Search Results
Below are your search results. You can also try a Basic Search.
(04/14/95 9:00am)
Students craving matzoh on the move can turn to a new development in fast food service over the Passover holiday. Lubavitch House and the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity have teamed up to offer Jewish University students Seders-to-Go. The project, which is sponsored nationally by the Hasidic Chabad Lubavitch movement, will give those students staying on campus the opportunity to celebrate Passover Seders, according to Lubavitch House Director Ephraim Levin. "We recognize there are a lot of students who don't go anywhere [for the holiday]," he added. "There is pizza to go, now there are seders to go. This is Jewish fast food." The free packages -- which include matzoh, a bottle of kosher wine, a Passover prayer book and most of the holiday's other traditional symbols -- were put together at the ZBT fraternity house. College senior Matt Ingber said the program helps to promote a more widespread observance of the holiday. "I think people who don't go home assume they can't observe the Seder," he commented. "Having these packages at their disposal makes celebrating the Passover Seders that much easier." And Levin said the packages constitute a cheap way for Jewish students to celebrate the holiday. "It's very effective because it's convenient and it's also for free," he said. "It's appropriate in a sense because the Passover Seder is something familiar to Jewish students." Levin said the program has been received enthusiastically by students both in the University and on a national scale. He noted that 150 Seders-to-Go packages were delivered at the University and added that over 1,000 packages were given out nationwide. Levin said Seders-to-Go will reinforce the religious identity of the students who receive them. "It'll help strengthen their identity [by observing] the holiday," he said. "Plus, it's good for the waist." Ingber agreed that the program serves as an effective way of perpetuating Jewish tradition at the University. "I think it helps to promote the Jewish heritage around campus," he said. "It's a nice gesture." The first night of Passover is tonight.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
College junior Joey Gelbard sat dejected with a partially eaten Abner's cheesesteak before him. "I got to the third one and I got stuffed -- I didn't know what to do," he said. "I had to eat half of it just for pride." Eight hungry students, each representing a team of eight to 15 students participating in Sigma Chi's Derby Days, indulged in a showdown of sorts at Abner's at 38th and Chestnut streets last night, vying for a year's worth of the Belly Buster Special. The contest required eating as many cheesesteaks as possible in 30 minutes. College senior and Sigma Chi brother Corin Brown downed six cheesesteaks to win the contest and take home the coveted prize. Ironically, Brown was persuaded by his team to enter the contest only minutes before it began. The only female of the eight participants was College freshman Christina Alban. Before the clock started, she declared, "Slow and steady wins the prize!" Alban, however, ate only three and a half cheesesteaks. "I got a free t-shirt and 10 pounds," she said afterward, before heading to Baskin Robbins for some chocolate chip ice cream. Derby Days is a week-long series of fundraisers for the Children's Crisis Treatment Center of Philadelphia sponsored by Sigma Chi. Abner's owner Gus Raptis donated use of his restaurant and food for the event. In addition, Abner's will donate 10 percent of yesterday's profits to the charity. Derby Days was boycotted last April by the Panhellenic Council in response to concerns of sexual harassment and excessive drinking associated with the activities, according to Sigma Chi president and College senior Todd Johnson. Panhel is currently addressing whether to re-recognize Derby Days. However, a conclusion has not yet been reached, according to Panhel executive vice president and College junior Laurie Curtin. "We voted to take a look at all the changes that [Sigma Chi] made," Curtin said, adding that she expects each chapter will be given the individual option of whether to boycott Derby Days. "We've realized that Sigma Chi has made a lot of good changes," Curtin added. In addition to the Abner's eat-down, Sigma Chi sponsored a foosball tournament at Smokey Joe's Tuesday night. Derby Days continues with its fundraising efforts Thursday with a Casino Night at Sigma Chi and Friday with a Wiffleball tournament and party. Sigma Chi brothers also are volunteering this week at the Children's Crisis Treatment Center downtown. Johnson anticipates raising between $3,000 and $4,000 for the Center by the end of the week.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
The University is negotiating with Bucks County Coffee House to develop another cafe at 40th and Locust streets, University Real Estate Director Chris Mason said. Although plans are not final, representatives from Bucks County Coffee House said they hope to move into the vacant location next to University City Nautilus by next September. "We hope it comes together," Roger Owen, the coffee shop's owner, said. According to the cafe's regional manager Susan Hesler, the new location is approximately three times the size of the current Bucks County Coffee House on campus, located on Sansom Street. Officials from the coffee shop are also planning to bring entertainment to the new location, which will have a built-in stage for performers. Currently, one or two musicians perform each Wednesday night at the Sansom Street location, Hesler said. But, she said, the new shop could feature entertainment up to five nights a week. She added that she was not concerned about the abundance of coffee houses in the University area and thinks the new location will serve students living in the high rises and off-campus. Currently, Chats, in the Class of 1920 Commons, sells a variety of coffees amongst its other products and Chimes Cafe -- located at 40th and Pine streets -- also sells coffee and pastries. And another cafe, Tuscany Premium Coffee, is expected to open in the site of the former Lodge clothing store at 34th and Walnut streets later this spring. "Our advantage is that we roast our own coffee," Hesler said. "Having other people around us educates them as to what gourmet coffee is." Recently, Roost Pizza and Stuff at 40th and Locust streets and Galaxy Entertainment at 39th and Walnut streets both closed. And Mason has said the University finds it difficult to bring new businesses into locations near 40th Street because the area is often perceived to be crime-ridden. But Hesler said she is not worried about security. "We've been in 30th Street Station for almost three years -- you can't get much worse than that," she said. The new location, Hesler said, would increase the number of students who know about and patronize the coffee house. "I think there are people at Penn who don't know we're here [on Sansom Street]," she added. "I'm really looking forward to this." Owen said he is awaiting the completion of negotiations in order to go ahead with plans for summer construction and renovation of the location.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
