Lindback Awards 2004 Awards Non-Health in the Non-Health Schools in the Health Schools Photo by Bachrach

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Tuesday April 13, 2004 Volume 50 Number 29 www.upenn.edu/almanac

The Provostʼs Lindback Awards 2004 Awards Non-Health In the Non-Health Schools In the Health Schools Photo by Bachrach

Edward Crotty John Keene David Skeel Deborah Driscoll Kenneth Ginsburg Health

Deborah Becker Peter Struck Santosh Venkatesh Brian Strom Corinne Sweeney For biographical sketches of the 2004 Provostʼs Award and Lindback Award winners see pages 4-5.

Pulitzer Prize for History: Steven Hahn Dr. Steven Hahn, history of slavery and emancipation. Lindback Reception: April 22 Roy F. and Jeannette He is also the author of The Roots of South- P. Nichols Professor ern Populism: Yeoman Farmers and the Trans- The Lindback Society cordially invites of American History, formation of the Georgia Upcountry, 1850- all members of the has been awarded the 1890, which received both the Allan Nevins University community 2004 Pulitzer Prize for Prize of the Society of American Historians and to attend a reception honoring history for his book, the Frederick Jackson Turner Award of the Or- the recipients of the A Nation Under Our ganization of American Historians. Provostʼs Awards and the Feet: Black Political Dr. Hahnʼs articles have appeared in Past Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Struggles in the Rural (continued on page 3) Foundation Awards for South From Slavery to IN THIS ISSUE Distinguished Teaching the Great Migration. 2 SEC Agenda; Association of Senior and Emeritus 2003—2004 He is following in the Faculty of SOM; SAS Dean Search Committee; footsteps of his chairʼs Fulbright Scholar Program; Faculty Club Meeting Steven Hahn namesake, Dr. Roy 3 Deaths: Dr. Landau; Dr. von Vorys; McCabe Fund Thursday, April 22 Nichols, the first Penn 4 Lindback & Provost Award Biographical Sketches 4:30—6 p.m. faculty member to receive a Pulitzer Prize. 6 Energy Conservation; Bike-to-Work Day; EHRS Hall of Flags Training; Open Enrollment; Penn Vital Signs Dr. Hahn is a specialist in the social and politi- 7 Veterinary School Groundbreaking; Mail Survey; Houston Hall cal history of 19th-century America, on the histo- Update; CrimeStats; Classifieds ry of the American South and on the comparative 8 Graduate Education at Penn: Middle States Review ALMANAC April 13, 2004 www.upenn.edu/almanac 1 Association of Senior and Emeritus Faculty of School of Medicine SENATE From the Senate Office The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine recently formed an association for its senior and emeritus faculty (Almanac February 24, 2004) and we believe this new group The following is published in accordance with the may be the first such association in the country specifically for medical school faculty. The Faculty Senate Rules. Questions may be directed to new Association of Senior and Emeritus Faculty of the School of Medicine (ASEF) was of- Kristine Kelly, either by telephone at (215) 898-6943 ficially established at its inaugural event on March 3 in the Austrian Auditorium (with the or by e-mail at [email protected]. venerable Robert Austrian himself in attendance). The inaugural event was well-received by its 75-plus attendees (thatʼs the number of par- Senate Executive Committee Agenda ticipants, not necessarily their age!) and generated a high degree of enthusiasm for the new Wednesday, April 14, 2004 group. ASEF Council member Howard Goldfine, one of the prime movers in the forma- 2:30 to 5 p.m. tion of the group, summed up its mission, “As part of the Faculty 2000 initiative within the Room 205 College Hall School of Medicine, the working group on Senior Faculty urged the administration to estab- 1. Approval of Minutes (1 minute) lish an organization devoted to the needs of senior and emeritus faculty so that they could be 2. Chairʼs Report (5 minutes) better informed about retirement and continue to feel connected to the school and the Uni- 3. Past Chairʼs Report on Academic Planning and versity after retirement.” Budget and Capital Council (2 minutes) Much of the work of the Association will be carried out by members of its four stand- 4. Discussion about upcoming presentation by ing committees, which will focus on Data Collection, Education, Service and Social Activi- Representatives from Student Movement for ties. In addition to emeriti, ASEF is open to any member of the standing or associated fac- Change (30 minutes) ulty in the School of Medicine who is 55 years of age or older, and the registration period 5. Update from the President and Provost for acceptance of founding members has been extended until April 15. The current found- (60 minutes) ing membership list includes 216 (and counting) senior and emeritus faculty. Organizers of 6. Presentation by Student Movement for Change ASEF are very excited about the interest the group has generated thus far (they have even (30 minutes) been contacted by the University to serve as a model for what Penn can achieve in this area 7. Update by the Senate Committee on Students and on a larger, University-wide scale), and are happy to be contacted for further information. Educational Policy (30 minutes) Sarah Kagan, To be added to the list of founding members, contact Lena Wetherbee at (215) 898-4621 or Chair [email protected]. 8. New Business. One of the primary goals of the new organization is to demystify school and Univer- 9. Adjournment by 5 p.m. sity policies on retirement options and benefits. With this goal in mind, ASEFʼs next event will take place on Tuesday, May 25 from 3-5 p.m. in the Class of ʼ62 Auditorium, John Mor- gan Building. Hilary Lopez, senior benefit specialist, Penn Human Resources, and Victo- Faculty Club Annual Meeting ria Mulhern, executive director, Faculty Affairs and Professional Development in the School The Annual Meeting of the Faculty Club will be of Medicine, will offer an overview of FIAP (Faculty Income Allowance Plan), the Reduc- held on Wednesday, May 12, at 4 p.m. in the Facul- tion in Duties policy, medical benefits after retirement, and other issues related to faculty re- ty Club. In addition to annual reports, the Nominat- tirement in the School of Medicine. They will also field audience questions on these topics. ing Committee will present its list of nominees for new Please come join us. Board members to be voted upon by the Members. President, Dr. John J. Mikuta Nominees to the Board of Governors: President Elect, Dr. Marvin E. Steinberg Susan Croll, School of Medicine Treasurer/Secretary, Dr. Marilyn E. Hess Beverly Edwards, Division of Human Resources Council Members: David Eisenhower, Annenberg School for Dr. Howard Goldfine Communication Dr. Nicholas A. Kefalides Alan Laties, School of Medicine Dr. Rob Roy MacGregor Edward Shils, Wharton School Committee Chairs: Please attend to support the Board of Governors who Education: Dr. Martin Pring act on your behalf. We would be