santomero said, adding that the school has implemented various new methods to expand their present curriculum, especially in the executive education field. "We have produced educational videos, a series of books, manuscripts, and television news reports," he said. Santomero is succeeding Edward Bowman, who served as acting deputy dean for the past 18 months. Bowman had extended his tenure by six months to assist Gerrity in his transition to the University. Bowman also helped select Santomero.
(01/24/91 10:00am)
Representatives from opposing fundraising organizations battled it out for University employees' charity dollars at yesterday's University Council meeting, as Council members searched for the best giving program for the University. Advocates of both a United Way-dominated giving campaign and a proposed "Combined Campaign" attacked opposing plans in time that was allotted to inform Council representatives about the respective programs. With abrasive and acusatory language, the two charities bickered about who would best use employee-donated money. Both groups claimed the other's reported administative costs were lies and that the other have distributed misinformation to the public. As United Way President Ted Moore explained after the meeting, "The bottom line is money." The current fund raising system allows faculty and staff to pledge part of their pay exclusively to the United Way. This was the University's method until fall of 1988 when steps toward a combined campaign were implemented. A combined campaign would encourage the staff and faculty to contribute directly to various University-approved fundraising organizations instead of going through the United Way. The administration has taken steps to achieve this goal and has fully implemented four umbrella groups - Womens Way, Bread and Roses, United Negro College Fund and the Black United Fund -- to join the United Way in the University's fund drive. Supporters of the combined campaign are asking the University to add more approved fundraising groups to their options. United Way officials are seeking to maintain the status quo, or even remove the four groups added since 1988 from the campaign. Contributors to the fall fund drive will vote for one of the campaigning methods in a March referendum. A third option, to eliminate the campaign system on campus, may be on the referendum as well. Rudovsky said the new method would allow more money to reach individual charities since the United Way's administrative costs would be eliminated. Currently, the United Way subtracts 10 to 20 percent of gifts for "administrative" purposes prior to sending it to the dependent organization. United Way representative Cheri Wilson defended the United Way, saying donors have a choice of the ultimate destination of their money from over 2700 recognized charity organizations. She said the combined campaign would give an "unfair marketing advantage" to groups that can afford to solicit money from employees. Another United Way supporter, Shirley Thomas, refuted claims that the group excludes "progressive organizations," saying "the United Way opposed racism in 1931." Both groups claimed to have been responsible for a dramatic rise in donations last fall. Council's steering committee will consider placing the issue on the agenda for next month's meeting. In other business, Faculty Senate Chairperson Almarin Phillips announced that council steering will temporarily expand the open expression committee to accomodate the increased demand for representatives at University meetings since the war in the Persian Gulf began last week. Phillips said that former open expression committee members will be asked to serve as representatives, who may intervene if they witness a violation of the open expression guidelines. Open expression guidelines regulate and protect free speech, debates and demonstrations on campus. President Sheldon Hackney also discussed the war in the Persian Gulf, listing several steps the University has taken to assist students, staff and faculty members during the crisis. They include a hotline to answer questions about the war, notification of open expression guidelines and assistance to the Red Cross' blood drive later this month.
(01/23/91 10:00am)
Although a military draft has been side-stepped by the Bush administration over the past several weeks, over 100 students listened attentively at a meeting last night to gain a better understanding of conscientious objecting -- a main way to avoid being sent to the front lines. And although the meeting at the Christian Association was not specifically designed to encourage any political views, students clearly were seeking valuable tips for their future. Organizers touted the meeting as a two-hour session to explain the conscientious objector option and encourage students to become draft counselors. During Nelson's 90-minute speech, the middle-aged man energized the audience mixing personal anecdotes about his war experience with advice. Nelson, who identifies himself as a conscientious objector, enlisted in the Marines during the Vietnam War and told of the enormous moral struggle he faced in battle. Nelson expressed concern that Americans do not understand the gravity of a draft, jokingly adding that they care more about their pets then their children. "If we passed a law that all cats and dogs are drafted and going to Saudi Arabia there would be a shoot-out," Nelson said. "Americans won't allow their pets to go to war." Nelson said that he felt that people who say they will go if they are drafted are being foolish. "It costs money to use the draft process," Nelson said. "If you are willing to go, [the military] would love to have you. Sign up. Why are you waiting?" He also urged the men in the audience to seriously consider the conscientious objector status, adding that such a choice does not demonstrate a lack of masculinity. "Muhammed Ali, the greatest conscientious objector, was not a sissy, he kicked everyone's butt," Nelson added. Organizers said that if an individual has decided to apply for conscientious objector status, they should assemble their documents now. Useful documents to present in one's case to the U.S. Draft Board include any peace activity, letters from clergy, friends and parents. Nelson insisted that those who are still deciding their status should begin to compile the documents in case they need the letters. He also suggested consulting a draft counselor to help them sort through the mixed feelings. Students who attended the information session said that they learned a lot. "I came tonight to find out all about what a concientious objector status what it is and how it is done," said College Sophomore Pat Grugan. College junior Elizabeth Whitney said she did not come to the meeting for herself. "I'm hoping to be able to talk to the men I love and help them get out of this war," she said. This was the first meeting in a series of talks designed to help students become draft counselors.
