Nov. 8, 2005 Issue

Tuesday November 8, 2005 Volume 52 Number 11 www.upenn.edu/almanac

Keith and Kathy Sachsʼ $4 Million Gifts to ICA and History of Art ferences,ferences, llectures,ectures, pperformanceserformances aandnd ootherther eeventsvents $9.5 Million Grant from NIH to to raise the profi le of contemporary art on campus Discover Active Molecules and also further position Penn as an arts center. Penn is receiving $9.5 million from the Na- “Weʼre very happy to be able to provide the tional Institutes of Health during the next three basis for strengthening the teaching of contem- years to establish the Penn Center for Molecular porary art at Penn while at the same time deep- Discovery. The Penn team will screen the NIH ening the ties between the University and the repository of small molecules to discover new ICA,” Keith Sachs said. biological interactions. “We see the ICA functioning as a laboratory Hundreds of thousands of molecules, col- for the art history department in much the same lected and purifi ed from natural sources or syn- way as HUP does for the School of Medicine,” thesized by chemists around the world, will be said Kathy Sachs. tested against biological targets for inhibitory “We are delighted by this generous gift from or activating activity. The Penn center is one of nine facilities that the NIH is establishing across Keith and Kathy Sachs two proud Penn alums which will greatly enhance Pennʼs strength in contemporary art education and the country as part of the its Molecular Library Katherine Stein Sachs (CW ʼ69) and Keith scholarship,” said President Amy Gutmann. “The Screening Center Network. L. Sachs (W 67ʼ), have established a professor- Sachsʼ philanthropy will benefi t Penn students for “This initiative is ship in contemporary art in the department of years to come and integrate our ICA seamlessly comparable in scale the history of art and provided for guest-curated into Pennʼs educational mission.” and complexity to the exhibitions at the Institute of Contemporary Art. “Great universities must teach students how Human Genome Proj- The total gift is $4 million. to ʻreadʼ in a world where vast quantities of vi- ect,” said Dr. Scott Di- The Sachs Professorship in Contemporary Art sual information come at them through the me- amond, professor of is intended to strengthen ties between the history dia and over high-speed networks,” said Dr. Da- chemical and biomo- of art department and the ICA, the only contem- vid Brownlee, chair of the department of the lecular engineering porary-art museum at an Ivy League institution. history of art. “Contemporary art has fl ourished and director of the new The Sachs Guest Curator Program will en- in this optically saturated environment, and its center. “Small mole- able ICA to select outside curators to work with study can show students how to be critical read- cules come in an astro- ICA staff and Penn to organize and present ma- ers of what they see, while introducing them to nomically large vari- jor exhibitions for ICA main exhibition space. some of the most important ideas of our time.” ety of shapes and sizes Each guest curator will give a lecture series, “Adding a dedicated professor in contempo- Scott Diamond that dwarfs the num- work with students and help produce a catalog rary art and having an outside curatorial voice ber of genes in the hu- to accompany the exhibition. will not only further our mission,” said Claudia man genome. Finding the important ones within Their gift also establishes a fund for contem- Gould, ICA director, “but also establish our iden- the NIH repository is a classic needle-haystack porary-art programming, including seminars, con- tity as a leader in the fi eld of contemporary art.” challenge, but we have robotic and biosensing tools that werenʼt available even a decade ago.” $3 Million Vagelos Gift: Life Sciences and Management Each of the new NIH centers will be screen- Emeritus trustee P. Roy Vagelos, C ʼ50, Hon eral arts education offered by the School of Arts ing the compound repository against unique tar- ʼ99, and his wife Diana have made a $3 million and Sciences and the business education provid- gets of biological interest provided by scientists gift to Penn to support an innovative undergrad- ed by the Wharton School to give students the around the country. The screening centers will uate program in life sciences and management, scientifi c and entrepreneurial background nec- create a massive, public-domain database where to be launched by SAS and the Wharton School essary for future success in the complex world the interactions of thousands of chemicals with and named in honor of the Vageloses. of biotechnology. scores of biological targets can be data-mined. The Roy and Diana Vagelos Program in Life In announcing the gift, President Amy Such tools have previously been available to Sciences and Management will combine the lib- Gutmann said: “The leaders of tomorrow university researchers only in a very limited must demonstrate a mastery of multiple dis- way at few sites. ciplines to achieve success. Roy and Diana “I can envision scientists around the world Vagelosʼgenerosity, coupled with Pennʼs highly who study a disease or organism or a particular ranked Wharton School, the School of Arts and set of molecules downloading information that Sciences and Pennʼs Medical School, all on one would have normally taken years to obtain,” Dr. campus, place us in a unique position to offer this Diamond said. highly innovative interdisciplinary program.” The Penn center has developed a very special The Vagelos program will integrate science capability to print thousands of molecules on a and business curricula, leading to either a bach- glass surface the size of a business card and then elor of arts degree in science with a business test the molecules against proteases and other en- concentration or a bachelor of science degree in zymes purifi ed from human or animal cells, bac- economics with a science concentration. It is (continued on page 2) designed to prepare undergraduates for careers IN THIS ISSUE managing business, nonprofi t and government 2 College House Named for President Emerita activities in the rapidly growing life sciences Rodin; Peridontics Chairman: Dr. Fiorellini sector, which includes such areas as pharmaceu- 3 Trusteesʼ Coverage; Town Hall on Campus Plan ticals, human health, agriculture, animal health, 4 Speaking Out: Pedestrian Safety; Bicycling; Justice 6 November Volunteer Opportunities; Pennʼs Way genetics and basic biological and biochemical Prizes and Winners; Parsons Dance Premieres sciences. Students will follow a curriculum that 7 Snow Day Child Care; EHRS; EOC Workshop; (continued on page 2) Update; CrimeStats; Classifi eds Roy and Diana Vagelos 8 Talk About Teaching and Learning ALMANAC November 8, 2005 www.upenn.edu/almanac 1 $3 Million Vagelos Gift: Life Sciences and Management $9.5 Million Grant from NIH (continued from page 1) (continued from page 1) graduated from Penn in 1950 before going on to receive a medical degree from Columbia Uni- teria, parasites, insects or viruses. As targets for integrates science and business coursework and versity, is the retired chairman and CEO of Mer- drug development, proteases have proven criti- includes both business and science internships ck & Co. He served as chair of the Universityʼs cal to viral infection or replication, cancer cell and a year-long independent research project. Board of Trustees from 1995 to 1999, and he is migration, infl ammation and blood clotting. The program will begin accepting participants a former member of the SAS Board of Over- “We can probe chemical-biological interac- this fall. seers and the former chair of the Committee for tions in nanoliter volumes the size of a speck of In talking about the program, Dr. Vagelos Undergraduate Financial Aid. Diana Vagelos is dust,” Dr. Diamond said. notes, “While some of our students want careers a former overseer of the Penn Museum. Their Penn will also be able to test compounds in in the research or medical aspects of life scienc- many gifts to Penn include the Vagelos En- thousands