pleased to have Members Service: Dr. Arthur F. Whereat join the Board in light refreshments after the meeting. Data Collection: Dr. Peter H. Arger —Natalka A. Swavely, Coordinator, Faculty Club Social Activities: Dr. Howard Goldfine and Dr. Anna Meadows Administrative Support: Victoria A. Mulhern, Mary Field, and Lena Wetherbee, Fulbright Scholar Program in the Office of Faculty Affairs & Professional Development Faculty and administrators are invited to apply for —Dr. John J. Mikuta, ASEF President the Fulbright Scholar Programʼs annual competition for lecturing, research and lecturing/research grants in over SAS Dean Search Committee 140 countries. Each year 800 American scholars go President Rodin and Provost Barchi have announced the formation of a search abroad as part of the Fulbright Scholar Program. Retired committee to advise on selecting a successor to Dr. Samuel Preston, Dean of the and adjunct faculty frequently receive grants as well. School of Arts and Sciences, who has decided not to seek reappointment when his Traditional Fulbright awards vary from two months tenure as Dean ends on December 31, 2004. to an academic year or longer. While foreign language Eduardo Glandt, the Robert D. Bent Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular En- skills are needed in some countries, most lecturing as- gineering and Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, has agreed to signments are in English. serve as the committeeʼs chairperson. Serving with him are: Application deadlines for 2005-2006 grants are: Herman Beavers, Professor of English, SAS May 1, 2004—Fulbright Distinguished Chairs Jere Behrman, W.R. Kenan, Jr. Professor of Economics, SAS awards in Europe and Canada. A new chair in Israel has Christopher Browne, C ʼ69 and Chair, SAS Board of Overseers also been added. Michael X. Delli Carpini, Professor of Communication and Walter H. Annenberg August 1, 2004—Fulbright lecturing and research Dean, Annenberg School for Communication grants worldwide. Kevin Jude, Ph.D. student, Chemistry, SAS November 1, 2004—Spring/summer seminars in Jeffrey Kallberg, Professor and Chair of Music, SAS Germany, Korea and Japan for international education Jason Levine, Undergraduate, Economics, CAS ʻ05 and academic administrators as well as for the summer Georgette Poindexter, David B. Ford Professor and Chair of Real Estate, Wharton German Studies Seminar. Liliane Weissberg, Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor in the Arts and Faculty can go to www.cies.org to apply online or to Sciences, and Professor of German and Comparative Literature, SAS download application materials. The web site also has Sally Zigmond, Professor of Biology, SAS information about other Fulbright opportunities. Raymond Simon of the Office of the Associate Provost will provide staff support to Clarification: Additional details and visuals were ap- the committee. pended to last weekʼs coverage of the March 24 presen- Applications and nominations, along with a curriculum vitae, may be forward- tation to Council by Dr. Leslie Hudson, Vice Provost ed to Chair, School of Arts and Sciences Dean Search Committee, Office of the As- for Strategic Initiatives, that was transcribed and con- sociate Provost, 122 College Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6303 or by e-mail to densed from his extensive remarks. A link to his Power [email protected]. Nominations and applications will be reviewed immediately Point presentation is now available at www.upenn.edu/ and accepted until the position is filled. almanac/v50/n28/council.html. 2 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC April 13, 2004 ALMANAC April 13, 2004 www.upenn.edu/almanac 3 Deaths Pulitzer Prize: Dr. Hahn Dr. Ralph Landau, Trustee Emeritus Dr. Karl von Vorys, Political Science (continued from page 1) Dr. Ralph Landau, Dr. Karl von Vorys, and Present, the American Historical Review ChE ʼ37, H ʼ93, Trust- professor of political sci- and the Journal of Southern History. He is also ee Emeritus, and a ence, died at home on the co-editor of “The Countryside in the Age of leading technological April 1, at the age of 76. Capitalist Transformation: Essays in the Social entrepreneur and in- He was a political theo- History of Rural America” and of “Freedom: A novator of the chemi- rist who taught at Penn Documentary History of Emancipation, 1861- cal and petrochemical Photo by Bachrach for over four decades. 1867, Series III: Land and Labor in 1865.” industry, died on April Born in Germany, Before coming to Penn (Almanac October 7, 6 at the age of 87. he came to the U.S. in 2003), he served on the faculties of the Univer- A University of 1948, received his B.A. sity of Delaware, the University of California, Pennsylvania Trustee degree from the College San Diego, and Northwestern University. since 1977, Dr. Lan- of Steubenville (now the Dr. Hahn has taught a wide variety of under- Franciscan University of graduate and graduate courses in American and dau was chairman Karl von Vorys of Listowel, Inc. He Ralph Landau Steubenville) in 1950 and comparative history, winning two Distinguished was the co-founder of Halcon Scientific-De- his M.A. and Ph.D. from Georgetown University Teaching Awards. He has held fellowships from sign Group which developed ethylene glycol by 1953 and 1955 respectively. He became an assis- the Guggenheim Foundation, the American thermal hydration—the chief component of an- tant professor of political science at the Univer- Council of Learned Societies and the Center for tifreeze and used in the process of making Da- sity of South Dakota that year. He continued his Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences at cron polyester fiber. Halcon went on to produce education with fellowships from the Ford Foun- Stanford, and he is an elected Fellow of the So- numerous other substances and Dr. Landau held dation and the Social Science Council at the Uni- ciety of American Historians. a number of significant patents. versity of Iowa, University of Denver, and Har- In addition to his writing and editing, Dr. He was a senior fellow at the Stanford Insti- vard University. He became a Fulbright lecturer Hahn has been actively involved with projects tute for Economic Policy Research and a con- in 1961 in international relations at the Universi- that promote the teaching of history in the pub- sulting professor of economics at Stanford. He ty of Dacca then in Pakistan. It shaped his intel- lic schools and that make humanities education was a retired director of the Aluminum Compa- lectual perspective on the close tie between inter- available to diverse members of the community. ny of America. Dr. Landau earned an Sc.D. in national and domestic politics and established his He is currently at work on the Nathan I. Hug- chemical engineering at MIT in 1941, and holds style of research that required knowing personal- gins Lectures in African-American History, to honorary degrees from New York Polytechnic ly senior