(01/22/91 10:00am)
A committee of faculty and staff will ask University Council Wednesday to find a more direct way to donate money to charity from their paychecks. Up until the fall of 1989, employees could volunteer to have part of their pay sent to charity only through the United Way. Since then, the University has added four other organizations to the list. But members of the committee for a Combined Campaign at Penn said yesterday that this system is not the most efficient way to donate to charity. The group has been working for two years to have the University allow direct donations through fundraising groups besides The United Way. The United Way keeps 20 percent of all donations, saying it is used for administrative costs, before passing the remainder on to individual fund-raising organizations. The other four groups also keep a similar percentage. Committee members said that eliminating the United Way as a middle-man would ensure more money went directly to charities. They also said that more employees would choose to donate if there were a more open system. Members are expected to propose a system where employees can choose from several different charities. United Way officials have fought the request, saying they can offer a broader range of alternatives, over 2700 organizations, through their "donor-choice" system. United Way officials also claim that its costs are lower than the other groups. The United Way said in a statement, to be printed in today's issue of Almanac, that the new system would be utilized to allow approved groups "a powerful marketing advantage at the expense of other groups." After the committee and United Way representatives explain their positions at Council, Council representatives are expected to explain the two plans to their constituents. Assistant to the President Nicholas Constan said the University will make a final decision through a referendum this spring. Committee member and Associate Director of Risk Management Jane Combrinck-Graham said the University took a "big step" when it added the four other groups -- Womens Way, United Negro College Fund, Bread and Roses Community Fund, and the Black United Fund -- last year. "This was an incremental step, not the full step that the committee is seeking," Combrinck-Graham said. The new plan would have the University approve several different groups to donate through. "They would have to be consistent with University policy of diversity, pluralism, and fairness," added Combrinck-Graham. "A set of criteria would be set up." Combrinck-Graham said that from 1988 to 1989 donations from University employees increased from $256,000 to $290,000 and "at last count this year was $357,000, well over the $300,000 goal and over 1,000 more people gave money this year." She attributed this rise to a greater freedom of choice for the employees.
(01/22/91 10:00am)
A geology professor who planned to grade engineering students on a different scale in his oceanography class scrapped the system yesterday after students complained about it. At the beginning of the semester, Associate Geology Professor Charles Thayer told his Geology 130 class he would use two different curves because engineering students were better prepared in the sciences and, therefore, had an unfair advantage. Many of the students in the class registered complaints, however, and Thayer agreed yesterday to grade all students equally. Thayer said last night he had established the dual curve system to help the students and to keep students from other schools from dropping the course. Engineering students comprise approximately half the class. "I thought it was a move to benefit the undergraduates," he said. "I didn't perceive it as a popular move, so we won't have it." Thayer, however, feels that there is still value to the system. "I talked to collegues and it is a tried and true method at other Ivy League schools, but if the students don't want it they won't have it," he added. "Anyway, it takes more effort for us to draw up two curves." Thayer said he has no plans to implement the dual curve system in future classes. Executive Assistant to the Provost Linda Koons said Sunday that the case was unprecedented and that there is no official policy governing dual grading curves. But engineering students complained that they did not have an unfair edge over others since they were not required to take any previous chemistry or biology courses that would have aided them in the course. They also said they thought the policy was against University procedures. "It wasn't fair to have it," said Engineering junior Glen O'Neill. "It seemed that people brought up the point, if no one said anything he would have stayed with it." "Essentially what I got out of what [Thayer] said was that his only reason for the dual curve system was to make college students not want to drop the class just because they were going to be graded against engineering students," Engineering junior Scott Villa said.