of miniature wells each containing a es (as I did when I graduated from Penn), oth- dowed Scholars Program in Molecular Life Sci- millimeter-sized zebra fi sh, an unlikely organ- ers want business careers that are grounded in a ences, the Vagelos Science Challenge Scholar- ism that has proven its worth in studies of heart real knowledge of the life sciences (something I ship Award, the Roy and Diana Vagelos Labo- or nerve function as well as in cancer biology did in the later part of my career). It is this lat- ratories of the Institute for Advanced Science because the transparent fi sh is easily imaged. ter group that should be interested in this new and Technology and the Roy and Diana Vagelos When the researchers identify a new mole- program.” He adds that he has “been greatly Chair in Chemistry and Chemical Biology. cule that reacts to a specifi c target, the results impressed by the interdisciplinary programs that “Pennʼs strength in the life sciences has will be added to a database open to the public. contribute so much to Pennʼs ability to provide grown tremendously in recent years–with much Using the “hits” of the chemical screening, Dr. our students with the background they seek in of this progress made under Royʼs watch as Amos Smith, professor of chemistry, will head preparing for their careers.” chairman of Pennʼs Board of Trustees,” said the effort to create highly tailored, higher poten- “The career of Roy Vagelos, who has made Patrick T. Harker, Dean of the Wharton School. cy molecules useful in biological research, im- tremendous contributions as both a scientist and “At the same time, he has been a tireless sup- aging and pharmacological research. a businessman, exemplifi es the goals of this new porter of Whartonʼs programs, and he and Diana “In time, these exciting new molecules with program. We are extremely grateful to him and have been among Pennʼs most generous bene- known biological activities will be a mouse-click to Diana for this gift, which will enable our stu- factors. Itʼs such an honor to launch this pio- away for chemists, biologists and drug designers dents to follow his example,” said Dr. Rebecca neering program under their names and to give to use, all supported by an extensive database,” W. Bushnell, SAS Dean. some of the most outstanding students an unpar- Dr. Smith said. “This is really an exciting time Dr. Roy Vagelos, a chemistry major who alleled academic experience.” for chemistry at the interface with biology.” The Penn Center for Molecular Discovery Dental Medicineʼs Periodontics Chairman: Joseph Fiorellini will be housed at the Institute for Medicine and After a nationwide Academy of Periodontology Young Investigators Engineering. The center represents a truly mul- search, Penn Dental Award, The Academy of Osseointegration Re- tidisciplinary exercise, involving engineers with Medicine has named search Award, and The European Association for skills in robotics from the School of Engineer- Dr. Joseph P. Fiorelli- Osseointegration Research Prize. He was also the ing and Applied Sciences, chemists from the ni as Chairman of its recipient of the 2005 E. Bud Tarrson Research School of Arts and Sciences and biomedical re- Department of Peri- Award in Oral Plastic Surgery from the American searchers from the School of Medicine. odontics. Dr. Fiorelli- Academy of Periodontology Foundation. “The integration across Pennʼs campus is en- ni, who has also been “The Penn Dental Department of Periodon- hanced by its connectivity with the other cen- appointed Professor of tics has a rich history of leadership in the fi eld, ters in the national network,” Dr. Diamond said. Periodontics, comes to and I am looking forward to working with the “This could have a stimulating effect on the Penn Dental Medicine faculty to build upon that,” says Dr. Fiorellini. pace of discovery by opening information up to from Harvard School “It is a great opportunity, and I am excited to be anyone that might have a great idea.” of Dental Medicine, at the School.” For info, visit: www.seas.upenn.edu/~pcmd/. where he served as Vice Chair and Associ- College House Named for President Emerita Judith Rodin Joseph Fiorellini ate Professor of the De- partment of Oral Medi- Hamilton College House is being renamed Rodin cine, Infection and Immunity; Head of the Di- College House in honor of President Emerita Judith vision of Periodontology; and Program Direc- Rodin, who stepped down in 2004 after a 10-year tor of Periodontology. Throughout his tenure at tenure. The announcement was made last week by Harvard, Dr. Fiorellini also maintained a pri- Pennʼs Trustees and President Amy Gutmann. vate practice in periodontics and implant den- The naming is in honor of Dr. Rodinʼs many tistry. He earned his DMD from Harvard School achievements during her presidency that lifted the of Dental Medicine in 1990, and in 1993, was University to new heights. “We are absolutely de- awarded a DMSc degree in oral biology and a lighted to attach the Rodin name to this college Certifi cate in Periodontology from Harvard. house,” said President Amy Gutmann. “The Col- “We are extremely pleased to welcome Dr. lege House system as it exists today was implement- Fiorellini to the Penn Dental Medicine family,” ed during Judy Rodinʼs tenure. We can think of no says Morton Amsterdam Dean Marjorie Jeff- better way to honor her many contributions to Penn coat. “He brings great expertise and energy to and to acknowledge her commitment to undergrad- the role, and I am confi dent the department will uate education.” continue to grow and develop in exciting ways “As a Philadelphia native, Penn alum and former college house resident, Judy Rodin brought her deep At Fridayʼs reception, Faculty Master Dr. Jay under his leadership.” Reise, President Amy Gutmann, House Dean Dr. Fiorellini, whose appointment was effec- love of the campus community and boundless ener- Ken Grcich and RA Kennedy Gachiri joined tive October 1, currently serves on the editori- gy to everything she did,” said James Riepe, chair- Dr. Judith Rodin at the Hamilton College al boards of the Journal of Periodontology, the man of Pennʼs Board of Trustees. “We think it fi tting House which is being renamed in her honor. International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial to associate her name with a facility that is part of Implants and the International Journal of Peri- the College House system she nurtured and loved.” odontics and Restorative Dentistry. His key ar- During Dr. Rodinʼs decade of service, Pennʼs undergraduate housing system developed into an eas of research include the relationship of ge- integrated residential program, comprised of 11 College Houses with live-in faculty and profession- netics and periodontal disease and studies relat- al and student staff who provide cultural, academic, philanthropic and recreational programming. ed to periodontal regeneration and implantology. Dr. Rodin oversaw a period of growth at Penn that improved the Universityʼs academic core, and Dr. Fiorellini has authored more than 50 manu- dramatically enhanced the quality of life on campus and in the surrounding community. Under her scripts, reviews, and textbook chapters, and his leadership, Penn invigorated its resources, doubling its research funding and tripling both its an- research awards have included National Insti- nual fundraising and the size of its endowment; launched a comprehensive and widely acclaimed tutes of Health and International Association of neighborhood revitalization program; attracted record numbers of undergraduate applicants, creat- Dental Research travel grants, The American ing Pennʼs most selective classes ever; and expanded its international programs and collaborations. 