political decision-makers. His relation- be delivered at Harvard in 2007, and on a histo- Institute, Clarkson College, and Ohio State Uni- ships with the President and other political lead- ry of the U.S., 1840-1900, to be published in the versity, in addition to Penn where he received an ers of Pakistan focused his interest on political Penguin history of the United States. honorary Doctor of Science, for being an “imag- development and the problems that foreign aid The Pulitzer Prizes recognize achievements inative engineer, self-trained entrepreneur, and and contacts created as “an international dem- in American journalism, letters, drama and mu- hand-on economist.” onstration effect” of rising expectations, threat- sic and have been awarded annually since 1917. Formerly vice president of the National ening political stability. He returned to the U.S. They were endowed by newspaper publisher Jo- Academy of Engineering, Dr. Landau served and joined the Center of International Studies at seph Pulitzer. Recipients are named by Colum- on the National Research Councilʼs Governing Princeton and completed his first major book, bia University on the recommendation of a Pu- Board. He was a fellow of the New York Acad- Political Development in Pakistan (1965). litzer Prize Board. emy of Sciences, a member of the American He became assistant professor of political sci- The Penn faculty who have received Pulitzers: Academy of Arts and Sciences, and was elected ence at Penn in 1963, was promoted to associate (1986) Walter McDougall, professor of history; to the American Philosophical Society in 1996. professor in 1966, and in 1967 he accepted a po- (1977) Richard Wernick, composer and Magnin The recipient of over 50 awards and hon- sition as Senior Advisor to the Ford Foundation Professor of Humanities; (1968) George Crumb, ors, Dr. Landau received both the Petroleum in Malaysia for two years. Upon retuning to the composer and Annenberg Professor of Music; and Petrochemical Division and the Founders U.S. in 1969, Dr. von Vorys returned to Penn, be- (1949) Roy F. Nichols, professor of history. awards of the American Institute of Chemical coming professor of political science in 1976. He Engineers, in addition to the Chemical Indus- undertook two major educational projects that he McCabe Fund Fellows & Awards try Medal, the Perkin Medal, and the Winthrop- continued throughout the rest of his life. The first The McCabe Fund Advisory Committee Sears Award for Chemical Entrepreneurship. In was the Poverty Seminar that brought together is calling for applications from junior faculty 1985, he received the National Medal of Tech- political scientists with senior political decision- in Medicine and Veterinary Medicine for the nology, and, in 1987, the John Fritz Medal. In makers from Third World countries. “Dr. von Vo- Thomas B. and Jeannette E. Laws McCabe 1997, he was awarded the first Othmer Gold rys believed that there could be no viable secu- Fund Fellow and Pilot Awards for 2004-2005. Medal of the Chemical Heritage Foundation. lar democratic development in a political system Junior faculty who are interested in applying He was a life member emeritus of the MIT Cor- with extensive and persistent poverty,” said col- for an award, should contact the chair of their poration, a senior trustee of CalTech, former league Dr. Henry Teune. department or contact Dana J. Napier, SOM Ad- trustee of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and The second focused on undergraduates who ministration, at (215) 573-3221. The deadline former chairman of the Princeton University had withdrawn from political life after Vietnam for submission is May 21. The McCabe Fund School of Engineering Advisory Council. and Watergate. “Dr. von Vorys was determined to Advisory Committee will announce the winners Dr. Landau was chair of the SEAS Board of re-engage the young by bringing together the per- at its next annual meeting in June, 2004. Overseers, 1979-85 and continued on the Board spectives of academics and decision makers in the Last yearʼs McCabe Fellows: Dr. Tracy until 1985. At SEAS, he established the Ralph classroom,” said Dr. Teune. He brought in guest Bale, animal biology, Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Landau Professorship in Management and speakers including: Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Mathew Dalva, neuroscience, Dr. Andreas Foul- Technology, the Ralph Landau Fellowship, and George H.W. Bush; Senators Eugene McCarthy, kes, biostatics and epidemiology, and Dr. Xiao- at the School of Veterinary Medicine, the Rob- George McGovern, and William E. Brock; press wei Xu, pathology and laboratory medicine. ert R. Marshak Term Professorship in Aquatic secretaries, media executives, reporters, journal- Winners of the McCabe Pilot Project Awards Medicine. In 1977, he was one of nine trustees ists and military leaders. Students in the seminar were: Dr. Peter Gruber, surgery, Dr. Joshua and alumni who established the challenge fund usually spent an evening on an aircraft carrier and Lipschutz, medicine, Dr. Una OʼDougherty, pa- for the Million Dollar match to help the annual a military base. This semester the students stayed thology and laboratory medicine, Dr. Sylvia Ro- giving program reach its goal of $4.5 million. on the Harry S. Truman and visited Fort Bragg. sas, medicine, Dr. Deborah Sesok-Pizzini, pa- Dr. Landau is survived by his wife, Claire, and He is survived by his wife, Barbara; six thology and laboratory medicine. his daughter, Dr. Laurie J. Landau, WG ʼ84, V ʼ84, daughters, Dr. Marie-Christine deLacoste-Azizi, The McCabe Awards were established in 1969 an overseer at the School of Veterinary Medicine. Julie von Vorys, Beverly von Vorys-Norton, by a gift from Thomas B. McCabe to the School Natalie Elhardt, Carla McGuire and Kristie Vo- of Medicine to support junior faculty who initiate To Report A Death rys; two sons, Eric, and Colin; 17 grandchil- fresh and innovative biomedical and surgical re- Almanac appreciates being informed of the dren; and a great-grandson. search projects and who have received no or lim- deaths of current and former faculty and staff Donations may be made to St. Judeʼs Chil- ited external research funding while in their first members, students, and other members of the drenʼs Research Hospital, 501 St. Judeʼs Place, through four years at the School of Medicine or University community. Memphis, TN 38105. the School of Veterinary Medicine. 2 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC April 13, 2004 ALMANAC April 13, 2004 www.upenn.edu/almanac 3 Lindback and Provost’s Awards: Sketches of the 2004 Winners

Lindback Awards—for members of the standing faculty—and Provostʼs Awards—given since 1988 to full- and part-time associated faculty and academic support staff—are as much a sign of spring at Penn as are al fresco classes on College Green and flowers and trees blooming all over campus. Below are excerpts from studentsʼ letters of recommendation.