(01/21/91 10:00am)
Some Engineering students say there is something fishy about the grading system in their Oceanography course. In what several administrators term an unprecedented case at the University, a class in oceanography is being conducted with two grading curves -- a more difficult curve for Engineering students and another for students from other undergraduate schools. Associate Geology Professor Charles Thayer, who teaches the class, said last night that he is looking out for students who may not have an equal background in the physical sciences. "I thought it might be a way to keep non-science students in a science course," Thayer said. According to several students, the professor asked those enrolled to identify themselves by school at the first class of Geology 130. Of approximately 200 students, nearly half signified they were in the Engineering school. Executive Assistant to the Provost Linda Koons said last night she was "surprised" by the professors' decision, but said that there was no policy to prevent the professor's decision. In addition, she said that the pass/fail option is in place as an alternative to students who wish to pursue a course they may not have an extensive background in. "I've never seen this before," Koons said. "[As far as I know] there are no rules about it." Provost Michael Aiken could not be reached for comment last night. Engineering Dean Gregory Farrington said that he has never heard of such a grading system in any other class. "I find it a strange situation, if, in fact, it's true," Farrington said. The course for both groups will be exactly the same, but students of varying schools will be evaluated differently, according to students in the class. "He will administer the same exams, but administer the grades separately," said Engineering junior Scott Villa. Engineering students said they were disturbed by being segregated from the rest of the class, adding that there is no basis to it. "I have no background in oceanography," Villa said. "I am not at all better prepared." Most Engineering students are only required to take five credits of hard sciences -- three in physics and two in classes of their choice. "The only thing we are required to take is math and physics, and in this class we are mostly doing chemistry and biology," said Engineering and College junior Heidi Saffer. "We've been treated unfairly and we don't have an unfair advantage. It seems kind of ridiculous." Thayer said last night that he could change the policy if there is much opposition from students. "If it is unpopular, I will certainly change it," Thayer said.
(01/18/91 10:00am)
As the U.S. intervention in the Persian Gulf approaches six months and combat escalates, students at home are struggling inside. Some students have decided they are willing to fight. Others do not support the objectives of Operation Desert Storm. Still others morally oppose war entirely. The last group, called conscientious objectors, are exempted from service in the event of a draft if they can prove they are truly opposed to war and are not just trying to evade the draft. On Tuesday, interested students can learn how to demonstrate their commitment to their sentiments and how to help others make their own moral decisions about war. The Association of the Clergy of the Christian Association, is offering a training seminar on being a conscientious objector. The Association is composed of area ministers. The session for conscientious objectors will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the CA Building, located at 36th Street and Locust Walk. Members of all faiths are welcome to attend. Reverend Beverly Dale, who is organizing the training session, said the ministers "want to train people to be counselors to know what to say and how to say it, the ins and outs of being [a conscientious objector]." Ex-Marine and Vietnam veteran Alan Nelson will be the featured speaker and trainer at the session. Nelson was referred to the CA by the Philadelphia Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors. Sara Paomer, an intern at the Central Committee, urged concientious objectors to begin the process now. "You should begin working and thinking about it as soon as possible," Paomer said. "Start collecting information . . . , but until you receive an induction letter you cannot apply for C.O. [conscientious objector] status." Paomer explained the system that one must proceed through to declare themselves a conscientious objector. Upon being drafted one should apply for several applications, including the one specific to conscientious objectors. The application, according to Paomer, will require the individual to answer three essay questions and submit supporting letters. She advised one to "include letters of support from clergy and friends. Definitely get counseling from a draft counselor and . . . if you have a record of peace activity and have news clippings, send them in." Paomer explained that, "any works of charity, taking care of the homeless, or other group memberships, might help." There are two types of conscientious objectors, according to the Central Committee, 1-0 and 1-A-0. The former is an objector to all military service, and the latter is an objector to combat service. After all the forms are processed, the U.S. Draft Board will consider the application and hold a hearing. Published and broadcast reports have indicated a draft is not likely unless fighting continues for a long time, possibly for more than a year. Even then, the decision will not be up to President Bush or the Pentagon, but to Congress. Captain Lyle Lewis, Jr., the director of the Naval Officer Education Program at the University, said he has no knowledge of any indication of "movement in the direction of the draft." Current law requires males who are 18 or over to register with the selective service. This can be done at any post office.