Members of the University's Greek community gathered at the Penn Tower Hotel last night to honor the outstanding achievements of the various chapters and individuals over the past year. The annual Greek Awards Banquet began with short speeches by the former presidents of the InterFraternity Council, the BiCultural InterGreek Council and the Panhellenic Council. Each gave their views on the mission and importance of fraternities and sororities in University life. "The Greek system's greatest strength is a unified voice," said former Panhel President Suzanne Rosenberg. Former IFC President Hayden Horowitz commented on the importance of academic achievement in maintaining the Greek system. "As long as we continue our pursuit of academic excellence, then we truly have a place in the social and academic life in this university," he said. And former Big-C president Wayne Wilson spoke about what he characterized as the vital role of the Greek system in University life. "We are potentially the moral of what campus life is all about," he said. Order of Omega awards were then given out to those fraternities and sororities whose chapters were considered to have improved over the course of the year. Tau Epsilon Phi won for Most Improved IFC Fraternity, Pi Beta Phi for Most Improved Panhel Sorority and Alpha Phi Alpha received the award for Most Improved Big-C Organization. The Award of Excellence for sorority chapters went to Chi Omega. Tau Epsilon Phi won the honor for best IFC chapter and Alpha Phi Alpha won the Big-C Organization award. The Order of Omega Award for Outstanding Administrator went to Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. Individual Greek Alumni Awards were also given in such categories as Community Leadership and Service and Charitable Activities. College of General Studies student and Alpha Kappa Alpha President Brynee Gandy commented on the event's meaning both to herself and her sorority. "I believe this event is important because students are congratulated for their efforts," she added. "We don't do what we do to receive awards, but it's nice to know that what we do is appreciated." AKA Alumni adviser Jeannette Gillison, an elementary school teacher, warmly praised the involvement of fraternities and sororities in community service. "I am happy they are branching more [into] the West Philadelphia area," she commented. "I think it's most important that they have a strong connection."
(04/13/95 9:00am)
Seated alone behind a small, wooden desk, Spalding Gray took a long sip from the glass of water in front of him. The the actor sat perfectly still, cleared his throat and began the sometimes funny, sometimes serious story of his life. Between bursts of laughter and fits of giggles, Gray's audience was able to relive his struggles and understand his fears. His honesty was almost mesmerizing. In a two-hour monologue, Gray described his recent concerns about his failing left eye. Through personal stories about his attempts to avoid surgery, he was able to transform serious, difficult issues into humorous moments. Dressed plainly in a flannel shirt, slacks and sneakers, Gray began last night's performance of "Gray's Anatomy" in the Annenberg Center's Zellerbach Theatre with great intensity. He folded his emotions into his autobiographical monologue, exposing the audience to his paranoia, his intimate feelings and relationships and his entertaining, wild adventures. Implicit in the tales was his fundamental fear of getting old. In addition, Gray described his apprehension about getting married to his girlfriend of 12 years, Renee Shafransky -- who also directed the performance. "He's brilliant! He has this amazing ability to allude to what he already said," said audience member Josh Goldz, a student at Haverford University. "He'd lock you in one story and then pull you out of it and quickly pull you right back into it. He gives order to the absurd in a totally original way." Gray's performance was "totally captivating," according to local resident Erin Nangle, another audience member. She added that she "got so into it" and felt as if she really knew him. Gray, an Obie Award-winning writer, performer and actor, has written a series of 14 monologues which have been published and performed all over the world. He has performed on Broadway as well as acted in several movies including Beaches and The Paper. "Gray's Anatomy" will be performed again tonight in the Zellerbach Theatre at 8 p.m.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
Wharton andWharton andEngineeringWharton andEngineeringstudentsWharton andEngineeringstudentsbreak intoWharton andEngineeringstudentsbreak intothe Arts Hidden behind their spreadsheets and calculators, you may think you have them pegged. "Number crunchers." "Quant jocks." Due to the common myths regarding their scholarly endeavors, these pre-professionals have been victim to a host of jokes and catcalls. But most Wharton and Engineering students are quite different from the stereotypes which haunt them. One does not have to call on the resting soul of Leonardo da Vinci to realize that his legacy lives on in the minds of the University's multi-talented scholars. With just a cursory glance at the resume of Wharton and Engineering senior Patrick Ede, it becomes evident that he's a lot more than just a number cruncher. Ede, chairperson of the Performing Arts Council, "spends a lot more time doing theater than class," he admitted. An incredibly busy actor, producer, technical director and set designer, Ede devotes hours and hours to University performing arts groups -- including Quadramics, Arts House Dance and Penn Players. Additionally, to fulfill his duties as PAC chairperson, Ede