2 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC November 8, 2005 Coverage of the Trusteesʼ Fall Meetings While the Trustees were on campus last week, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied vised total of $23.7 million); to authorize the in- they witnessed the unveiling of the portrait of Science for another six-year term (AlmanacAlmanac Oc- stallation of sprinkler and fi re alarm systems in Dr. Judith Rodin that now hangs in College Hall tober 11, 2005). Dr. Gutmann called Dr. Glandt Sansom East in the amount of $5.55 million; to along with the other past presidentsʼ portraits. “a phenomenal dean.” authorize design and construction of the Law Trusteesʼ Chairman James Riepe announced at Provost Ron Daniels reported that as of this School Tannenbaum Hall seminar and offi ce the Fall Stated Meeting on Friday that Hamil- summer Dr. Perry Molinoff, the vice provost for renovations in the amount of $4 million; to au- ton College House was being renamed Rodin research, is directly responsible for the area of thorize a lease for the School of Medicine, de- College House in recognition of the “strides she Technology Transfer for which he recently ap- partment of physiology at the Abramson Re- made in the past decade.” pointed Dr. John Zawad as the managing director search Building, 11th fl oor, with a net present Mr. Riepe presented resolutions of apprecia- of Intellectual Property and Technology Trans- value of $1.5 million. tion for fi ve trustees: Laurence E. Hirsch, John C. fer (AlmanacAlmanac November 1, 2005). The Provost Facilities and Campus Planning had a presen- Hover II, Warren Lieberfarb, Shaun F. OʼMalley also reported on Dr. Janice Bellaceʼs recent pro- tation during their committee meeting from Pu- and David S. Pottruck, noting that the Board is motion to deputy provost (AlmanacAlmanac October 25, litzer Prize winning architect Fumihiko Maki of “extremely grateful for their service.” 2005). There will be a conference in Washing- Maki Associates who is designing the building President Amy Gutmann emphatically restat- ton, D.C. on December 1 at which Penn faculty for the Annenberg Public Policy Center, which ed Pennʼs resolve to keep the University safe; will meet with senior policymakers concerning will be built on the site of the former Hillel on she noted that in response to recent off-campus post Katrina issues like dealing with risks. The 36th Street. President Gutmann announced at incidents, the UPPD has made several arrests Penn Press will be publishing a book of the pro- that meeting that the new four-story building will and she said, “we will restore a sense of safe- ceedings that will be distributed to all members have a great public lecture space to be known as ty.” Dr. Gutmann also highlighted the recently of Congress. The Penn Museum is involved in Agora where there will be an annual lecture se- published Response to the Minority Equity Re- a conference this month on teaching evolution in ries in honor of the buildingʼs benefactor, Le- port, from the President and Provost (AlmanacAlmanac schools. The School of Nursing has completed onore Annenberg. November 1, 2005). the fi rst of three phases of renovations. Scott L. Bok was elected as a term trustee She noted that last year she laid the founda- In the fi nancial report, EVP Craig Carnaroli and David L. Cohen was re-elected as a term tions and this year she is moving forward with ini- described FY05—which ended June 30, 2005— trustee; L. John Clark was elected as a charter tiatives such as the Campus Master Plan to make as a very positive year primarily due to invest- trustee. Penn an “ever more vibrant campus.” Global en- ment performance and contributions and higher Mark B. Davis and Pamela S. Johnson were gagement—to forge stronger institutional ties patient volume and higher payment rates at the appointed to the Law Schoolʼs Board of Over- throughout the world; the president will be trav- health system. Penn concluded FY05 with total seers. eling to India, China, Singapore and Hong Kong. assets of $9.3 billion, total liabilities of $2.9 bil- Richard D. Feintuch was appointed to the Recruiting and retaining fi rst-rate faculty—seek lion, and net assets of $6.4 billion. He also re- Annenberg Centerʼs Board of Overseers. to broaden diversity and make the fi rst PIK ap- ported that during the fi rst quarter of FY06 there Nancy Horwich Rothstein was appointed to pointment by the end of this academic year. Fi- was a 3.5% increase in total net assets to $6.611 GSEʼs Board of Overseers. nancial aid—still one of the presidentʼs top pri- billion and total endowment value is now $4.373 Carrie Cox and Susan B. Danilow were ap- orities although 140 new scholarships have been billion, an increase of $177 million since June pointed to the Museumʼs Board of Overseers. created so far. The fi ve-year Campaign—starting 30, 2005. Ellen Moelis was appointed, Alberto Vi- from a position of strength. Dr. Arthur Rubenstein gave the Penn Med- tale was reapppointed and Lawrence S. Schoen- The Trustees passed the resolution to ap- icine report in which he mentioned the recent berg was named chair emeritus to the Librariesʼ point Dr. Joan Hendricks as the next dean of the groundbreaking for the Center for Advanced Board of Overseers. School of Veterinary Medicine effective January Medicine, that will be a 21st century patient-cen- Jay Goldman, Cindy S. Moellis and Mark 1, 2006; Dr. Gutmann said Penn is “fortunate to tered facility. He commended Penn for having Ostroff were appointed to the School of Social have reaped the benefi ts of Dean Alan Kellyʼs six faculty including four from SOM, among the Policy and Practiceʼs Board of Overseers. leadership” and Dr. Hendricks is an “eminent 64 researchers and physicians named to the In- David Pottruck was appointed to the Whar- and worthy successor” who will build on his stitute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Acad- ton Schoolʼs Board of Overseers. leadership. Dr. Eduardo Glandt was reappointed emies. Pedro W. Lichtinger was appointed to the The Budget & Finance Committee present- School of Veterinary Medicineʼs Board of Over- ed four resolutions that were passed: to autho- seers. rize the revised scope and budget for the design John S. Middleton was appointed to the and construction of the Fisher-Bennett Hall ren- Board of Trustees of Penn Medicine. ovations for an additional $2.8 million (for a re- Annette Fierro was appointed to the Board of PennPraxis.

Town Hall: On the Campus Development Planning Process President Amy Gutmann wrote in her Welcome Back message (Almanac September 6, 2005): “When Penn takes possession of the 14-acre postal lands property in a year and a half from now, we will begin transforming surface lots, fallow buildings, and eyesores into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood, featuring new space for research, cafes, shops and restau- rants, arts venues, and recreation. Planning effectively for this transformation requires har- nessing the expertise, contributions, and perspectives of our Trustees, faculty, city and community leaders, staff, students, and alumni.” Over the course of this academic year, the Campus Development Planning Committee— which President Gutmann formed last spring (Almanac April 5, 2005)—is seeking counsel from the broad spectrum of the Penn community. As part of the information gathering and sharing process, the Committee is hosting a Town Hall meeting to discuss campus planning efforts and ideas. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. in Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall. All Penn faculty, staff and students are invited to attend this event. We encourage you to participate in this forum and contribute your ideas to the Campus Development Planning Committee to ensure that we develop a dynamic campus. The recently unveiled portrait by Everett —Provost Ron Daniels, Co-chair of Campus Development Planning Committee Raymond Kinstler of Dr. Judith Rodin, who —EVP Craig Carnaroli, Co-chair of Campus Development Planning Committee served as Pennʼs president from 1994-2004. The —Senior VP Facilities Omar Blaik, Vice Chair of Campus Development Planning Committee portrait is hung on the fi rst fl oor of College Hall. ALMANAC November 8, 2005 www.upenn.edu/almanac 3 Speaking Out Intersection Out of Control ly decreased the number of vehicle/pe- cles belong on the road only where there Like other intersections on campus destrian/bicyclist accidents in that area. are marked bicycle lanes is simply in- that are a risk to those of us who work or The UPPD is an active participant in PA correct. Adult cyclists not only can ride attend classes at Penn, the intersection at State-sponsored programs such as “Share on the road throughout Philadelphia; by 40th and Locust Sts. poses a greater risk The Road” and “Buckle-Up.” In the last law, that is where they must ride. Both than any other intersection ever. Vehicles year members of the UPPD issued over the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code and the heading east bound on 40th Street nev- 2,000 traffi c citations directly related to Philadelphia City Code prohibit bicy- er stop at the required stop sign that is unsafe driving and 5,000 parking cita- cling on the sidewalk in the Penn cam- posted at the corner of Locust and 40th. tions. Monitoring of traffi c and issuance pus area. Cycling is also prohibited on Countless times vehicles never stop and of citations has a direct impact on traf- Locust, Smith, and Hamilton Walks from pose a risk to everyone who crosses this fi c safety. Specifi c to the 40th and Locust 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (See www.upenn. intersection. Once in a while the Phila- Street intersection, it has been identifi ed edu/almanac/volumes/v51/n13/uppd.html delphia Police or U.P.P.D. does have a as a “Selective Enforcement Area” which for details). car, a marked car, at this particular corner is closely monitored by uniform patrol • Follow the rules of the road. In Pennsyl- but not for a long period of time. offi cers. With all of these initiatives and vania, bicycles and automobiles are gov- Because of the posted offi cers that overt actions by University of Pennsylva- erned by the same vehicular code. All stop are at each corner from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. nia Patrol Personnel we are making every signs, traffi c lights, and other road markers for traffi c detail on Walnut St., a place effort to make University City safe for apply to cyclists in the same way they ap- which at one time that was out of con- pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. ply to cars. Be aware that cycling against trol and where students and staff were at —Mark Dorsey, traffi c is not only dangerous, it is illegal, risk when crossing, is now under control. Chief of Police, UPPD and can result in ticketing and fi nes. Therefore U.P.P.D. should detail an offi - • Make sure you can be seen on the road, cer at 40th and Locust Sts. at this time One-way Southbound on 37th even in the dark. With the autumn days also to gain control of the out of control In preparation for the reconstruc- growing shorter, high visibility is crit- violators who continue to speed through tion of the façade at the Inn at Penn, ical for anyone who commutes in rush- the required stop sign. 37th Street, between Chestnut and Wal- hour traffi c wear light-colored or refl ec- I hope an offi cial at Penn Police De- nut is now one-way southbound. Trail- tive clothing, and use headlights as well partment will listen to this request at this ers have been dropped on the west side as taillights to ensure that you are visible particular intersection, 40th and Locust of 37th St. between Sansom and Walnut to cars and pedestrians under low-light Sts. is very much out of control and get- and barricades were erected in front of conditions. ting worse. the trailers. The next part of the project • Donʼt risk a “no-brainer”; wear a hel- —Charles King, Jr., Facilities Services will be the erection of scaffolding around met. A helmet that meets the Consum- the hotel starting from the Walnut street er Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Response from UPPD entrance eastward to and including the standard can minimize or prevent a head The University of Pennsylvania Po- Bookstore entrance at 36th and Walnut. injury during a fall or crash. If you par- lice Department (UPPD) is actively in- The walkway will be covered from the ticipate in a qualifying Keystone health volved in numerous traffi c safety initia- overhead scaffolding during this project. insurance plan, you can receive a reim- tives. Traffi c safety and in particular the There will be no street parking on the bursement of up to $25 on a new helmet safety of pedestrians and bicyclist re- north side of the 3600 block Walnut as purchase. (See www.site65.com/pdfs/ mains to be a high priority within the the scaffolding will project to the cur- ibc_child_safety.pdf for details.) UPPD Patrol Division. The Police De- bline. • Secure your bike when youʼre not rid- partment, in concert with several other Philadelphia Parking Authority has ing it. Lock any removable parts, such University Departments, meets monthly been notifi ed; meters have been removed as quick-release wheels or seat posts, to to review traffi c safety initiatives, identi- on 37th Street and “NO PARKING ANY your bicycleʼs frame. Lock the frame it- fy problematic areas and also communi- TIME” signs have been erected. self to something that cannot be disas- cate on a regular basis with Philadelphia –Captain Joseph D. Fischer, sembled, cut, or removed. Employing Traffi c Engineers to resolve these issues. Commanding Offi cer- two different types of locks (e.g., U-lock We have made numerous recommenda- Patrol Division, UPPD and cable) makes your bicycle a less in- tions to the City of Philadelphia which viting target for theft, while register- will ultimately enhance traffi c safety at Tips for Bicycle Commuters ing your bike with Penn Public Safety at various intersections. Specifi c to the in- Bicycle commuting can be healthy, 4040 Chestnut Street increases the chanc- tersection of 40th and Locust Street the economical, safe, and enjoyable. With es of recovery if the bike is lost or stolen. following “safety enhancements” were a SEPTA strike now underway, I would (For details on how to register, call 215- recommended to the City: like to offer some timely tips for new and • Installation of corner “bulb-outs” which 898-4485.) “re-cycled” Penn bicycle commuters: Wishing a smooth commute for ev- will extend the 40th Street west side side- • Start your trip on the web. The Bicycle walks further into the intersection, decreas- eryone sharing the road. Coalition of Philadelphia has compiled –Jennifer Yuan, ing the number of steps in order to cross a useful set of resources for bike com- 40th Street and Locust Street. Electronic Publications Specialist, • Installation of larger and more visible muters, including route maps and safe- ISC Communications Group “STOP” signs. ty tips, at www.bicyclecoalition.org/bik- • Installation of larger neo-plastic cross- ethestrike.html. You can also learn more Seeking Justice and Respect walk markings. about safe biking in Philadelphia from the This letter is written primarily in re- Some of the safety issues which have Share-The-Road initiative at http://share- sponse to the 17 scholars who signed a been addressed by the University and the-road.org/bicyclists.htm. Additionally, letter entitled “Conceptual Plagiarism Ab- recommended to the City Traffi c Engi- Pennʼs own bicycle policy at www.upenn. surd” (Almanac October 11, 2005), which neers are protracted projects, while we edu/almanac/v49/n09/bike_policy.html we feel is not only inaccurate but also have been successful at implementing provides a wealth of pertinent information disrespectful of the research, intellectual safety initiatives such as the installation for campus cyclists. property, and distinguished career of Pro- of the “No-U-Turn” signs along the 38th • Ride on the road, not the sidewalk. fessor Elijah Anderson. While we recog- Street corridor which has dramatical- The common misconception that bicy- (continued on page 5)

Speakingpeaking OOutut wwelcomeselcomes rreadereader ccontributions.ontributions. SShort,hort, ttimelyimely llettersetters oonn UUniversityniversity iissuesssues wwillill bbee aacceptedccepted bbyy TThursdayhursday aatt nnoonoon fforor tthehe ffollowingollowing Tuesdayʼs issue, subject to right-of-reply guidelines. Advance notice of intention to submit is appreciated. —Eds.