(01/18/91 10:00am)
Americans have witnessed Japanese firms purchase Rockefeller Plaza, Columbia Pictures, MCA, and yesterday, they got Moore. Henry Moore, a British sculptor, is the crafter of Draped Reclining Mother and Child, a work that has been prominently displayed in the entrance to Steinberg-Dietrich Hall since 1988. The work is owned by Jeffrey Loria, a "friend" of the Arthur Ross Gallery. For the last two years, Loria has loaned it to the University. But yesterday, several workers removed the sculpture and sent it on a trip to Japan, where it has been reportedly sold to a Japanese art gallery. Patricia Tompkins, the executive director of the James Goodman Gallery said yesterday the statue was sold to a Japanese gallery which may have intentions to sell Draped Reclining Mother and Child to a private investor also in Japan. "Right now the Japanese have been interested in Henry Moore works. They especially like figurative works," Tompkins said. She said she could not comment any further on the sale or the sculpture's destination. Assistant to the President Dilys Winegrad said Wednesday evening she had been told that the statue was leaving to go on tour in Japan and had not been informed of the sale. The statue is the personal property of Loria so the University has no involvement in matters regarding it's ownership. In its place, Loria substituted another Moore work from his personal collection. The new statue is named Reclining Figure Angles, according to Tompkins. Both statues have estimated values "in the millions of dollars" she said. The exact value has not been disclosed. Tompkins insisted that the University will not be dissappointed. "It's quite a beautiful sculpture," she said. "It's classic Henry Moore. People will see it and say, 'Aha, Henry Moore.' " The original bronze statue was removed today by Auer's Van Express of New York City. The van service specializes in shipping of artwork. "My company does a lot of sculpture moving," Auer's supervisor Jay Parson said. "This trucker knows how to handle Henry Moore," Tompkins added. Reclining Mother with Child weighs approximately 3500 pounds. Loria has loaned various statues to the University. "We are very thankful for his generosity," said Winegrad.
(01/17/91 10:00am)
What began as a quiet gathering of students at Houston Hall to protest American involvement in the Persian Gulf soon became an angry, and at times confrontational, rally as close to 300 students marched through the campus and eventually into Center City. Beginning with reasoned speeches by organizers, the crowd quickly snowballed into a massive, impromptu rally of students making peace signs and imploring others to join their cause. The students marched through darkness and pouring rain across the campus, calling the war "morally hypocritical" and saying they were not willing to fight a war for oil while domestic issues were ignored. The crowd marched from Houston Hall to the Quad, Superblock, and President Hackney's House on the 3800 block of Walnut Street, then back down Locust Walk to College Green and Hill House before finally heading towards Center City. The assemblage finally ended up joining another group of city residents protesting at Independence Mall, at 6th and Market streets. While on campus, the protesters encountered some opposition from students who came out of dormitory rooms or fraternity houses to support U.S. action and troops. These confrontations were mostly peaceful, but some erupted into shouting matches on a few occasions. The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. with about 100 students gathering in Houston Hall. After discussing and debating ways to respond to the U.S. attack for about an hour, they voted to demand a stop in the war effort, a recall of all U.S. troops immediately and for government expenditures on "human needs" and not war. After voting to demand the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, calls for a march to the Liberty Bell filled the room. Within minutes, the crowd of activists stormed out of the room and onto Spruce Street, chanting, "Hell no, we won't go, we won't fight for Texaco." Walking through the pouring rain, the crowd marched across Spruce, stopping traffic, and through the lower Quad gate -- in defiance of the helpless security guard. As the protesters continued chanting, armed with bullhorns and anti-war posters, several pro-Bush bystanders jeered the crowd with cries of "Go back to Baghdad." The protesters largely ignored the hecklers who remained peaceful at all times. One protester shot back, "There's a plane at the airport." "Do you want to die?" another asked the hecklers. As the angry students crossed the 38th Street bridge to Superblock, they continued chanting and calling on High Rise residents to join their march. Shouting over the deafening crowd, College freshman Prakash Khenlani asserted "this is not a war to find a solution, it's a war to create war." After regrouping, the activists circled the High Rises, and assembled in front of President Sheldon Hackney's home, chanting, "Where do you stand?" Hackney was in New York at the time. Across Walnut Street, fraternity members from Acacia, Sigma Nu, and Sigma Alpha Mu yelled back "USA, USA . . . free Kuwait, free Kuwait." "The U.S. is definitely right for what it's done," Acacia junior Alex Mouray yelled angrily. "It's about time we got in and Iraq got out of Kuwait." The marchers quickly moved down Locust Walk toward Hill House, and again met students who disagreed with them. Theta Xi President Chris Ohl draped an American flag outside the fraternity house as soon as he heard news of the war. "I think everyone should have an