Non-Health Schools

John Keene Peter Struck Provostʼs Award Professor John Keene joined the faculty at Dr. Peter Struck received his Ph.D. from the Edward Crotty the University of Pennsylvania in 1966. He cur- University of Chicago and joined the faculty at Dr. Edward Crotty was the head of the math- rently chairs the Graduate Group in City and the University of Pennsylvania in the depart- ematics department at University City High Regional Planning. While letters of praise from ment of Classical studies in 1999. School. After his retirement from the school dis- colleagues were noteworthy, the letters from He has pioneered in using new technology trict, he came to Penn to serve as assistant to the students are truly impressive. A former student to teach classics, which a colleague describes as mathematics departmentʼs undergraduate chair. writes: “Of the numerous Penn professors who “the most impressive use of technology in teach- As assistant to the chair, he has helped improve left an indelible mark on my undergraduate ex- ing that I know of.” The students agree noting: various departmental resources for calculus stu- perience, Professor Keene is most certainly the “The on-line unit, in combination with lectures dents. He currently serves as associate director leader,” while another states: “A good teach- and readings, made for an excellent learning en- of the Undergraduate Program in Mathematics. er is remembered long after the class has end- vironment.” Students repeatedly refer to him as He has won the Departmental Good Teaching ed. These words best describe Professor Keene. “awesome.” Another student writes: “Professor Awards every semester in the past 11 years. He Professor Keene has had an immeasurable im- Struck possesses a unique ability to captivate is known among students for unusually difficult pact on my personal and professional life.” his audience while delivering challenging lec- midterms and “mind-boggling” Maple projects. Students consistently reported that Professor tures. He even sang If I Were A Rich Man from Professor Crottyʼs rigorous exams pushed his Keeneʼs classes were rigorous, and demanding, Fiddler on the Roof as the best way to demon- students to set higher standards for themselves. and intellectually challenging, describing his strate the present contra-factual conditional. “I learned more about Math from Ed Crotty than lectures as “elegant.” A former student, now an And there was dancing involved.” A colleague from any other teacher I have ever had, more urban planner, writes: “The impact of his schol- who was sitting in on Professor Struckʼs course importantly, I learned how teaching should be.” arship goes beyond the four walls of the class- describes the class as “perfectly brilliant.” “Pe- “He transformed my indifference toward math room. Many of my colleagues in international ter Struck is a wonderful advocate for both the into enthusiasm.” “This is my fourth semester development continue to refer to his work for classics department at Penn and for scholars in having him as a professor. I keep coming back, guidance.” And finally a student concludes: general because he strives for excellence in his not only because of my own passion for the sub- “Even at an institution as fine as the Universi- own work and in that of his students. Profes- ject but because of Professor Crottyʼs obvious ty of Pennsylvania, where the quality of teach- sor Struck is “one of the professors you remem- passion for the subject.” ing and the academic experiences are as high as ber years later as one who was challenging but One student concludes: “Itʼs not too often they can be, Professor Keene stands out. No oth- fair, charismatic, enthusiastic about his subject. that you get a math professor who can quote er professor in my entire academic career has He deserves all the applause we can give him.” Shakespeare.” His dedicated teaching deserves held me to standards as high as those to which He is a stellar teacher and truly deserving of the recognition. Professor Keene held me.” Lindback Award. David Skeel Santosh Venkatesh Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Awards at the University of Pennsylvania: Professor David Skeel came to the Univer- Dr. Santosh Venkatesh received his Ph.D. in Awarded for Distinguished Teaching sity of Pennsylvania in 1997 as a visiting pro- Electrical Engineering from the California Insti- The Lindback Awards for distinguished Teaching at the University of Pennsylvania were established in fessor and joined the faculty of the Law School tute of Technology and joined the faculty of the 1961 with the help of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation. Christian Lindback was President in 1999. Professor Skeel is already the recipi- School of Engineering and Applied Science in and principal of Abbotts Dairies Inc. and a Trustee of Bucknell University. The Foundation established ent of the Harvey Levin Award for Excellence 1986. Letters from colleagues were effusive in Lindback Awards for Distinguished Teaching at colleges and universities throughout the Abbotts Dairies in Teaching twice, in 1999 and 2002. Both stu- their praise noting that, “Professor Venkatesh Inc.ʼs service area in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. dents and colleagues agree that Professor Skeel is one of the teaching gems in the department,” The University of Pennsylvania normally gives out eight Lindback awards each year, divided evenly has been a real asset to the Law School and and describing him as a “brilliant and dedicated between health-related disciplines and all other departments and divisions. Award winners are determined by a preeminently successful professor at Penn teacher.” He presided over the creation of a new nominations and recommendations made by faculty and students in December based on certain guidelines. Law. His influence extends to the public realm, undergraduate degree in Computer and Tele- Two separate committees, one in the Health Schools and one in the Non-Health Schools consisting of six with his appearances on National Public Radio, communication Engineering and introduced previous award winners and four students, carefully decide among the nominees. Winners receive a Lindback Nightline, CNBC and numerous other programs the professional ethics seminar now required of Foundation scroll and a cash award of $3,000. During the 1960s, Lindback awards were presented at attesting to the reach of his insights and com- students in electrical engineering. Students de- Commencement. mentary. In addition to being an expert in the scribe him coming to class with only a set of During the 1970s, previous winners of the Lindback Award organized themselves into a Lindback Society fields of bankruptcy and corporate law, he is a colored chalk and no notes at all. “This small which supported efforts to improve teaching and hosted an annual reception for Lindback Award winners published poet and has taught seminars in law detail of his instructional style, which involves after the actual presentation of the awards at Hey Day (May 1) Ceremonies. Currently, the Provost presents and literature which students have character- using many different colors of chalk to illumi- Lindback awards at a reception in late April. The Lindback Society was revived in the late 1980s and