4 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC November 8, 2005 Speaking Out

nize that these scholars have a right to an Marc Silver, Hofstra University Tanya Golash-Boza, University of Kansas opinion, we categorically reject the unfor- Rhonda F. Levine, Colgate University Jennifer F. Hamer, University of Illinois, tunate tactics and vocabulary employed Augustine J. Kposowa, UC Riverside Urbana-Champaign in their letter as well as its suspect con- Walda Katz-Fishman, Howard University Amon Emeka, University of Southern clusions. & Project South: Institute for the Elimination California Our purpose is not to engage in a de- of Poverty & Genocide Johnnie M. Griffi n, Indiana University, bate about ʻconceptual plagiarism.ʼ Our Hernan Vera, University of Florida South Bend colleague Elijah Anderson never used this John Sibley Butler, University of Texas Carla Day Goar, Northern Illinois University term, nor do we use it. Because a detailed Mary Romero, Arizona State University April Linton, UC San Diego account of the appropriately acknowl- Sam Marullo, Georgetown University Keri Iyall Smith, Stonehill College edged as well as the 22 inappropriate- Anthony Lemelle, University of Wisconsin, Sandra Barnes, Purdue University ly unacknowledged similarities between Milwaukee David L. Brunsma, University of Missouri Kathryn Edin and Maria Kefalasʼ Prom- Eduardo Bonilla-Silva, Duke University Beth Schaefer Caniglia, Oklahoma State ises I Can Keep: Why Poor Women Put Charles M. Payne, Duke University University Motherhood before Marriage and Elijah Wornie Reed, University of Tennessee Ronnie A. Dunn, Cleveland State University Andersonʼs previous work (most notably Kenneth A. Gould, St. Lawrence University Warren S. Goldstein, University of Central Code of the Streets) has been addressed Allan Schnaiberg, Northwestern University Florida elsewhere (Almanac October 11, 2005), Robert Newby, Central Michigan University Georgina Murray, Griffi th University, we will not revisit that topic here. Ronald L. Taylor, University of Connecticut Australia However, we wholeheartedly agree Maynard Seider, Massachusetts College of John M. Talbot, University of the West with Professor Andersonʼs conclusion Liberal Arts Indies, Jamaica “Should the fi eld accept … claims to the Juan Battle, CUNY and Hunter College Kristine Wright, California State University, originality of Edin and Kefalasʼ book, Robert Davis, North Carolina A&T State Long Beach these scholars will have succeeded at seri- University Michael Briguglio, University of Malta ously obscuring indebtedness to previous Levon Chorabajian, University of Massa- Daryl Meeks, California State University, scholarship. [Their book] exhibits enough chusetts, Lowell Long Beach unacknowledged similarity to [Ander- Lauren Langman, Loyola University, Chicago Don Wallace, Drexel University sonʼs work] that it constitutes an unfair Thomas A. LaVeist, Johns Hopkins University Yvonne J. Combs, Brevard Community use of anotherʼs scholarship.” Maxine Thompson, North Carolina State College, Florida It is essential therefore that we not re- University Kathryn Brown-Tracy, Three Rivers main silent in the face of the dismissive Marlese Durr, Wright State University Community College, Conneticut letter from the group of 17 scholars, which Rose M. Brewer, University of Minnesota, Marino A. Bruce, University of Wisconsin, simply rejects out of hand the concerns Twin Cities Madison raised about Edinʼs overlap without attri- Anne Warfi eld Rawls, Bentley College Vashron Chapple, Public Health Educator bution of Andersonʼs work, and moreover Shirley A. Jackson, Southern Connecticut T. Rasul Murray, scholar, New York City disrespects a distinguished scholar (& his State University La Francis Rodgers-Rose, International work) by implying that his concerns in this David Fasenfest, Editor, Critical Sociology, Black Womenʼs Congress, Norfolk, VA regard are “absurd” and may be rooted in a Wayne State University Pamela Guthrie, Vera Institute of Justice; “fundamental misreading” of the texts. Arthur Paris, Syracuse University City College, CUNY We do not believe that such dismis- Nikitah Imani, James Madison University Albert Sargis, Niebyl-Proctor Marxist sive language would have been used if the Najja N. Modibo, Indiana University Purdue Library for Social Research, Oakland, CA author of the original work was a White University James E. Johnson, researcher, Penn alum- male. But it seems that the work of Black Noel A. Cazenave, University of Connecticut nus, Galloway, NJ scholars merits little or no respect for its Frank Harold Wilson, University of Wis- Renee E. Spraggins, Special Populations originality, insight, or contributions. We consin, Milwaukee Branch/Population Division, U.S. Census can ill afford to allow this disrespect to B. Ricardo Brown, Pratt Institute Bureau continue. To do less continues the pattern Bruce D. Haynes, UC Davis Karen S. Glover, Texas A&M University of abuse and misuse that plagues our his- Paul-Jahi Price, Pasadena City College Tamara L. Smith, Loyola University, tory. Unless we seek justice through such Johnny Williams, Trinity College Chicago acknowledgements, our silence makes us Peter Seybold, IUPUI Vanessa D. Brooks, New York City College all accomplices in the process. Donald Cunnigen, University of Rhode Island of Technology Rodney D. Coates, Miami University of Ohio Lynda Dickson, University of Colorado, Darryn C. Roberts, Miami University of BarBara M. Scott, The Association of Colorado Springs Ohio Black Sociologists, Northeastern Illinois Uni- Annemarie Harrod, Belmont University, Tamar Diana Wilson, University of versity Nashville Missouri, St. Louis Judith Rollins, Wellesley College Shawn R. Donaldson, Stockton College of Felice Jones-Lee, Stony Brook University Essie Manuel Rutledge,Western Illinois New Jersey Michelle Christian, Duke University University Michael Hodge, Morehouse College Dave Overfelt, University of Missouri, Vasilikie Demos, University of Minnesota, Michael Joseph Francisconi, University of Columbia Morris Montana Western David G. Embrick, Texas A&M University Andrew Billingsley, University of South Glenn S. Johnson, Clark Atlanta University Toroitich Cherono, Howard University Carolina Carl Jorgensen, UC Davis Willie Oliver, American University David Covin, California State University, Eric Margolis, Arizona State University Spencer Hope Davis, North Carolina State Sacramento George Snedeker, SUNY/College at Old University Stanley Aronowitz, CUNY Graduate Center Westbury John Barnshaw, University of Delaware Patricia A. Bell, Oklahoma State University Paul Paolucci, Eastern Kentucky University Thomas Volscho, University of Connecticut Judith Blau, University of North Carolina, Patricia Case, University of Toledo Vernese Edghill, Howard University Chapel Hill Sherrill L. Sellers, University of Wisconsin, Andrew Van Alstyne, University of Michigan Edna Bonacich, UC Riverside Madison Khaya Clark, University of Oregon Charles Jarmon, Howard University Carrol B. Cox, Illinois State University Nathanael Matthiesen, UC Irvine

ALMANAC November 8, 2005 www.upenn.edu/almanac 5 Rock NʼRoll Premieres to Music Pennʼs Way 2006 Parsons Dance Company returns to Penn with To the Penn Community: two Rock Nʼ Roll premieres to music by Earth Wind and Fire, and The Dave Matthews Band, November The goal of Compas- 10-12 at the Annenberg Center. Known for its witty, sion In Action is to create intelligent, playful and entertaining dances, Parsons opportunities for those Dance Company performs “Shining Star,” a suite of who live in our surround- dances choreographed by founder David Parsons, to ing neighborhoods and to the timeless songs of Earth Wind and Fire. “Shin- increase the overall health ing Star” revolves around a couple in love and is and strength of our com- set to fun-loving songs such as ʻThatʼs The Way of munity. Pennʼs Way is a the World,” “September,” “Canʼt Hide Love,” and terriﬁ c vehicle for mak- “Shining Star.” David Parsons wants his work to be ing the greatest impact seen, appreciated and understood. He noted when he possible in our region! set the piece on the Alvin Ailey dance troupe, “Iʼm a We are truly proud to universalist. I want audiences, wherever they are, to be a part of Pennʼs Wayʼs relate the ballet to their own experiences.” The pro- mission and we hope that gram includes a work to The Dave Matthews Band you will join us in this ef- and Parsonsʼ signature work “Caught.” Performanc- fort by making a tax de- es will take place Thursday, November 10 at 7:30 ductible gift now. So far p.m., November 11 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Novem- 1,760 people have participated raising $302,000. ber 12 at 2 & 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Theatre. Tickets With your help, we can reach and possibly surpass may be purchased by calling the Annenberg Center our goal of raising $500,000 by November 18–Only Box Ofﬁ ce at (215) 898-3900. Two Weeks Away!