lobbies the University administration on behalf of the performing arts community. "Classwork? I don't remember what that is," Ede remarked. He claimed that his engineering and scientific prowess allows him to focus on the artistic facets of his extracurricular undertakings. "Because I have a good grasp of the quantitative, it makes it easier to focus on artistry," Ede said. According to Engineering senior Noah Sferra, who has worked as an actor, musician and producer in University performances, "performing arts is a great way to balance yourself." But Sferra pointed out that life gets a little complicated when you're very active on campus and your right and left brains are working overtime. "I have no idea how I do it," he said. Singer, actor and Computer Science and Engineering senior Ferit Albukrek said he makes good use of his highly developed analytical skills in daily activities. "I have a ridiculous schedule -- in terms of time management, my quantitative skills come in handy," Albukrek said. Although interminably busy, Albukrek said he is proud of the fact that he made the most out of his University experience. "I'm glad that I didn't just get locked up in the Engineering school," he said. As President of Penn Singers and an active member of the Penn Glee Club, Quadramics, Penn Players and the Penn Pipers, Albukrek has gained leadership experience that he feels is highly valued in the workplace. And he said his creative skills were definitely helpful in his quest for post-graduation employment. "In job interviews, I did well because a lot of people want to know that you're multi-dimensional," Albukrek explained. "Everyone has a lot more depth to themselves than what they do in the computer lab." He said students definitely do not have to limit themselves to the field they major in, and that their careers do not have to define them as people. "I love computer science, but I surely won't give up my music," Albukrek said. According to Engineering and Wharton junior David Ray, performing is an escape. "I'm much less the M and T person than I seem to be," he said. "I don't [always] want to have to deal with my real life." Wharton and College sophomore Maria Stein agreed that a student's existence does not necessarily have to be defined by his or her major. She sings for the University Choral Society, and was recently one of two undergraduate artists featured at the Wharton Art Show. And with her highly touted skills as a finance and environmental studies major, she is about as well-balanced as you can get. Stein said she is thinking of pursuing a career in public policy believing it would force her to make use of her talents in many different ways. "Its complexity attracts me -- you have to put together elements from a lot of different places," Stein said. And as a self-proclaimed "Renaissance person," she may very well fit the bill. Stein said she looks to the University's founder, Benjamin Franklin, as a source of inspiration. A complex man in his own right, she explained that Franklin embodies many of the talents she hopes to develop during the course of her college education. "Franklin came up with many schemes for the betterment of the city -- the University, a hospital, and various public works," Stein noted. Stein added that being successful in the sciences, as well as in public policy, requires a great deal of creativity. "In science, you're constantly thinking of solutions, and getting creative ideas to approach problems -- great scientists have creative views," she said. Wharton sophomore Scott Friedberg said he admires Maria Stein as a "true artist with a highbrow love of life." But Friedberg himself is a multi-dimensional student. In addition to spending many years studying acting in summer camps, he has appeared in a number of University productions, including Penn Players' "City of Angels" as a freshman. He said his theater experiences have vastly improved his speaking and presentation skills. As a businessman, Friedberg expects to use these talents in corporate boardrooms. But for now, he has enjoyed numerous successes in the classroom. For example, Friedberg said his improvisational skills come in handy when he is pressured by a teacher to respond quickly to a question. "Doing improv is a great way to learn to think on your feet -- chances are, you're more likely to have more creative juices flowing than another person," Friedberg said. Wharton and College senior Eva Saks also claims that her acting skills have helped her performance in the classroom. "I'm now more comfortable with classroom presentations, and I now have a great memory," Saks said. Friedberg lamented that many of his peers do their classroom presentations in conventional ways -- especially with overhead transparencies. He said he thinks that students should make more use of their creative talents, even when projects are swamped with numbers, charts and graphs. "No amount of number crunching is worth anything unless you present your findings in a way that's interesting," Friedburg said. Wharton senior Jim Maceiko recently completed a management project that forced him to use his creative and quantitative skills in a similar manner. "I took over as an acting coach to put the presentation together," he said. In addition to calling on his quantitative skills, Maceiko said his marketing classes also require a flow of creative juices. He explained that he "dabbles all over," having performed with the Penn Band for four years, and with Arts House Dance and the Penn Glee Club. He has also acted, directed, worked on sets and is currently on the Quadramics board of directors. Maceiko noted that his skills as a businessman are often called upon in the arts. He said that to lead or manage a group, even at school, you often have to deal with finances and budgets. And as a Wharton student expecting to reap great profits in the future, Friedberg explained that his creative side will be useful in other ways. He claimed that his powers of artistry will eventually be called upon in hopes of avoiding Uncle Sam's undo intrusions on earnings. "Any Wall Street firm will tell you that it takes creativity to avoid tax laws," Friedberg noted. Wharton senior Ray Schleinkofer, a finance major who has been involved in the performing arts community, said he is tired of the stereotypes that surround his peers. "I'm sick of this 'quant' image," he said. "We financiers provide the world with a lot more than Greek letters on opposite sides of equal signs."