ized as “inspiring” and “transformative.” Sev- nate blackboard writings reflects his larger ap- sponsored, in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, essays by faculty members on teaching that eral mentioned how he used a staging of Twelve proach to teaching: always make the extra effort are published as “Talk About Teaching and Learning” in Almanac, the Universityʼs journal of record. Angry Men in his seminar to explore issues of to help students learn.” Another student writes: —Adapted From the University Archives and Records Center web site, morality in legal decision-making. At the end of “There are many superb professors at Penn but www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/notables/awards/lindback.html one semester students composed a song about no one I encountered pulled all the various as- Professor Skeel and the course. With guitar ac- pects of teaching from expertly pacing classes The Provostʼs Awards companiment, they sang it to great applause, ex- to being remarkably available to students to- In October of 1987, the Office of the Provost announced the establishment of two additional Penn teaching pressing the classʼs admiration for him. Profes- gether as flawlessly as Dr. Venkatesh. His pas- awards—one in a Health School and one in a Non-Health School—to be given annually in recognition of sor Skeel was instrumental in building bridges sion for teaching emerges during every lecture. distinguished teaching by associated faculty or academic support staff. The guidelines for the selection of between the faculty and student body in an ef- Professor Venkatesh delivered the clearest and the award recipients are the same as those given for the Lindback Awards, and the selection processes and fort to create a real community of learning at the most organized lectures that I have ever attend- deadlines are the same. The first recipients for the Provostʼs Awards were Nora Magid of SAS and Paul Orsini Law School. ed. He is a visionary; his spirit makes me be- of Veterinary Medicine (Almanac April 5, 1988). lieve that in this world anything is possible.” 4 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC April 13, 2004 ALMANAC April 13, 2004 www.upenn.edu/almanac 5 Health Schools

Deborah Driscoll Kenneth Ginsburg Corinne Sweeney Dr. Deborah Driscoll graduated from Smith Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg received his B.A. Dr. Corinne Sweeney came to Penn in 1978 College and received her M.D. from New York from Penn and his M.D. from Albert Einstein as an intern and joined the faculty of the veteri- University. She joined the faculty of the Medical College of Medicine. He was awarded the Fac- nary school in 1981. Dr. Sweeney is already the School at Penn in 1984. Dr. Driscoll was award- ulty Teacher of the Year Award at CHOP for recipient of the Norden Distinguished Teaching ed the APGO Excellence in Teaching Award in “his dedicated efforts as a physician role model, Award and the Executive Board of Alumniʼs Ex- 2000 and was also the recipient of the Penn mentor and friend,” and the Penn Pearls Teach- cellence in Teaching Award. She and her husband, Pearls Teaching Award from the School of Med- ing Award presented by medical students “for Ray, were honored by being selected by the Class icine in 2001. Students frequently refer to Dr. excellence in clinical teaching,” as well as the of ʼ03 to deliver the Commencement Address at Driscoll as a role model, noting that she is high- Blockley-Osler award “for excellence in teach- the Vet School. Colleagues praised her contribu- ly approachable, takes a personal interest in her ing modern clinical medicine at the bedside.” tions by noting that “as a role model, she has bal- studentsʼ education and learning, and communi- The practice of the “art” of medicine is what anced family and career with civic duties, such cates her genuine interest in the material. Sev- sets Dr. Ginsburg apart as an award worthy edu- as her local school board presidency that shows eral students mentioned their admiration for the cator. “What is unique and so special about him her interest in education and teaching as wildly way Dr. Driscoll was able to balance her profes- is that he is not only a talented and deeply car- distributed.” A former student writes: “Although sional and family life with her compassion for ing physician who fosters medical education but it has been over 24 years since I have been in a patients and for patientsʼ family members. A he is equally committed to fostering the person- classroom, I can clearly recall the infectious en- former student writes, “Dr. Driscoll proved to al growth of each patient, student, and resident thusiasm for the subject matter that Dr. Sweeney be an outstanding mentor, always available to that he encounters” writes a colleague. A stu- brought to her teaching. There is no doubt in my me, supportive and encouraging of my work.” dent writes: “Perhaps the best thing that I can mind that the career path of many of my class- Another student notes that “the lecture she gave say about Dr. Ginsburg as a teacher is that he mates has been influenced and altered by the dis- during Penn Preview weekend was actually one has inspired me to practice medicine the way tinguished teaching of Dr. Sweeney.” Her course of the reasons I came to Penn Med.” Dr. Driscoll he practices medicine.” Colleagues were equal- evaluations are filled with superlatives: “the best is a vital member of the medical and scientific ly enthusiastic noting: “During the years I have professor I ever had,” “Absolutely love her! Can community at Penn and is a national leader in known him he has done everything that our best she teach all of our classes?” “Without question her field. She has been instrumental in training a teachers and colleagues should do, brilliantly, one of the best professors I have had at Penn.” cadre of young geneticists. Students believe that skillfully, professionally, and responsibly. He “She is superb!” A colleague concludes “Clearly “she does it all and does it all very well, and tru- regards teaching, research, medicine and life Dr. Sweeney has demonstrated outstanding ser- ly demonstrates the lasting impact that a Lind- as cooperative ventures.” A former student con- vice as a veterinary educator and is truly deserv- back Award recipient represents.” cludes, “Ken Ginsburg has been the greatest in- ing of the Lindback Award.” fluence I have had throughout my career.” Provostʼs Award Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Awards at the University of Pennsylvania: Brian Strom Deborah Becker Awarded for Distinguished Teaching Dr. Brian Strom is the George S. Pepper Pro- Ms. Deborah Becker has been a member The Lindback Awards for distinguished Teaching at the University of Pennsylvania were established in fessor of Public Health and Preventive Medi- of the School of Nursing faculty for nine years 1961 with the help of the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation. Christian Lindback was President cine, and is best known at Penn for his 20-plus and is currently acting as Interim Director of the and principal of Abbotts Dairies Inc. and a Trustee of Bucknell University. The Foundation established year commitment to the development of epi- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Program. Dur- Lindback Awards for Distinguished Teaching at colleges and universities throughout the Abbotts Dairies demiology programs. The programs that Dr. ing her time at Penn, Ms. Becker has served in Inc.