American flag out," said Ohl, whose fraternity brothers held a moment of silence for those serving abroad. Phi Gamma Delta President David Murphy calmly explained, "We're [opposing protesters] to support our country." He insisted that he was speaking on his own behalf, and not that of the fraternity. The protesters halted on College Green, where College sophomore Amadee Braxton directed them toward City Hall. The students entered Hill House, but were challenged by an angry Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps sophomore Jonathan Held, who was restrained by a friend. Although some students dropped out of the group along the route, others joined in as they went along. With replenished ranks, the protesters proceeded east on Chestnut, linking hands. After crossing the Schuylkill River and moving into Center City, they asked local residents to join their cause and soon jammed the streets. City police monitored traffic on cross streets and followed the group of students with two paddy-wagons, but never moved in to interrupt the rally. "I don't want this war," College junior Elizabeth Wiggy said as they marched. "Bush didn't ask the people, he only asked himself." Psychology graduate student Barbara Gault agreed with Wiggy. "I don't support the war in the Middle East," she said. "The United States must get out as soon as possible. I'm very upset." As they approached 18th street, Robert Feorleger, who had been leading the crowd carrying a garbage bag, announced "I am a conscientious objector. I don't believe in war. Period." At ninth street, students met up with Loretta Desvernina, a member of Philadelphia's AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, who told the students 200 more protesters were already at Independence Mall and redirected them. "I'm here because the war began," she said. "It's an atrocity. We should be fighting the wars we have going on in this country." When the students arrived at Independence Mall, over 200 more protesters were on the green and across the streets, rallying as police and local television crews watched. One resident was clad in a gas mask and full body anti-chemical gear, saying it might some day become common attire. Creating a circle, the protesters linked hands and joined in chants, including, "Support our troops, bring them home," and "The people united can never be divided." In a show of both defiance and unity, the circle collapsed into a mob of protesters raising a large, altered American flag. The flag was hung upside-down and a peace sign had been painted over the stars. United Cab driver Michael Samara, who watched the rally from his taxi, said he agreed with the protesters. He said his brother is serving in Saudi Arabia with the Navy. "Honestly, I feel that we have the wrong president for this country," Samara said. "We're not supposed to fight for oil. I drive a taxi-cab and I would pay three dollars a gallon before I would want to see one life lost." The protesters planned another rally for today. They are scheduled to meet at the Christian Association building at 9 a.m. for an organizational meeting, then will rally at noon on College Green. A Center City march is planned for 3:30 p.m.
(01/17/91 10:00am)
Health Care Systems Professor Patricia Danzon became the first woman professor in the Wharton School to receive an endowed chair earlier this month when the school awarded her the first Celia Moh professorship. "It's a tremendous honor and of course I am delighted," Danzon said yesterday. Danzon is internationally respected as an expert in insurance and medical systems. She earned her PhD and MA in economics from the University of Chicago. Her BA in politics, philosophy, and economics is from the University of Oxford in England. Danzon joined the Wharton faculty in 1985. "Patricia Danzon is an outstanding scholar and teacher," Wharton Dean Thomas Gerrity said in a statement. "I am pleased, thanks to the generosity of Laurence Moh, that we can recongnize her outstanding work." Danzon is noted for her studies in medical economics. "She is the world's foremost scholar on . . . medical malpractice and the cost of insurance," Mark Pauly, chairman of the Health Systems Department, said yesterday. Among her honors, Danzon received the Award for Outstanding Article from the American Association of Risk and Insurance for her study of occupational disease in 1988. The same organization presented her with the prestigious Elizur Wright Award in 1987. She was also honored as the CS-First Boston Visiting Professor at Victoria University in New Zealand. Danzon is currently associate editor of the Journal of Risk and Insurance and the Journal of Health Economics. A visiting fellowship with Australian National University, last year, highlighted her various consulting roles related to health care and insurance. Danzon was a former Atlantic Rischfield Term Professor of Health Care Studies and Insurance at Wharton. Currently she is a member of the board of referees for Research in Law and Economics. Pauly said that her academic record and honors show that the award was "very well deserved." Danzon said she plans to use the endowed professorship to "increase [her] research and teaching . . . that's the parts that had emphasis and will continue to." She added that she will continue to be active in the medical economics field as well as in insurance. The endowed professorship was established with a gift of $2 million from Laurence Za Yu Moh, who received his MBA from Wharton in 1953. Moh, who is chairman and chief executive officer of the Hong Kong-based Universal Furniture Limited, created the professorship in honor of his wife for their 30th anniversary.