(04/13/95 9:00am)
Sitting casually in his cluttered office in Bennett Hall, Gregg Camfield divulged his philosophy on what constitutes excellent teaching. "I think that there are three things that make an excellent teacher," said the popular English professor. "A good teacher usually respects their students, challenges them and rewards them." He added that respecting one's students "usually shows that the commonplace belief that scholarship and teaching are at odds isn't true or at least shouldn't be true." It is easy to see that Camfield takes his students very seriously. However, this alone did not guarantee him a permanent position at the University. Last month, Camfield was denied tenure by the School of Arts and Sciences Personnel Committee-- a decision which shocked many members of the University community. He said the problem with the tenure system is that it discourages risk taking. "If you are going to do intellectual work of great value you have to be willing to offend," he said. Camfield's own research has been unusual and controversial. His published book Sentimental Twain: Samuel Clemens in the Maze of Moral Philosophy provides a "revision of the usual understanding about what Twain's work does." And his soon-to-be-published work Humor in a Heartless Haven: Comedies of Domesticity in Nineteenth-Century American Literature addresses the question of what humor is in a revolutionary study that may possibly prove wrong current conceptions of comedy. "And I think that is one of the things that should be expected of a professor at a research university like this-- to open new ground," he said. Camfield also faulted the secrecy surrounding the tenure process, saying that it prevents students from being able to determine whether their input is seriously considered. He said he really values the ideas and opinions of his students. "As far as I'm concerned, my students are as important as anybody I have read," he said. "What my students have to say can change my mind as readily as something I will read in a scholarly contemporary work. "For all I know there's an Albert Einstein or a Gertrude Stein or some other extraordinary person sitting in one of my classes," he added. And while he personally tries to create a form of "creative tension" to challenge his students, he added that there is no set formula to excellent teaching. He attributes his success with students to his undergraduate and graduate experiences, at Brown University and the University of California at Berkeley respectively. "Why am I particularly good? I guess one of the reasons, quite frankly is that I have had some excellent teachers as well," he said. "And I am always aspiring to be as good as they were." Camfield spent the last six years at the University because it is nationally recognized as being one of the best in the country. "I consulted with my advisors when I was on the job market and they all told me that Penn was an extraordinary place," he said, adding that he was also attracted by the University's reputation for treating its assistant professors well. "I found that this is a reputation that may no longer be true," he said. "That is to say that tenure at Penn has become almost as difficult as places like Harvard or Yale or Princeton -- places to which I didn't apply when I was finishing up graduate school because I wanted to sink my root quickly in a place that I felt would appreciate me. "I didn't want to be in a system where I had to prove that I was worthy of it, but instead a place where people would assume that I was worthy and allow me to flourish," he added. "I think in that respect I've been a bit disappointed." There has been a tremendous amount of student protest in reaction to Camfield's denial of tenure, ranging from a petition to a massive letter-writing campaign. Camfield said he has been delighted with the response. "I'm moved really beyond what I could possibly express," he said. "The student support for me endorses what I have been trying to do. It makes me feel that I have made a tremendous difference and there's no way I can express this gratitude." He added that he hopes that students use their concern for his case to address the system and get it changed. And Camfield said that overall, his experiences at the University have been positive. "The only aspect of my Penn experience that has been negative is the tenure process," he said. "I have found my time here to be wonderful. I have been supported in so many ways by so many people." Camfield said he is not sure where he will go after his time at the University runs out next spring. "The job market is extremely tight," he said. "I will probably be required to go where I can." But Camfield added, "I will be looking for a place that has a more open tenure process."
(04/13/95 9:00am)
Actress Janet Fishman brought to life three short stories written by Isaac Bashevis Singer, a Nobel Prize winner, in an 80-minute performance at Hillel Tuesday night. Fishman said she chose to perform "The Shadow of a Crib," "The Spinoza of Market Street" and "Joy" because she was intrigued by the characters and the issues addressed in the works. "The characters fascinated me -- the way they wonder about love and life questions," she said. "I had lived with them a long time before I made them into theater. They were very easy to imagine and the words were very potent." The first tale was about an unmarried countess who falls in love with a widowed doctor. The two get married and remain faithful to each other even after their deaths. The second told the romantic story of an ailing scholar who finds beauty in an ugly market woman. And the third tale described a grieving rabbi's attempt to find happiness after his daughter's death. "That [third] story is the hardest because there is that terrible, terrible grief that is not always strong in me," Fishman explained. "I think I have to be realistic each time I shoot for the grief. When it's not strong, it's not as powerful." Fishman and her husband and technical director McLarence Dickerson, Jr., started the Journey Theater Company, which developed the show. Fishman has also performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and other places in Scotland and England. Many of the more than 30 audience members were impressed with Fishman's ability to play every character by herself. "It was really interesting how she brought all the characters to life, and how she added a new dimension to the story by playing all those roles," College senior Tara Bandman said. Several students said they viewed the performance as a way to incorporate Jewish tradition into a work of art that appeals to a diverse group of people. "It's so nice to see someone combine Judaism and art into something all audiences can appreciate -- not just Jewish audiences," College senior Joan Fishman said. Steinhardt Fellow Davida Finger, who coordinates Jewish cultural events on campus, is also part of the Outreach Program to plan programs that are not just limited to Hillel. She said that Janet Fishman's act is part of Jewish Awareness Month -- a month to celebrate Jewish life. "I think seeing Janet acting is a good way to celebrate Judaism," she said. "I really think it's a different way to look at Jewish identity. "I think the stories she acts out really express a piece of Judaism which everyone can connect with," she added.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
Against a backdrop of paintings by Israeli and Palestinian artists in the Arthur Ross Gallery of the Fisher Fine Arts Library, Israeli author Sami Michael and Israeli-Arab poet Salem Jubran spoke about their hopes for peace in the Middle East. "I believe the national wisdom and personal strength of Israelis and Arabs will overcome the problems we face," Jubran said. Jubran, co-director of the Jewish-Arab Center for Peace in Israel, discussed the developments leading to current peace efforts. For many years, he said, Israelis and Arabs believed they could "arrange their lives in isolation from the other." The Arab-Israeli wars convinced Middle Easterners that "it is impossible and immoral to throw out Israel and deny the Palestinians a homeland," he explained. "The sorrow of a mother has no nationalistic identification," Jubran said, adding that Arab-Israeli citizens endured a "double suffering" when Israel and Arab states fought. "When the agreement was signed, I had happiness for the beginning of the end of my people's suffering, and the end of wars for the Israeli state," he said. Michael discussed the adverse effects of war on artistic expression. "The writer needs a stable life around him to write an emotionally unstable piece," he said. "I need peace so much to do my job." Michael added that it is difficult for Israelis to remain calm because most of them listen to the news every half hour, and their children are required to serve in the military. "When my son was taken to the front for war, I couldn't write for months," he said. When Israeli leaders turned to him, as a pre-eminent writer, for advice on the peace process, Michael felt "threatened." "We don't even know how to do our own jobs," he said, admitting he was having difficulty writing his latest novel. "How can we give advice on how to run the country?" Michael predicted that with peace, future generations would not see poetry about the Arab–Israeli conflict as real literature. Despite his uneasiness about giving advice, Michael commented on the need for education and security for Palestinians and Israelis. "We must prevent Palestinian children from seeing their fathers killed in the streets, and Israeli children from seeing their fathers blown up on buses," Michael said. Salem added that Israeli and Palestinian children should be taught Arabic and Hebrew "not to know their enemies, but to know their neighbors."