ʼs service area in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. Strom has developed are nationally prominent a broad range of roles including classroom lec- The University of Pennsylvania normally gives out eight Lindback awards each year, divided evenly and have produced leaders in epidemiological turer, seminar leader, clinical preceptor, laborato- between health-related disciplines and all other departments and divisions. Award winners are determined by research who head programs at Penn and oth- ry instructor, and program assistant. More nota- nominations and recommendations made by faculty and students in December based on certain guidelines. er top institutions around the United States. One bly, she has served as an expert critical care nurse Two separate committees, one in the Health Schools and one in the Non-Health Schools consisting of six colleague writes: “Brian has excelled as a teach- role model for students who are considering a ca- previous award winners and four students, carefully decide among the nominees. Winners receive a Lindback er and mentor for nearly 25 years, and his in- reer in this field. Her passion for nursing is de- Foundation scroll and a cash award of $3,000. During the 1960s, Lindback awards were presented at fluence has had a major impact on the teaching scribed as “infectious” and her mentoring of the Commencement. of epidemiology, both at Penn and elsewhere.” students “unfailing.” Ms. Beckerʼs enthusiasm During the 1970s, previous winners of the Lindback Award organized themselves into a Lindback Society Another peer comments: “He sets the bar high, for teaching is well recognized by her students. which supported efforts to improve teaching and hosted an annual reception for Lindback Award winners but his own passion for research and teaching One student writes: “She has the unique ability after the actual presentation of the awards at Hey Day (May 1) Ceremonies. Currently, the Provost presents stimulate all of those around him to keep striv- of making the most complex topics easily under- Lindback awards at a reception in late April. The Lindback Society was revived in the late 1980s and ing for excellence in our own work.” His col- standable for students, while keeping them ac- sponsored, in conjunction with the College of Arts and Sciences, essays by faculty members on teaching that leagues and students alike agree that Dr. Strom tively engaged in conversation, and engrossed in are published as “Talk About Teaching and Learning” in Almanac, the Universityʼs journal of record. is most deserving of the Lindback Teaching scientific inquiry.” She holds a practical perspec- —Adapted From the University Archives and Records Center web site, Award. His course evaluations from medical tive and an innate ability to relate theory to true www.archives.upenn.edu/histy/notables/awards/lindback.html students have been consistently outstanding life practice. She demonstrates exceptional com- and students call his classes “incredible.” A for- mitment to the students as well as to the School The Provostʼs Awards mer student notes: “Despite his love of pursuing of Nursing. While highly admired by her students, rigorous academic epidemiologic question, his Ms. Becker is equally respected by her colleagues. In October of 1987, the Office of the Provost announced the establishment of two additional Penn teaching main concern is that his students get what they awards—one in a Health School and one in a Non-Health School—to be given annually in recognition of One colleague notes that she is articulate and want out of their careers and more broadly out “highly competent … with high internal standards distinguished teaching by associated faculty or academic support staff. The guidelines for the selection of of their lives. Although I have had a number of the award recipients are the same as those given for the Lindback Awards, and the selection processes and about the need for excellence in teaching and criti- excellent teachers at a number of schools, Pro- cal care.” Another nursing school colleague writes deadlines are the same. The first recipients for the Provostʼs Awards were Nora Magid of SAS and Paul Orsini fessor Strom is in a different league.” He is sim- of Veterinary Medicine (Almanac April 5, 1988). “she is an asset not only to the School of Nursing ply an outstanding educator. but to the profession at large.” 4 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC April 13, 2004 ALMANAC April 13, 2004 www.upenn.edu/almanac 5 Energy Conservation: Cooling Season Curtailment Steps As part of the Universityʼs on-going efforts to save energy and natural resources, the Department Open Enrollment Reminder: of Facilities and Real Estate Services plans to institute the same curtailments used last summer. April 1–April 23 Across campus, for the next several weeks, Facilities Services staff will be Open Enrollment for the 2004-2005 fine-tuning systems and adjusting temperatures from the heating season plan year began yesterday, Monday, April set point of 68 degrees to the cooling season set point of 78 degrees. 12. You should have already received In many of the newer buildings this may be done remotely, how- your personalized Open Enrollment ma- ever in the older buildings adjustments are typically made at ther- terials at your home address. Visit the on- mostats throughout the building. Therefore in older buildings, oc- line enrollment website at www.pennbe cupants are asked to please maintain the 78 degrees. nefits.upenn.edu 24 hours a day between In the event of extreme heat—typically when outdoor condi- now and midnight on Friday, April 23 to tions reach 94 degrees with 50 percent humidity—Facility Services make changes to your benefit elections. staff will institute an action plan calling for the following: Please note that if you are covering • E-mail alerts asking the Penn community to turn off all dependent children between the ages of lighting in areas with any natural daylight. In areas without nat- 19 and 23 who are full-time college stu- ural day lighting, but with task lighting, only overhead lighting dents, you must certify their continued should be turned off. eligibility each year during Open En- • Shut down select equipment (i.e. air handling units, general exhaust fans, etc.) in specific rollment. If you fail to do so, your stu- buildings and in consultation with appropriate school officials. dent dependents will not continue to be • Institute rolling 30-minute shutdowns of some air-handling units with as much prior noti- covered under your plans. To certify a de- fication to the appropriate school officials as possible. pendentʼs eligibility, go to the Open En- Thank you for your attention in reviewing these steps in preparation for the challenges of this rollment website at www.pennbenefits.upe cooling season. With your support and cooperation, we will again be successful in helping the Uni- nn.edu and (1) click on the dependentʼs versity in this critical effort. name from the Summary page to update There are additional efforts that ISC is developing and coordinating with the IT Roundtable