At right, Kate Skarpetowska, Brian McGinnis, eld Photo by Lois Greenfi For an easy, effective and secure way to give, and Mia McSwain. try E-Giving. Simply log on to www.upenn.edu/ pennsway and follow the instructions. Full details, including a searchable database of deserving orga- November Volunteer Opportunities nizations are available. Your generosity will provide Dear Penn Community, much-needed hope to so many in our community. In our continued efforts to be good neighbors, the following is a list of community service opportu- Thank you for considering this important in- nities. As many of you know, each month, Penn Volunteers In Public Service (Penn VIPS) posts oppor- vestment in the lives of others. Your support will tunities developed from the many requests we get from the surrounding community to be partners. help make our community a better place in which to Thank you very much for your support of the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Oc- live and work. Remember, no pledge is too small! tober 9. The Penn Team raised over $1,000 in support for the cause. Also, thank you for your support —Maureen S. Rush of the Penn VIPS/Adam Porroni, SEAS Hurricane Relief effort where we raised over $500. —Neville Strumpf If your department is replacing used equipment, materials or furniture that are still viable, please Pennʼs Way 2006 Campaign Co-chairs consider donating it to our surrounding community. Send me an e-mail at [email protected]. Grand Prize: November 14–18 edu and I will share the information with our community partners. Grand Prize–IBM Think Pad T43. The –Isabel Mapp, Associate Director, Faculty, Staff and Alumni Volunteer Services, close of the campaign is on November 18. (All Director, Penn Volunteers In Public Service, Center for Community Partnerships participants must have their pledge in by 5 Thanksgiving Food Drive Now Through November 18. You too can make a contribution to help p.m. on November 18 to out during the Thanksgiving Holidays. Please join us in the Annual Penn VIPS Food Drive. Your be eligible for the Grand canned and dry goods donations will be donated to area shelters and community service agencies to Prize Drawing). help families during the Thanksgiving season. Reminder: To be Please see the list below for a convenient location to drop off your donations. eligible for the prizes Presidentʼs Offi ce 100 College Hall Brenda Gonzalez 898-0447 of the Week Six Raffl e, Provost Offi ce 353B 3401 Walnut St Susan Curran 898-6841 completed pledge forms Museum Reception Desk Near Kress Gallery Bonnie Crossfi eld 898-4001 are due before 5 p.m. on Womenʼs Center 3643 Locust Walk Gloria Gay 898-8611 November 11. Af-Am Resource Center 3537 Locust Walk Afi Heywood 898-0104 Veterinary Medicine Rosenthal Lobby Trish diPietrae 898-8842 For a list of the Week Engineering 107 Towne Bldg. Ellen V. Russell 898-7244 Six prizes see Almanac November 1. The win- SAS 120 Logan Hall Kristin Davidson 573-3416 ners will be included in the November 22 issue. Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Shared Catalogue Dept. Rachelle Nelson 898-9048 Renal Division 700 Clinical Research Bldg. Yvonne Florence 898-1018 Week Four Raffl e Winners ISC 265C 3401 Walnut St Doris Pate 573-6803 Debra A. Newman, Development & Alumni Wharton 1000 SH-DH Jennifer OʼKeefe 898-1092 Relations; Jeffrey S. Edwards, Information Nursing Education Bldg. 4th Floor Mailroom Donna Milici 573-0747 Systems & Computing; Anita M. Hall, School of ULAR 220 S. 40th St Mary Jo Pauxtis 898-4902 Arts & Sciences–$10 Tony Lukes Certifi cate from Political Science 217 Stiteler Hall Marcia Dotson 898-7641 ISC 203A Sansom West Kathy Ritchie 573-3561 Business Services Houston Hall Information Desk Karen Fortuna 573-5011 Jane L. Pablos, Campus Services–Apple iPod VPUL 3611 Locust Walk Patricia Ravenell 898-5337 Shuffl e from Business Services University Club at Penn 3611 Walnut/Inn at Penn Natalka Swavely 898-4618 Patricia A. Speakman, Development & Alumni CCP 133 South 36th/5th Floor Isabel Mapp 898-2020 Relations; Maureen A. Cotterill, Graduate School Graduate Student Center 3615 Locust Walk DeAnna Cheung 746-6868 of Education–a pair of menʼs basketball tickets to: Cell & Dev. Biology 1157 BRB II/III Building Kim Walls 898-8045 Penn vs. Lafayette on 1/16/06 from Athletics Med School/Facilities Planning 233 Blockley Hall Robin Rozen 898-1741 Judith A. Kurnick, Presidentʼs Center; Susan Law School Silverman, Rm. 145 LʼTanya Nelson 898-7144 Penn Ice Rink 3130 Walnut St Richard Robertson 768-3689 Russoniello, Student Services–a pair of Menʼs Student Health Services Penn Tower/Lower Level Rachel McClinton 573-5385 Basketball tickets to: Penn vs. Brown 2/3/06 from Human Resources 3401 Walnut St, Suite 538A Darcell Griffi th 898-6884 Athletics Linguistics 619 Williams Hall Amy Forsyth 898-6046 Elizabeth Gentner, Engineering & Applied Science; Raynel Otero, School of Social Policy and Do something good, become a Mentor. Join Penn VIPS WorkPlace Mentoring Program and mentor a 6th Practice–a pair of womenʼs basketball tickets to: grade student from Shaw Middle School. The program operates November to May and only requires a commit- Penn vs. Princeton 1/7/06 from Athletics ment of a few hours once a month. All meetings are held on campus; training and orientation will be provided. James J. Riley, School of Medicine; Jean E. Have a special talent you want to share? Can you teach ballet, arts & crafts, karate or other activ- Craig, University Library–a pair of wrestling ities? Volunteer to teach at one of the Community Schools located at Sayre High School, UCHS and the tickets to: Penn vs. Cornell 2/10/06 from Athletics Penn Sadie Alexander School. Classes meet evenings and Saturdays. Congratulations to all the winners, but most Annual Penn VIPS Coat Drive: Now through December 15. Donate your new and gently used coats of all thank you to everyone for participating! which are given to area shelters and service agencies. Please feel free to drop coats at the following locations: –Robert Eich, Linguistics 619 Williams Hall Amy Forsyth 898-6046 CCP 133 South 36th/5th Floor Isabel Mapp 898-2020 Pennʼs Way Campaign Coordinator 6 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC November 8, 2005 EHRS Training: November 15 Update The next live training program is: Introduction to CLASSIFIEDS—PERSONAL November AT PENN Laboratory and Biological Safety at Penn, Novem- ber 15, 9:15 a.m.-noon, Dunlop Auditorium, Stem- FOR SALE mler Hall. (Please arrive early; sign-in 9-9:15 a.m. Red 96 Ford Explorer–45,000 miles–excellent READINGS/SIGNINGS condition. Never in accident. Moving, need to No admittance to the course after 9:15 a.m. Penn ID sell $4,000. R. L. Tannen (215) 898-4897. 11 Excelano Fall Show: Pass/Fail; spoken word; 8 is required for sign-in. A Certifi cate of Completion p.m.; Auditorium, Houston Hall; $6/at door, $5/on Lo- will be granted at the end of the training session. Almanac is not responsible for contents of cust Walk. Also November 12. Only those individuals who sign-in and receive the classifi ed ad material. 