(04/13/95 9:00am)
While University freshmen spend orientation discussing the Penn Reading Project and learning about the University's rules and regulations, Harvard University freshmen are being warned about a religious cult that recruits on its campus. Yet the University is no stranger to alleged cult, the International Church of Christ. In fact, many Ivy League students have found themselves lured into cults, according to nationally renowned cult expert Rick Ross. And the International Church of Christ is especially aggressive in recruiting students. Ross, who spoke yesterday to several University students who have been part of the the Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ -- the local branch of Kip McKean's International Church of Christ -- said between 30 and 50 University students are part of the religious cult. The Greater Philadelphia Church of Christ has approximately 1,000 members. According to Ross, college students are particularly vulnerable to being pulled into cults. "Groups specifically have designated college campuses as their breeding ground," he said. Ross explained that cults target campuses because college students usually have to adjust to a new environment at the start of their college careers. "Frequently, they're away from home, on campus away from their normal support system of friends and families," Ross said. He added that the Church is particularly active on Ivy League campuses, where they can attract students who are "articulate, intelligent [and] dedicated." Ivy League students are also seen as being able to offer economic support to the group -- whether at present or in the future. But sometimes recruited students who do not have the money find a way to get it. Ross said students have sold personal belongings such as books and computers in order to support their cult. He said that while recruiting, cults often fail to inform students of the group's agenda or actual beliefs. And once students join a religious cult, they will typically devote more and more time to the group. Ross said that students often move out of campus housing at the group's behest. In addition, groups often advise members on whom they should date, and even whom and when they should marry. Ross added that students' academic performances often suffer after they join cults; cult leaders sometimes ask students if their schoolwork is as important as doing God's work. Ross offered the example of a University of California-Berkeley student who joined a cult and wound up on academic probation, failing every course he was taking.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
DA issues two criminal charges The Wharton evening student caught carrying a loaded 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol in class has been placed on "an involuntary leave of absence," Acting Vice Provost for University Life Valarie Swain-Cade McCoullum said yesterday. In addition, University Police Chief George Clisby said the District Attorney's Office had charged Murphy with violating Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act and with one count of harassment. But as of yesterday afternoon, Murphy had not been arraigned, Clisby added. "I felt it was extremely important to act immediately to make the statement that this is a direct threat to safety," McCoullum said. Although McCoullum said she is prohibited from releasing the suspended student's name, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said the suspect is Wharton evening student Douglas Murphy. University Police officers discovered the gun while questioning Murphy about an incident in which he allegedly harassed a student in his Marketing 24 class two weeks ago. The officers then arrested Murphy after they found the loaded handgun in his jacket, according to University Police Sergeant Tom Rambo. The student who was reportedly assaulted by Murphy is also claiming that he received a threatening phone call from Murphy more than a week ago, according to Assistant Vice Provost for University Life Barbara Cassel. Janice Bellace, deputy Wharton dean, said that this incident was Murphy's first disciplinary infraction since he started attending Wharton evening classes in 1992. She also said the school was not aware of the alleged assault or the threatening phone call prior to Murphy's arrest. But after the incident, Bellace said several students in Murphy's class came forward and reported witnessing the assault. Bellace added that the incident has left Murphy's classmates concerned about their safety. In an effort to make the students feel more comfortable, a Victim Support and Special Services officer will be present in future classes. This incident, combined with the student who threatened two other students at shotgun point last month, has left administrators outraged. "This is a community where we need a higher standard of behavior and we need to hold people accountable," McCoullum said, adding that the University community must come together and condemn the actions of these students. "[Because] the administration acted as quickly as possible is a sign that we won't tolerate this sort of thing on Penn's campus," University spokesperson Barbara Beck added.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
In a stunned silence, more than 70 students marched somberly down Locust Walk and clustered at the Peace Sign on College Green last night to eulogize Alisa Flatow, the Brandeis University student who died Monday of wounds sustained in a terrorist attack in the Gaza Strip. Flatow, who had been studying in Israel for the semester, was on her way to a resort community in the Gaza Strip when a terrorist's van filled with explosives intentionally collided with the bus she was riding in. The 20-year old from West Orange, N.J. never regained consciousness after the blast. The militant Palestinian group Islamic Jihad has claimed responsibility for the attack. The procession, which was sponsored by Hillel, began at the Compass at the corner of 37th Street and Locust Walk and continued to the Green. There, the mourners listened to speeches by two of their fellow students who had known the murdered student. Engineering junior Michael Kasdan and College junior Chad Haller, both of whom went to high school with Flatow -- presented moving eulogies. During much of the vigil, College sophomore Evan Weiner, who had helped Conservative Jewish Community leader Hal Luria organize the ceremony, busied himself making a memorial video that Hillel plans to send to Flatow's family. While Flatow's death leaves her Orthodox Jewish family grieving during the upcoming Passover holiday, her legacy will serve to enrich the lives of at least three other families in Israel. On Monday, Flatow's father decided to take her off life support and chose to donate her heart, lungs, liver and pancreas to six needy Israelis. The Associate Press contributed to this article.