the student status to Yes, then (2) click on Committee and the IT Super Users Group. We will provide you additional updates on these initia- the benefit type for each plan you want tives when they are more fully developed. to cover the dependent under (e.g., medi- —Omar Blaik, Senior Vice President, Facilities & Real Estate Services cal) and update the coverage for this dependent to Yes. If you have any questions, please call the Penn Benefits Center at 1-888-PEN- Bike-to-Work/Bike-to-Class Day: April 22 NBEN (1-888-736-6236), Monday–Fri- The University City Bicycle Issues Forum day, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Penn Public Safety Bike Patrol Officers will —Division of Human Resources invites residents, students and employees to demonstrate on-bike take part in Bike-to-Work/Bike-to-Class Day policing skills and Thursday, April 22. maneuvers start- Bike-to-Work/Bike-to-Class Day is being ing at 12:30 p.m. held to illustrate that bicycles offer an efficient at University way to get around University City, particular- Square, where Penn Vital Signs: April 17 ly during such events as Penn Relays as thou- from noon to Follow the story of a woman who de- sands of competitors and fans pour into Uni- 1 p.m. SEP- cides to take control over her lifelong versity City April 22-24, and normal vehicular TA person- struggle with obesity. Learn how bariat- travel gives way to traffic jams, long commutes nel will show ric surgery can reduce the effects of obe- and short tempers. how to use the sity such as high blood pressure, joint To encourage bike use, Bike-to-Work/Bike- exterior bike racks pain, and diabetes. to-Class Day will feature free, daylong guarded featured on many of For your health or the health of some- bike parking at four University City locations the new city buses. one you love, donʼt miss the University with refreshments and goodie bags for the first At 1 p.m., at the Penn Bookstore, Pa- of Pennsylvaniaʼs Emmy award-winning 300 participants. Folks can view demonstrations tricia Vance, author of Intimate Bicycle Tours of show, PENN Vital Signs, Saturday April on bike safety and the correct usage of a SEPTA Philadelphia, and a research specialist in the he- 17 at 7 p.m. on 6 ABC. bus bike rack as well as sign up for drawings for matology department, School of Medicine, will Log onto www.pennhealth.com for one of three free used bikes. give a talk about her new book and sign copies. a live chat with PENN clinicians during The four bike parking areas, staffed with Also that day, which is the national celebra- and after the show until 9:30 p.m. UCD ambassadors as well as volunteers from tion of Earth Day, the forum will host an infor- —UPHS the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia mational table at the Earth Day fair on campus. and Neighborhood Bike Works, will be open The fair, scheduled from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Around 50 spaces EHRS: Laser Safety Training College Green, is sponsored by the Penn En- Laser Safety Training for Biomedical Laser apiece will be available at University Square, vironmental Group to raise awareness of glob- 36th and Sanson Sts.; International House, 37th Users is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 10 a.m.- al environmental issues and showcases earth- 11:30 a.m., Stellar Chance Laboratories room and Chestnut Sts.; and the Fresh Grocer parking friendly alternatives. deck, 4100 Walnut St. More than 100 bicycles 104 and Thursday, April 22, 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m., can be accommodated at Jon M. Huntsman Hall, “We feel that Earth Day is the perfect oppor- BRB II/III room 251. (Please arrive early; sign on Walnut Street between 37th and 38th Sts. tunity to encourage commuters who may ordi- in begins 15 minutes prior to start of session.) All Cyclists using any of the guarded parking ar- narily use automobiles to bike in that day,” said faculty, staff and students working with Class 3b eas are invited to enjoy complimentary morn- John Madera of the Delaware Valley Regional and Class 4 lasers are required to attend. Faculty, ing refreshments that include bottled water, Planning Commission and chairman of the Bi- staff and students working with Class 2 and Class Tastykakes and pretzels, donated by area mer- cycle Issues Forum. 3a lasers are encouraged to attend. Please register chants and the UCD. Organized to promote the routine use of bi- by e-mailing [email protected]. Contact Cyclists can also register to win one of two cycles for urban transportation, the forum is Karen Kelley at [email protected] or call used bicycles, one donated by Neighborhood comprised of representatives from the UCD, (215) 573-9446 with any questions. Bike Works (NBW), 3916 Locust Walk, and the Penn, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadel- The Office of Environmental Health & other by Firehouse Bike Shop, 50th and Balti- phia, Neighborhood Bike Works, and the Dela- Radiation Safety (EHRS) develops and presents more, or one of two admissions to any NBW ware Valley Regional Planning Commission. a variety of required training programs in live adult classes on bike repair or urban riding. Free For more information and a map showing presentations or online formats. To determine goodie bags containing the PennDOT Bicycle the guarded parking locations, go to www.share- which training programs you are required to take, Drivers Manual, a Philadelphia bike map, key the-road.org. review the section “Training Requirements” chain, pencil and a Share the Road campaign —University City Bicycle Issues Forum on the EHRS web site www.ehrs.upenn.edu/ sticker will also be given out. training/index.html. 6 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC April 13, 2004 ALMANAC April 13, 2004 www.upenn.edu/almanac 7 Update CLASSIFIEDS—UNIVERSITY APRIL AT PENN RESEARCH Do you have colon cancer? Do you have a living brother or sister who also has colon cancer? If so, Want to help us learn more about sleep research you may be eligible to participate in a genetics study Whenever there is more than meets the in children? Healthy children ages 2-18 needed eye, see our web site, www.upenn.edu/al manac/ . at the University of Pennsylvania. You may receive for an overnight, non-invasive sleep study at The free and confi dential genetic testing. To fi nd out more Childrenʼs Hospital of Philadelphia. Please contact about this study, call the University of Pennsylvania Brooke Bintliff, research coordinator, at (267) 426- at (215) 349-5317 or toll free at 1-888-666-6002. CHANGE 5089 for more information. Participants with Hypertension Needed for Want to lose weight? The University of Mythic Visions: Yarn Paintings of a Huichol Sha- research study using herbal remedies. If you are Pennsylvaniaʼs Weight and Eating Disorder man at the Penn Museum will close May 2. diagnosed with mild hypertension, are 21 years or Program is looking for participants who will receive older, and are able to visit in the mornings every 2 years of weight loss treatment using either a low- other week, please consider participation in this carbohydrate or a high-carbohydrate weight loss FILM very interesting research project. Participants will program. Overweight men and women aged 18-65 receive free physical exam, lab work, EKG, 24 are encouraged