13 Selections from the Contexts Collection by Artists Certifi cate will be given credit for the course.) in Prison; reception: 2 p.m.; The Rotunda, 4014 Wal- This combined training program provides a nut St. (Books Through Bars). comprehensive overview of safe work practices in the biomedical laboratory and meets the U.S. TALKS Department of Laborʼs Occupational Safety and CLASSIFIEDS—UNIVERSITY Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for 8 Donʼt Get Me Started: A Meditation on the Future employees who work with hazardous substanc- RESEARCH of Jewish Stand-Up Comedy; Donald Weber, Mount es including chemicals, human blood, blood prod- Do You Have Heart Disease or Diabetes? If Holyoke College; 5 p.m.; Auditorium, NEB (Jewish ucts, fl uids and human tissue specimens. All fac- so, you may qualify for a research study that Studies Program). ulty, staff and students at the University who work doctors at the University of Pennsylvania are 11 Mechanisms of Transitional Regulation; Rob- in a laboratory and have not previously attended a currently conducting. Researchers are study- ert Tjian, University of California, Berkley; 2 p.m.; ing a medication that may help prevent heart at- live training presentation must attend this training. tack and stroke in a new way–by improving how Grossman Auditorium, Wistar Institute (Wistar). The Offi ce of Environmental Health & Radia- HDL cholesterol (known as the “good cholester- Deadlines: The deadline for the December AT PENN tion Safety (EHRS) develops and presents a variety ol”) works. The study involves 7 visits over about of required training programs in live presentations 8 weeks. To fi nd out more about this study and calendar is today, November 8. For information see to see if you qualify, please call (215) 662-9040. www.upenn.edu/almanac/calendar/caldead-real.html. or online formats. To determine which training Volunteers will be paid for completing visits. programs you are required to take, review the sec- tion “Training Requirements.” on the EHRS web- Do you have Arthritis in Your Knees? Would Snow Day Child Care site www.ehrs.upenn.edu/training/traindates.html. you like to participate in a study designed to fi nd As you prepare for the upcoming winter sea- out if acupuncture may help you walk better and son and the possibility of inclement weather, you decrease the pain? The study compares real acupuncture using needles that do not puncture the may want to think about utilizing a valuable ser- EOC Workshop: November 16 skin in patients who need physical therapy. Call vice. Snow Day Child Care is available for Penn The Penn Educational Opportunity Center Pat Williams for information at (215) 898-3038. faculty and staff who have children between 12 (EOC) wants to help you get your college de- Volunteers Needed for Osteoporosis Study weeks and 12 years old, when Philadelphia Pub- gree. EOC offers free services to any adult (19 The University of Pennsylvania Health Sys- lic Schools are closed due to inclement weather years or older) who wants to attend college. We tem/Department of Radiology seeks women 60 and Penn is open for business. Children attend- encourage all Penn employees who are inter- years or older. Eligible volunteers would receive a magnetic resonance (MRI) and a dual energy ing schools in other districts also are welcome on ested in pursuing a college degree to attend our X-ray exam (DEXA) to measure bone density. days that the Philadelphia schools are closed. workshop on November 16 from noon-1 p.m. Participants will be compensated. Please con- The Snow Day Child Care program will be at 220 S. 40th Street, Suite 260. This workshop tact Louise Loh or Helen Peachey at (215) 898- available weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. will give you the opportunity to learn about tu- 5664 for more information. from December 5, 2005 through March 31, ition benefi ts and the educational programs of- 2006. The program will be held in the Penn Almanac is not responsible for contents of fered by Penn College of General Studies. In ad- classifi ed ad material. Childrenʼs Center at Left Bank Commons, Suite dition you will learn about how EOC can assist • 100, 3160 Chestnut Street. you with a plan for getting your college degree. For information call (215) 898-5274. Pre-enrollment is required to participate. We hope that you will join us on November For details about Snow Day Child Care, includ- 16. Please RSVP by calling (215) 573-8000 or ing how to enroll for this service, go to www. send an e-mail with your name and phone num- hr.upenn.edu/quality/worklife/snowday.asp, or ber to [email protected]. contact Human Resources at (215) 898-5116 or –Vanessa Saunders, Outreach Counselor, [email protected]. Educational Opportunity Center — Division of Human Resources

Suite 211 Nichols House The University of Pennsylvania Police Department 3600 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106 Phone: (215) 898-5274 or 5275 FAX: (215) 898-9137 Community Crime Report E-Mail: [email protected] About the Crime Report: Below are all Crimes Against Persons and Crimes Against Society from the URL: www.upenn.edu/almanac campus report for October 24-30, 2005. Also reported were 14 Crimes Against Property (including 14 thefts, and 2 acts of fraud). Full reports are on the web (www.upenn.edu/almanac/volumes/v52/n11/creport.html). Prior weeksʼ reports are also online. —Ed. The University of Pennsylvaniaʼs journal of record, opinion and This summary is prepared by the Division of Public Safety and includes all criminal incidents reported news is published Tuesdays during the academic year, and as needed during summer and holiday breaks. Its electronic editions and made known to the University Police Department between the dates of October 24-30, 2005. The Uni- on the Internet (accessible through the PennWeb) include HTML versity Police actively patrol from Market Street to Baltimore Avenue and from the Schuylkill River to 43rd and Acrobat versions of the print edition, and interim information Street in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police. In this effort to provide you with a thorough and accu- may be posted in electronic-only form. Guidelines for readers and rate report on public safety concerns, we hope that your increased awareness will lessen the opportunity contributors are available on request and online. for crime. For any concerns or suggestions regarding this report, please call the Division of Public Safety at (215) 898-4482. EDITOR Marguerite F. Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR Natalie S. Woulard 10/26/05 9:23 PM 4000 Walnut St Complainant robbed by two males/Arrest ASSISTANT EDITOR Mary C. Capurso 10/28/05 3:08 AM 4000 Pine St Complainants robbed by two males/Arrest STUDENT ASSISTANTS Jontae McCoy, Stella Quarshie, Pablo Sierra, Sarah Yanes

18th District Report ALMANAC ADVISORY BOARD: For the Faculty Senate, Martin 12 incidents and 1 arrest (including 10 robberies and 2 aggravated assaults) were reported between Pring (chair), Helen Davies, Lance Donaldson-Evans, Lois Ev- October 24-30, 2005 by the 18th District covering the Schuylkill River to 49th St. & Market St. to Wood- ans, Charles Mooney, Neville Strumpf, Joseph Turow. For the land Ave. Administration, Lori N. Doyle. For the Staff Assemblies, Michele Taylor, PPSA; Omar Mitchell, WPSA; Varvara Kountouzi, Librar- 10/24/05 5:35 AM 4932 Sansom St Robbery/Arrest ians Assembly. 10/25/05 3:05 PM 4800 Springfi eld Ave Robbery The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented 10/25/05 4:40 PM 4600 Pine St Aggravated Assault students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The Univer- 10/26/05 9:20 PM 4038 Walnut St Robbery sity of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, 10/26/05 11:10 PM 4710 Baltimore Ave Robbery sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, national or 10/27/05 10:01 PM 4800 Baltimore Ave Robbery ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam Era Veteran 10/28/05 1:22 AM 4400 Springfi eld Ave Robbery or disabled veteran in the administration of educational policies, 10/28/05 3:05 AM 4003 Pine St Robbery programs or activities; admissions policies; scholarship and loan 10/28/05 6:50 AM 4800 Market St Robbery awards; athletic, or other University administered programs or em- 10/30/05 11:12 AM 4600 Ludlow St Robbery ployment. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be 10/30/05 8:40 PM 4800 Market St Robbery directed to Jeanne Arnold, Executive Director, Offi ce of Affi rmative 10/30/05 9:46 PM 4500 Kingsessing Ave Aggravated Assault Action, 3600 Chestnut Street, 2nd fl oor, Philadelphia, PA 19104- 6106 or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD). ALMANAC November 8, 2005 www.upenn.edu/almanac 7 TALK ABOUT TEACHING AND LEARNING

