Ashley Takacs | That has made all the difference
Claiborne Pell, the quirky former Rhode Island senator, died January 1st after a long battle with Parkinson's. While Penn students were not alive during most of his 36 years in office, many should recognize Pell's name from their financial-aid statement. And for good reason - he helped to pass legislation creating the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, commonly referred to as Pell Grants, which provide direct aid to college students.