(01/16/91 10:00am)
More than 250 local residents joined together on campus yesterday to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 62nd birthday with a rally to promote non-violence. But the protesters had more than historical reasons for the rally, advocating peace as the country faces war in the Middle East and rising crime in the nation's cities. The protesters chanted "End your silence, stop the violence" and other peace slogans as they marched from 38th and Market Streets to 40th and Locust Walk. The marchers, organized by the WUSL-FM Community Advisory Committee, urged an end to violence at home and abroad. The march followed a luncheon to honor King's birthday at the African Methodist Episcopalian Church. Mayor Wilson Goode said in an interview before the march that he remains hopeful about peace in the gulf despite recent failures to negotiate a peaceful solution to the crisis. "[A] tribute to Dr. King comes at a time when it appears as if war is inevitable. I hope that peace is inevitable. It's an appropriate tribute to him," Goode said. Goode addressed both urban violence and the Gulf crisis at the Locust Walk rally. "Too many of our young folk are dying at the hands of other young folk," Goode said. Many of the protesters were affiliated with One Day At a Time, a self-help organization for recovering drug addicts. Anthony Butts, an alcohol and drug counselor for ODAT and a recovering drug addict, explained in a speech that a large part of Philadelphia's violence can be attributed to drugs. Bennie Swan, a candidate for an at-large seat in the Philadelphia City Council, said the United States faces a two-front war, both abroad and in our cities. "I don't want to see people die in the Gulf, nor in the streets of Philadelphia," Swan said in an interview before the march. "If there is a war to declare, it's here in the streets and cities, to stop homocide." WUSL Production Director Angela High said that yesterday's rally was the second demonstration to end violence organized by the committee. "I feel good about what's happening, people are pulling together for a positive cause - peace," High said. The rally also featured twelve-year-old Diana Jones who wrote and sang a song of prayer for United States troops in the Persian Gulf to come home safely. WUSL Production Director High said that the station's Community Advisory Committee is planning future demonstrations to push for anend of both local and international violence.
(01/15/91 10:00am)
Smokers at the Nursing Education Building will have to butt-out in July, when the building officially becomes smoke-free. Nursing School officials have considered proposals to restrict smoking in the Nursing Education Building since September. In December, the Nursing School Council distributed surveys to the school's students, faculty, staff and other building residents outlining three proposed smoking regulations. The proposals asked whether occupants wanted to make the building completely smoke-free, allow smoking in a well-ventilated and isolated area, or continue with the current system. Smoking is currently allowed in restricted areas that are not isolated from non-smokers. Kristin Davidson, an assistant dean for the school, said respondents voted "overwhelmingly" to ban smoking. Vice President of Facilities Management Art Gravina said University Policy allows individuals to decide if they want to smoke in their own office. In open space, the entire group has the right to impose any restrictions, usually through a vote. Non-smokers' opinions, he said, are generally given greater weight. But he added that if the occupants of an entire building decide to ban smoking from the whole building, "so be it." Nursing senior Patti Pearson, an officer in the Nursing Student Forum, said students supported either ventilating the building's third floor, one of the main smoking areas, or making the building entirely smoke-free. "We, as health pre-professionals, should support a health issue," she said. Davidson said that the new policy will not go into effect until July 1 because faculty did not want to "abandon" smokers. The Council is encouraging building occupants who smoke to attend a training workshop to help them stop. "The school will pay the cost for the workshop," Davidson said. Associate Nursing Professor Ellen Baer advocated the proposal to restrict smokers to an isolated and well-ventilated area, noting that only approximately 25 percent of the surveys were returned. "I believe in freedom of choice of our bodies in all realms," Baer said. " In a well-ventilated and isolated space smokers would not have a negative impact on other people's health and they could continue their behaviors." Baer, who does not smoke, said that a space along an exterior wall could have fulfilled her suggestion. Nursing Education Building Administrator Ernest Beier said it is possible the restriction may be eased to allow smoking in the building's atrium.
(12/06/90 10:00am)
Students in the unrenovated Quad have traditionally come to expect living with some minor inconveniences. However, virtually no one thought that cold rooms would be one of them. But Monday night, as a result of a malfunctioning heating unit, several rooms in Butcher, Speakman, and Class of '28 houses were left without heat. Joe Botta, the Physical Plant superintendent of mechanical services, said that a broken electrical valve was responsible for the malfunctioning heater. Botta added that until the part is delivered, the machine will be operated manually. Botta said that the steam heater normally works fine, but earlier this week, the machine, which is located in the Butcher dormitory basement, was covered with rust and residents said it has been making strange noises. And despite the breakdown, only certain rooms reported to be effected by the unit's malfunction. "The heater must have been blowing cold air or not working," said Wharton freshman Wendy Simmon." When I got up the room was freezing." Earlier this semester, the University lowered temperatures in residential buildings from 72 degrees to 68 degrees. The malfunctioning heater made the rooms even colder. Manuel Roman, a spokesperson for the Tenant Action Group, a city-run housing watchdog organization, said yesterday that Philadelphia law requires that tenants be provided with at least "68 degrees of current heat between October 1 and April 30 any dates when the temperature is below 60 degrees outside." He urged students who have further heat problems to call the City Hall Hotline at 686-2590. Additionally, students who have problems with their heat are also urged to call Residential Maintenence.