(04/13/95 9:00am)
Whoever claimed poetry is a dying craft never met Kimberly Brittingham. Brittingham, an editor at the literary magazine Kollage, has started a literary revolution -- over the phone. Trying to bring greater exposure to local poets as well as enlighten the public, she created Philadelphia Dial-A-Poet earlier this year. The line, a free-access number which treats callers to readings of recorded poetry, is a local call in the 215 area code. Anyone can dial -- 24 hours a day -- to hear the poems, all read by local poets. Brittingham funds the line with her own money, and the poets volunteer their creations and time to her cause. The line features one new poem each week. At the end of the reading, callers are given the option of relaying a message of praise or criticism to the poet. Brittingham said response to the line has been much greater than she anticipated. "I began the line just as a hobby and just for fun," she said. Though the line has been featured in several newspaper articles, most callers found out about the line "through word of mouth." "I would like in the near future to take six to eight poets and have them read at a cafe," Brittingham said. "Then, [I'd like to] have the audience read their own work so I can see if I want to have their work read on the line." She said she feels this would enable her to attain a greater range of poetry because she would hear the work of those who are hesitant to submit their poems. Laurie Wagman, founder and chairperson of the American Family Theater, learned about Dial-A-Poet from an article that appeared in the weekly newspaper Welcomat. She now calls the line once a week. "I think it's really a lovely moment," she said. "I'm really glad [Brittingham] set this up so we can share it. I think it's marvelous that something like this can still exist." Because Wagman said she believes poets have a limited audience with which to share their work, "it's special to have this kind of outreach for the poets as well as the listeners." Wagman added that she has spread the word to her friends. "I would encourage people to take a few minutes of their lives to tune in, and they will be the richer for it," she added. The number for the line is 928-5185. This week, the featured poem is "Subterranean" by Helene Bar.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
Police fine 9-mm semiautomatic A student armed with a loaded 9-mm semiautomatic pistol was arrested by University Police yesterday as he was attending evening classes in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall, University Police Sergeant Tom Rambo said last night. University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich confirmed today that Wharton evening student Douglas Murphy was arrested by University Police. And University Police Sergeant Larry Salotti said early this morning that the student has not yet been arraigned. Rambo said the incident began when a student, who claimed he had been previously assaulted by Murphy, called University Police at about 7:51 p.m. after he was told by another classmate that the Murphy had a gun in class. University Police responded to the call and questioned Murphy about the incident, in which he allegedly assaulted the student two weeks ago. Subsequently, when University Police searched Murphy, they found the loaded gun in his jacket, Rambo said. Murphy was then transferred to Philadelphia Police Southwest Detectives for investigation. Although Murphy was carrying the gun, Rambo said that it appeared the gun was not registered to the suspect. Kuprevich said that the Vice Provost for University Life has been notified about the incident and will be making disciplinary decisions in the "near future." He added that there has not been a similar incident in his four years at the University. According to the University's Policies and Procedures, "the possession of dangerous articles (such as firearms, explosive materials, etc.) on University property" is prohibited. A student in the class, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said a "disagreement" during a presentation before the class led to the alleged assault two weeks ago. He said Murphy thought the victim was attempting to sabotage his presentation by removing transparencies and turning off the overhead projector before Murphy had finished with his speech. After class, the student said Murphy reportedly struck the victim and knocked him to the ground three times. Rambo confirmed that the victim filed a complaint with Philadelphia Police, however he did not report the incident to University Police. Even though the student was shocked when he saw University Police officers remove a gun from Murphy's jacket, he said expected a second confrontation. "If there are any two students who would conflict with one another, it was these two," the anonymous student added. This incident comes on the heels of a student threatening two other students with a loaded shotgun last month at 39th and Pine streets. The shotgun-wielding student was placed on an involuntary leave of absence two weeks ago by VPUL.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
On the day Alan Giorgio was sentenced to three to six years in prison for burglary, he came forward to accuse Marketing Professor Scott Ward of various sex crimes. Subsequently, Giorgio's sentence was lightened. Whether Giorgio's testimony will be considered valid is up to Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Bernard Moore, who is to rule on the admissibility of several key pieces of evidence in Ward's criminal trial. The pre-trial hearing to determine what evidence can be presented to the jury drew to a close yesterday in the Montgomery County Courthouse, but the actual trial will not begin until Moore releases his decision on the evidence. Moore's ruling is not expected for at least 20 days. The prosecution has claimed the delays are the result of a defense attempt to further stall the case, a contention Ward's attorneys deny. Ward faces charges including criminal attempts to corrupt a minor, involuntary deviate intercourse and solicitation to commit prostitution. At yesterday's hearing, the prosecution and the defense presented their final arguments. Donald Martin, one of Ward's attorneys, summarized the defense's long-standing position that all of the prosecution's evidence was illegally obtained. Deputy District Attorney Thomas Egan claimed the evidence was properly gathered. The dispute centers around the search of Ward's home the night of his arrest, October 1, 1993. When police entered Ward's house, they did not possess a search warrant. Detective Raymond Kuter of the Montgomery County DA's office was at District Judge Henry Schireson's house at the time, attempting to obtain a warrant. Kuter later called Ward's home, which police already had entered, to tell them of he had received the warrant. The police then commenced their search of the home, according to Egan. The detectives at the scene testified that they were in a rush because the search warrant, issued at 9:50 p.m., stated the search had to begin by 10 p.m. Martin argued that a search without the physical presence of a warrant is "warrantless" and that any evidence obtained in the search is inadmissible in court. According to Egan, this evidence includes "articles about boys engaging in homosexual acts?