What can Penn Learn from our Nationʼs Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)? Marybeth Gasman Most White Americansʼ knowledge about Black colleges comes from privileging Western White male perspectives. While the push for multi- the popular media, with very few having visited an HBCU or under- culturalism in the early 1990s produced some broadening of the curricu- standing these institutionsʼ legacy of educating African Americans (and lum at HWIs, much of this movement has lost its momentum. Exposure many others). Yet HBCUs have a rich history. Even before the Civil War to diverse ideas and in particular voices that resonate with African Amer- brought emancipation to slaves, Wilberforce, Cheney, and Lincoln Uni- ican worldviews can be empowering to Black students, especially at an versities were founded in the North to educate free Blacks. However, most HWI such as Penn. Black colleges were established by the federal government and mission- Because they are accustomed to dealing with student problems stem- ary associations after the Civil War. Currently, there are 105 historically ming from oppression, HBCUs have had great success attracting and Black colleges and universities. A Whoʼs Who of Black leaders has gradu- supporting other minority populations—in particular, Latinos and Asian ated from these institutions, including Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther Americans. These non-Black students have easily adjusted to HBCU cam- King, Jr., Toni Morrison, and Marian Wright Edelman. puses. Over the past 20 years, many of the nationʼs HBCUs have attracted Despite the infl ux of Blacks into historically White institutions (HWIs) the attention of White students as well, especially those looking for a sol- in the 1970s—a result of the Civil Rights Movement—HBCUs still en- id education and lower tuition. With the infl ux of these non-Black popula- roll 24% of Black students today. Moreover, they are more successful at tions, some HBCUs have become multi-ethnic in their student make-up. graduating Black students than their White counterparts. For example, And, many HBCUs have hired non-Black faculty and administrators, fur- Spelman and Bennett Colleges, both Black womenʼs institutions, togeth- ther diversifying their staffs. Yet overall, these colleges have maintained er produce 50% of the Black women who pursue science-related graduate close ties to their African American origins and mission of racial uplift. degrees. Moreover, Xavier University of Louisiana educates more of the Of course, one of the main assets that Black colleges have to offer is Af- African Americans who enter medical school (and succeed, passing board rican American role models. The fact that at Black colleges students see so exams) than any other university in the country (AMA, 2004). many people like themselves succeeding at intellectual pursuits is one rea- All colleges and universities, including HBCUs, face their own chal- son these institutions have played an enormous part in creating the nationʼs lenges; however, Black colleges are particularly good at meeting the Black leadership base. At Ivy League institutions, African Americans are needs of African Americans. Within an HWI, there are numerous factors disproportionately represented in the faculty, making up only three percent working against the success of Black students and hindering their chanc- of tenure track positions and just over two percent of tenured positions es at graduation. For example, according to higher education scholars, Af- (Reed, 2005). Even under favorable circumstances, the number of Black rican American students who attend HWIs face limited economic assis- faculty will never be as high at Penn as at an HBCU. However, having a tance, cultural isolation, lack of Black role models, culturally uninformed critical mass of African American scholars enhances the experience of Af- staff and students, and even hostile campus climates (Allen, 1992; Flem- rican American students (and all others as well). Since it has been shown ing, 1984). HWIs like Penn were founded for Whites and have tradition- that having intellectual role models helps minorities succeed, Penn should ally operated according to White cultural norms—everything from the art reinvigorate its commitment to hiring faculty of color (Allen, 1992). in the campus museum to the portraits on the walls of academic buildings One fi nal area in which HBCUs excel is in providing opportunities for to the readings assigned in the classroom tends to refl ect Whiteness. As Black students to gain leadership experience. This comes through student minority students gained access, these cultural norms did not necessar- organizations and the commitment that HBCUs make in the larger Afri- ily change—all students were [implicitly] expected to assimilate to the can American community. For example, many students at HBCUs have “White world.” At HBCUs, on the other hand, Black students are present- worked in various capacities to understand the AIDS epidemic plaguing ed with an environment in which their cultural values and contributions segments of the worldwide Black population. Others have worked to re- are manifestly honored. Here, HBCUs make us aware that our university duce issues of urban blight in surrounding neighborhoods. Still others have is less than universal and that we have a cultural viewpoint that resonates taken advantage of internship opportunities with Black government offi - more with some students than others. cials to help understand politics from an African American perspective. There is much that an institution like Penn can do to emulate Black What can Penn learn? We need to make sure that service efforts address college success. Because these institutions have a commitment to racial African American issues here in the local neighborhood and throughout uplift, HBCU faculty members and administration take a strong interest Philadelphia. Moreover, we need to involve more African Americans in in their studentsʼ overall success. At HBCUs, faculty members are closely the design and administration of community partnerships. involved in retention efforts and consider themselves retention agents as Although committed to democratic education, Penn lacks the specifi c well as researchers and teachers. Seeing oneself in this role at a place like mission of racial uplift that HBCUs have had throughout their history. Yet, Penn—with its rigorous publication and tenure demands—might seem this Ivy League university can still strengthen its commitment to studying unrealistic to some. However, these retention efforts can be linked to good the cultural universe, which includes African Americans. We often place teaching, careful advising, and even oneʼs research agenda. Ultimately, too much emphasis on assimilation, rather than allowing African Amer- a professorʼs voice is amplifi ed by relationships with students and col- ican students to come as they are and contribute their unique perspec- leagues who carry on in that professorʼs wake. At many HBCUs, under- tive to campus and classroom. Black colleges meet Black students where graduate students are involved in faculty research projects, working side they are and give them the support to succeed, emphasizing leadership, re- by side in an apprentice-like role. Because of their faculty membersʼ will- search and service. We must do the same. ingness to collaborate with students and demonstrate rigorous research methods, HBCUs are responsible for the greater share of African Ameri- cans who attend graduate and professional school. With increased empha- American Medical Association, 2004. sis on faculty-student relations as well as better infrastructure for support- Allen, W. (1992). “The Color of Success: African-American College Student ing these collaborations, Penn could play a larger part in sending African Outcomes at Predominantly White and Historically Black Public Colleges and American students to graduate and professional programs. Universities,” Harvard Educational Review, v62 n1 p26-44. At Black colleges, student success is bolstered not only by faculty Fleming, J. (1984). Blacks in College (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass). members but by the curricula they teach. These institutions offer a curric- Reed, A. (2005). “The (Un)Changing Face of the Ivy League,” (Joint Report ulum that is multicultural, aiming to include the views of all rather than of GESO, GSEU, GET-UP).

Marybeth Gasman is an assistant professor, Policy, Management, and Evaluation, GSE. Her essay continues the series that began in the fall of 1994 as the joint creation of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Lindback Society for Distinguished Teaching. See www.upenn.edu/almanac/teach/teachall.html for the previous essays.

8 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC November 8, 2005