(12/06/90 10:00am)
The dozen students in the group who have been working on their first nearly full-length film since September, said they have found the experience both invaluable and taxing. The Alliance, accustomed to producing film shorts, is taking an adventurous step this year in making an hour-long film. Death and the Maiden, the working title of the film, was written, directed, and produced by University students. Film writer and director Alon Kaplan, a College junior, said completing the film has been a nearly insurmountable task. "We honestly are trying to do something absolutely impossible," explained Kaplan. "I didn't start with a purpose," he continued. "I sit down and write keeping in mind what we do. Usually, we need $3 million and six months. But I do it any way." And so, with $1000 and a semester, the group has worked for several weeks this fall filming, and hope to enter the film into several contests next semester. "It's time Penn got some recognition -- films are made here, but they just sit here," said Kaplan. But he pledged that once they finish completing the film later this month, the film will get some exposure outside of the University. According to Kaplan, the film revolves around a woman who is being taken to the afterworld by Death. Instead of being sent to Heaven, she gets tricked and winds up going to Hell. "[The woman] protests so much about it that it starts an argument between Death and the administrators of Heaven," Kaplan revealed. "Death quits over a promotion." But according to cast members, script changes have been a frequent occurence for the production staff. While they have been working on the film for several months, they are still uncertain how the film will end up. "It's a working piece in that the film is constantly evolving," said actress Jennifer Fridell, a College sophomore . "As we change, so does the film." Death and the Maiden has been in production since September and has experienced some setbacks. In one, of the most troublesome times, a prominent cast member, College junior Roberta Koeppel, was seriously injured in a robbery on Locust Street. Cast and production members said that they had to fill her role and cope with the loss. "It was demoralizing," said College sophomore Keith Waxelman, an actor. "We had to come to grips with it. It slowed our pace down for a long time." Moreover, the staff found filmmaking to be an arduous process but hope to finish the filming later this month. "The hardest part when you're working with this is keeping the enthusiasm," said College senior Cheryl Family, who is producing the film. "You're working on the movie every night from September to December." The production staff has shot the film on locations across campus, and used everyday sites including Bennett Hall and the Bowl Room at Houston Hall. Family said that students will see familiar settings associated with very different moods and activities. College senior Avika Potok, who plays the role of Death, said that by creating a film that students can relate to, he hopes the audience will think about the messages. "You don't want the audience to watch it and then at the end to run away," Potok said. The group plans to screen the film sometime next semester.
(12/03/90 10:00am)
Hoping to ease tensions between blacks and Jews on campus, more than 60 students gathered in Houston Hall last Sunday night for a "Unity Dinner" between members of the Black Student League and Hillel. Participants said that Sunday's kosher dinner was a major step in overcoming sterotypes and misconceptions held by black and Jewish students about each other. And the students involved in the dinner did not shy away from difficult topics for the evening's discussion. College senior and Melville, New York resident Pam Sosne, helped plan the dinner, said discussion topics included the Nation of Islam and its effects on black-Jewish relations, Israel's effects on black-Jewish relations and media stereotypes. Louis Farrakhan, the leader of the Nation of Islam, outraged the Jewish community on campus with what it considered anti-Semitic assertions and sparked heated debate on campus in 1988 when he spoke at Irvine Auditorium. Wharton sophomore Martin Dias summed up his table's conversation regarding what he called the media's divisive role in black-Jewish relations on campus. "The media . . . won't show this wonderful dinner in the paper, but wait until Louis Farrakhan [arrives]," East Tauton, Massachusets resident, Dias said. Participants suggested that one way to overcome the division between the two communities is to better educate the public regarding the Jewish and black cultures. "If all you know about Jews is the . . . media's [version of ] Israel and if all you know about blacks is Sanford and Son and Good Times, you are misunderstanding," Dias said. The goal of the Unity Dinner was to define a foundation for a relationship between black and Jewish students on campus, explained planning committee member and College junior Deborah Gillman of New York City. "We wanted to establish a true relationship, so we're not just talking when there's something to fight about," Gillman said. Allison Rouse, BSL corresponding secretary and member of the Unity Dinner planning committee, said the fact that the dinner even took place was a testament to improved relations between blacks and Jews at the University. Rouse told the dinner participants that her best friend, who is president of the Kenyon College Hillel, called the idea of such a dinner at the University "a joke," adding that it "could never happen . . . the people would kill each other after dinner." But Rouse, a College sophomore from the Bronx, said the dinner and discussion proved that with communication, unity can be achieved. He closed the evening to a standing ovation, saying "this was a more successful attempt at diversity education than the one planned by the [administration]." The planning committee established for the dinner will meet again in January to initiate future black-Jewish gatherings, Sosne said.