[and] dozens of photographs of young males engaging in masturbatory acts and sexual relations." Martin further claimed that Kuter did not have probable cause to obtain the warrant or a previous one that allowed Pennsylvania State Trooper Sean McMahon to pose undercover as a 15-year-old boy in a sting operation called an "intercept." Ward allegedly propositioned McMahon for sex on the night of the arrest. The warrant for McMahon's intercept was signed by a district neutral judge. Martin argued that, according to a ruling in a different case tried a few months later, the detectives would have needed permission from a superior judge. But Egan claimed the intercept was legal. "We made every compliance with every law existing at that time," he said. The probable cause for the search warrant was primarily based upon McMahon's experience and Giorgio's testimony. If, as the defense claims, McMahon's operation was illegal and Giorgio's testimony is inaccurate, Moore may suppress all of the evidence from the jury because of a lack of probable cause in the search. The defense has shown discrepancies between Giorgio's original testimony and the statements he made "after his sentence was lightened?and he talked to his attorney about perjury," according to Martin. But Egan said the discrepancies had to do with minor details -- not the main ideas. In addition, he said, Giorgio volunteered the information "without expectation of receiving any benefit and without requesting any." Egan argued that Giorgio's lightened sentence was due to a court mistake made during the sentencing process. However, Martin claimed that the new sentence "was more lenient than the mistake allowed for." The defense requested a brief from Egan before Moore reaches a decision. They also asked for, and were granted, 20 days to look over the brief. But Egan is vacating his position as deputy district attorney on April 28, and another DA will have to take over the case. "The defense is stalling, in my view," he said. He claimed the defense knew about his imminent departure a week ago. "I'm one of the most senior people here and I'm familiar with the case," he added. "By asking for 20 days, they know we will have to assign a new prosecutor."
(04/12/95 9:00am)
In light of the racial stereotypes and misunderstandings that exist in the United States, the University community took time over the weekend to discuss the perceived role of African-American men in today's society. The two-day symposium, sponsored by the Afro-American Studies Program, brought together more than 50 scholars, students and members of the community to "look at the state of African-American men in society, and the ways in which they are imagined in our culture," according to Program Coordinator Gale Ellison. The keynote address, entitled "African-American Men and Newt Gingrich's Contract with America," was given by Leon Higginbotham, the Public Service Professor of Jurisprudence at Harvard University, and a former University Law School professor. He shared an open letter which he wrote to Gingrich explaining that he believes "the weak and poor will suffer more than any time since the Great Depression" as a result of Gingrich's reforms. Higginbotham said the Contract does not consider the poor or the children of the country, adding that it is up to African Americans to create a contract they think America needs. He encouraged African Americans at the University to take action, asking, "If you don't do it at Penn, who will?" Higginbotham explained that the black community must resist polarization, adding that they must get involved with "non-African Americans" in order to make a difference. He concluded by saying that although he sympathizes with and applauds "the black man," the community must continue to think of the future. The symposium continued with several panel discussions. On Friday night, "Issues of Style in the Construction of Black Masculinity" were addressed. Saturday included discussions dealing with "African American Men, Society, and the Nature of Work," and "African American Men and the Business of Sports: The Focus of Aspiration and a Source for Role Models." Arthur Flannigan-St. Aubin also gave an address, entitled "The Black Male Body: Theorizing Testicular and Testerical Masculinity." Ellison said she felt the symposium was a success. "The symposium was very successful," she said. "The panels were well received by the audience. The audience members were very engaged in the topics being addressed, and with the panelists." Fourth-year history graduate student Herman Graham, who attended the symposium, agreed. "I think the conference did a good job of speaking to a diverse audience that included scholars and community activists," he said.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
One month before his expected graduation, a Yale University student was expelled from school after being accused of fraudulently accepting $61,475 worth of student grants and loans from the federal government. Lon Grammer, a 25-year-old from Brentwood, Calif., was arrested Thursday by Yale University Police on charges of first-degree larceny. According to Yale Police Sergeant Michael Pattern, Grammer could face between one and 20 years in prison. As a junior, Grammer transferred to Yale from Cuesta Community College in San Luis Obispo, Calif. He is accused of forging and altering several of the documents in his Yale admissions file. Grammer's admissions file at Yale contained two different copies of his transcript, according to police reports. The copy he sent to Yale showed a grade point average of 3.91, while the transcript from Cuesta Community College indicated a 2.07 GPA. In addition, Grammer's file contained several forged letters of recommendations signed by nonexistent Cuesta Community College professors. Norman Pattis, Grammer's attorney, told the Yale Daily News that Grammer would enter a plea of not guilty at his arraignment which was originally scheduled for yesterday. But Grammer was not arraigned and his case received a continuance until April 20. Yale officials declined to comment on the case. Some of Grammer's friends said they were surprised by his arrest, but others felt that there had always been something suspicious about him. The Yale incident is similar to last year's arrest of a man who tried to gain admission to the University Law School using false identification. Jorge Chambergo, who allegedly sought admission to the Law School under an assumed name, was arrested in California in January by United States postal inspectors. A federal grand jury indicted Chambergo on seven counts of mail fraud and one count of attempting to a use a false social security number. Chambergo could face up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine. He is accused of altering his name in January 1990 in an attempt to pass off the LSAT scores of another individual, Dae Kyung Seu. And the indictment also charges Chambergo with submitting a financial aid statement with a false birth date. The Yale Daily News contributed to this article.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