(11/29/90 10:00am)
Samuel Kramer, the emeritus Assyriology professor who pioneered the field of Sumerian archaeology, died of throat cancer at his Philadelphia home Monday. He was 93. Kramer received his doctorate from the University in 1929, joined the faculty in 1942, and served as a Clark Research Professor of Assyriology from 1948 to 1968. Since his retirement, he had continued to publish books and translate Sumerian texts around the globe. He often quoted one of his amusing findings -- a Sumerian proverb which read "You can have a lord, you can have a king, but the man to fear is the tax collector." Thokild Jacobsen, a Sumerologist at Harvard University, said Kramer "completely transformed, almost created" the field. University Physics Professor Michael Cohen, a friend of Kramer, echoed the praise, saying that "he actually made the field of Sumerology." Kramer wrote 30 books and numerous articles for both the general public and the academic world. His research showed that ancient Sumerians were not very different from people of today. He wrote about their arguments over land and business, their worries about their children and how to make money. Robert Dyson, director of the University Museum, said that Kramer "always radiated and was enthusiastic about his research." His wife, Mildred Kramer, said "I never knew anyone so dedicated, so committed, and so in love with his work as my husband. Our 57-and-a-half years together were rich, exciting, and dramatic due to this love." Kramer has donated his body to medical research. There will be a memorial service in the University Museum in January.
(11/16/90 10:00am)
New Jersey Governor James Florio, who has come under fire in his state for major tax increases, lashed out at his opponents yesterday defending his unpopular policies at a speech last night at Irvine Auditorium. Throughout his 90-minute speech, Florio, a Democrat, who stood firmly behind the podium, said that his tax increases have had the best interests of the public in mind. Florio, who took office this January, mixed humor, statistics, and argument in his attack on the political leadership of the past in his speech before approixmately 300 people. Citing a $3 billion deficit when he took office, he said that the $2 billion of spending cuts and $1 billion in revenues would dramatically improve the state's economy. "It took a while for reality to catch up with New Jersey, but we took action in New Jersey when I came to office," Florio said. Florio dismissed his rapidly dropping public opinion saying it was an inevitable result of him taking action and telling the people the truth. He insisted that people have not been realistic about paying sufficient taxes. "The 'free lunch' was passable in the '80s, which just plain failed to lead," he added. "Leaders did not bring us to a political judgement." Florio said in an interview after the speech that political leaders must be more candid with their constituents. "I guess there's the need for political leaders to be more engaging in society and there's a responsibility to be honest and tell the public what they need to hear," he said. Florio has also been criticized for his execution of a N.J. Supreme Court ruling to equalize education across the Garden State. Florio has lowered government aid to "lighthouse" or academically-successful schools and increase that to urban and less wealthy communities. "We are trying to give every student in the state a quality education," Florio said. "I don't believe in geography, I believe in kids." Florio also touched on several other issues affecting his administration including the environment and infrastructure. Florio noted that the nation as a whole must concentrate more attention toward the deteriorating conditions of the infrastructure. He questioned the nation's ability to remain a superpower without adequate roads and bridges. His speech was both praised and criticized by University students and area residents. "[Florio] spoke of all the good things that would happen after [the tax increase and spending cutsM," said College sophomore Felix Chang. "He doesn't realize what he's doing now is hurting the economy. And he's banking on the future that may not happen; he's banking on fantasy not reality." But another audience member, 1940 College graduate and New Jersey State Senator Walter Rand (D-Gloucester and Camden Counties) praised Florio's policies. "I think he's a very courageous and out-forward leader for the state of New Jersey," Rand said. "People who are leaders and take risks for the people, I respect and admire."
(11/13/90 10:00am)
Quantum Books has leaped from Cambridge, Massachusetts to the University, and engineers and computer programmers are happy. The bookstore was originally a duplicate of the Cambridge affiliate serving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. But over the past two months, the store has been redefining its focus to address the needs and desires of the University and area colleges. "Now we [know] there are different interests here, so we're trying to accomodate more to the area," said Quantum employee Marnie Annese. The new bookstore is frequented mostly by, "students, professors, hospital staff, and people from the Law School," according to employees, and has a greater appeal to people in the hard sciences. Specialized customers seem to find their niche at Quantum Books, adding that they are able to get books through an efficient special order process, which is normally filled within 10 working days -- two to three if the Cambridge store has the book in stock. "[There are] very few books at the library or at the Medical Bookstore that. . . cover nuero-networks or image processing," said Guillermo Alexander, an associate professor at Jefferson Medical College. Shops at Penn General Manager Gerald Cecci said yesterday that the new store has diversified the shops and given them an added dimension with a specialized bookstore. "Quantum Books fits into the [Shops at Penn] real well since it is a technical and professional bookstore," Cecci said. "They fit a need."