Some Yale University students have decided to fight Playboy's forthcoming "Women of the Ivy League" issue not with protests -- but with checkbooks. The Yale Women's Center is raising money to pay fellow students not to pose for the magazine, the Yale Daily News reported Monday. Last month, Playboy came to the University to photograph women for the October issue, which will feature naked or semi-naked Ivy League students. Playboy last ran an Ivy League photo spread in 1986. According to College senior Susane Colasanti, who was photographed for the issue last month, the magazine pays $100 for a picture of a clothed model, $250 for a topless pose and $500 for full frontal nudity. The Yale group is prepared to match Playboy's offer and pay the four students selected to represent Yale in the pictorial $500 each not to pose. The organization has already raised $1,000 in donations. Yale senior Sarah Haan, a member of the school's women's center, said Playboy's pictorials are degrading to women because the models' bodies are given more significance than their intellects. "Men just look at their breasts, and forget their other achievements," she said. But some University feminists said they think the Yale students' good intentions are misplaced. College senior and Penn Women's Alliance member Jesse Hergert said that "paying women not to pose seems goofy." There are many more deserving feminist causes which could benefit from such fund raising, Hergert added. No one at the University made such a visible protest of Playboy's presence on campus last month. Still, English graduate student and Penn Women's Alliance member Debra Pickett said University students are not apathetic to women's issues. She noted that the University feminist community was divided over the issue of pornography, and therefore its reaction to Playboy cannot be used as a litmus test of political activity. Hergert commented that there were some protests at the time of Playboy's visit to the University, but that she "has no real problem with adult women making money any legal way available." The Coalition held a rally in February to protest a speech by Playboy Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Christie Hefner on campus. Yale sophomore Richard Edelman said that "interest groups at Yale sometimes take things too far." Edelman said he supports the right of college-aged women to decide what they want to do with their bodies. "For people who claim to be liberals, this shouldn't be a big deal," he said.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
Representatives from two Philadelphia civic groups related their experiences as grass-roots urban planners to residents of the Spruce Hill community at a town meeting last night. The visit -- which was organized by the Spruce Hill Community Association -- is part of SHCA's efforts to finalize a community renewal plan. "Very recently we had to do a neighborhood strategic plan," said Michael Washington, deputy manager of the Advocate Community Development Corporation. "We went out to the community and found out what they needed." Founded in 1969, ACDC represents the Diamond Street area of North Philadelphia, and works to improve housing. One of the primary issues Washington addressed was the proliferation of vacant properties in his area, although he said this is not as much of a problem in West Philadelphia. "Why not give a person a side yard if you're doing development?" he asked, citing the importance of physical attractiveness in urban communities. "You need to take into account the community you're working for," he told the Spruce Hill residents. Kay Smith, of the Manayunk Development Corporation, described her association's efforts to boost commercial activity in their Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood. "Your neighborhood is what you make it," she asserted. "City money in projects didn't have the community support behind it," she said. "If there is going to be change, we had to look at ourselves and decide how we were going to do it." Using slides, she illustrated the progressive changes that have taken place in Manayunk over the last decade. According to SHCA Treasure David Hochman, the community renewal plan currently consists of a survey of local property and "a list of preliminary community objectives." The plan was developed by the SHCA's Redevelopment Task Force, which includes several University staff members and began work in October. They also cite the help of N.R. Popkin, an urban planner at the University's Center for Community Partnerships. "He is a professional who can help make this happen," Hochman said of Popkin. "But it is the neighborhood that is doing the planning." Popkin also said that one of the main goals of the planning was to create an environment in which people will want to stay and raise families. The specifics of the plan include improving the area's schools, lowering crime and addressing other quality of life issues. According to SHCA Vice President Patrick Starr, another important goal is to improve the area's percentage of owner occupancy. In Spruce Hill, the occupancy rate is 11 percent, as opposed to the city average of 55 percent. "We need to lock in our diversity," he stated.
(04/12/95 9:00am)
The cultural enthusiasm of Ibbu Okun, a dance troupe from Havana, Cuba, was so captivating that members of the audience joined the dancers on the stage last night for the performance of their final song, "El Comentario." More than 200 members of the University community and the city's African American and Puerto Rican communities gathered last night at DuBois College House to see Ibbu Okun in their U.S. debut tour. Elizabeth Sayre, an administrative assistant in the Graduate School of Education, was responsible for bringing the group to the University. Sponsored by the Music Department and 12 residential, student and academic groups, the performance had interdisciplinary appeal. Ibbu Okun -- or River and Sea -- is an eight-person all-female Afro-Cuban folkloric group from Cuba. They performed a repertoire of Afro-Cuban music and dance traditions. The music of Ibbu Okun originated in Nigeria centuries ago and has survived slavery in Cuba, according to Sayre. The women of Ibbu Okun played the Bata, a family of three double-headed drums which traditionally played by men, she added. Sayre said the group is considered controversial by many people who practice the traditional Caban Santeria religion. Ibbu Okun also performed the Orisha dance -- a sequence of dances that focuses on eight different Orisha characters. This dance is part of the cultural traditions of the Santeria religion. According to this belief system, which is based on different gods, each Orisha stands for a different characteristic in humans or nature. The Orisha dance began with a three-drum salute to the Eleggua, Ogun and Ochosi characters. Eleggua, a comical trickster dressed in red and black, engaged the audience. Each segment was preceded by an introduction from the drummers. As the dance sequence continued, each character approached the dance floor following an announcement by the singers. Babaluaye, the crippled healer of the Santeria religion, captivated the audience in the final segment of the Orisha dance. Ibbu Okun's performance also invited audience participation. In an expression of Afro-Cuban culture, members of the audience responded to traditional Santeria calls and joined the dancers on stage in their finale. Last night's show was the kick-off event for Ibbu Okun's week-long performance events that will take place throughout the city.