to call Brooke at (215) 746-8810 or 15 The Legacy of Malthus; documentary on pop- hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and all Valerie at (215) 746-6908. ulation issues in India; 4:30 p.m.; rm. 425, Van medications. Compensation at completion $1,400. Are you the parent of an adolescent who wants Pelt-Dietrich Library (South Asia Studies). Please call Virginia Ford, CRNP for more informa- to lose weight? The University of Pennsylvaniaʼs tion, (215) 662-2410. Weight and Eating Disorders Program is offering Volunteers Needed for Osteoporosis Study a 1-year weight loss research study that combines FITNESS/LEARNING The University of Pennsylvania Health System/ group behavioral treatment with the use of a meal Department of Radiology seeks women 60 years or replacement product or a nutritionally balanced 20 A Job Hunting Workshop: Looking for a Job older. Eligible volunteers would receive a magnetic diet of regular food. You may be eligible if you are in a Tough Market?; resume writing, interviewing resonance (MRI) and and a dual energy X-ray exam between 13 & 17 years of age, at least 30% over skills, and dressing for success; 6 p.m.; Penn Alex- (DEXA) to measure bone density. Participants will be recommended weight, a non-smoker, and free of compensated. Please contact Louise Loh or Helen signifi cant health problems. For more information ander School, enter at 43rd St. between Locust and please call Joanna at (215) 898-7314. Spruce Sts.; register: (215) 823-5288. Peachey at (215) 898-5664 for more information. Almanac is not responsible for contents of classifi ed ad material. • READING/SIGNING To place a classifi ed ad, call (215) 898-5274. 14 Thuraʼs Diary: My Life in Wartime Iraq–Thura al-Windawi; COL ʼ07; 4:30 p.m.; Penn Bookstore. Vet School Groundbreaking CLASSIFIEDS—PERSONAL 16 Readings by Nora Amin; Egyptian playwright, The School of Veterinary Medicine breaks FOR RENT author & poet; 4 p.m.; Class of ʼ55 Conference Rm, ground for its fi rst new building in 25 years in Beachblock-Ocean City, NJ (Gardens): Week- Van Pelt-Dietrich Library (Middle East Center). Philadelphia on April 17. Festivities will com- ly rentals, reasonable, Penn discount, sleeps mence at 4:30 p.m. in the schoolʼs Old Quad- six, all conveniences, parking, A/C, cable, call TALKS rangle Courtyard, adjacent to the building site. Steve (610) 565-1312. While the ceremony will feature “groundbreak- 20 Structural Changes of Lipid Bilayers Induced ing traditions,” carting dogs and rescue dogs will Penn Mail Services Survey by Membrane-active Peptides: The Mechanism of play a role in the event. As always, the Business Services Division Antimicrobial Peptides; Huey Huang, Rice Uni- At 2 p.m. will be four Classes Without Quiz- is working to improve the services that we versity; noon; rm. 2000, Vagelos Research Labs zes; see www.vet.upenn.edu for more information. provide the Penn community. Please take a few (Institute for Medicine and Engineering). The new Animal Bloodmobile can be toured. moments to give us your thoughts and opinions Inaugural Louis H. Carter Endowed Lecture- The 125,000-square-foot Teaching and Re- ship; Michael Eric Dyson, religious studies; 6 p.m.; on Penn Mail Services by completing our annual search Building will be erected adjacent to the survey at www.upenn.edu/mail/survey. Upon Harrison Auditorium, Penn Museum; RSVP: (215) veterinary school on a lot bound by Baltimore, 573-2648 (Social Work). completion of the survey, you can enter the How the Hindus Became Jews: American Woodland, and University Avenues. Designed by drawing to win a $50 gift certifi cate to the Penn Racism Post 9-11; Vijay Prashad, author and activ- Ballinger/Polshek Partnership Architects, it will Bookstore. Thank you for your participation. ist; 7 p.m.; Crest Room, ARCH Bldg. (Pan-Asian serve as the schoolʼs new academic center and —Business Services Community House). will be completed in September 2006. The estimated cost of the building is $54 mil- Deadlines: The deadline for the weekly Update is lion. More than $49 million has been raised. each Monday for the following weekʼs issue. The The day concludes with a dinner with speaker deadline for the May AT PENN calendar is today. See Nobel Laureate Dr. James Watson. For informa- Suite 211 Nichols House 3600 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106 www.upenn.edu/almanac/calendar/caldead-real.html. tion, call Amy Bogdanoff, (215) 898-4234. Phone: (215) 898-5274 or 5275 FAX: (215) 898-9137 E-Mail: [email protected] The University of Pennsylvania Police Department URL: www.upenn.edu/almanac The University of Pennsylvaniaʼs journal of record, opinion and Community Crime Report news is published Tuesdays during the academic year, and as needed during summer and holiday breaks. Its electronic editions About the Crime Report: Below are all Crimes Against Persons and Crimes Against Society from the on the Internet (accessible through the PennWeb) include HTML campus report for March 29-April 4, 2004. Also reported were 16 Crimes Against Property (including 16 and Acrobat versions of the print edition, and interim information thefts). Full reports are on the web (www.upenn.edu/almanac/v50/n29/crimes.html). Prior weeksʼ reports are may be posted in electronic-only form. Guidelines for readers and also online. —Ed. contributors are available on request and online. This summary is prepared by the Division of Public Safety and includes all criminal incidents reported and made known to the University Police Department between the dates of March 29-April 4, 2004. The EDITOR Marguerite F. Miller ASSOCIATE EDITOR Margaret Ann Morris University Police actively patrol from Market Street to Baltimore Avenue and from the Schuylkill River to 43rd ASSISTANT EDITOR Natalie S. Woulard Street in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police. In this effort to provide you with a thorough and accurate STUDENT ASSISTANTS Jovaun Boyd, report on public safety concerns, we hope that your increased awareness will lessen the opportunity for Pablo Sierra crime. For any concerns or suggestions regarding this report, please call the Division of Public Safety at WPHS INTERN Jamar Benyard (215) 898-4482. ALMANAC ADVISORY BOARD: For the Faculty Senate, Martin 03/31/04 10:43 AM 231 S 34th St Complainant received threatening e-mails Pring (chair), Helen Davies, Lance Donaldson-Evans, Lois Ev- 03/31/04 11:05 AM 3925 Walnut St Male attempted to use stolen credit card/Arrest ans, Charles Mooney, Joseph Turow. For the Administration, Lori 03/31/04 9:28 PM 38th & Spruce Complainant robbed/Arrest N. Doyle. For the Staff Assemblies, Michele Taylor, PPSA; Omar 04/01/04 9:33 AM 3700 Walnut St Male obstructing passageway/Arrest Mitchell, WPSA; Varvara Kountouzi, Librarians Assembly. The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The 18th District Report University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, color, na- 6 incidents and 3 arrests (including 3 robberies and 3 aggravated assaults) were reported between March tional or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a Vietnam Era 29-April 4, 2004 by the 18th District covering the Schuylkill River to 49th St. & Market St. to Woodland Ave. Veteran or disabled veteran in the administration of educational 03/31/04 2:00 PM 3800 Spruce St Robbery/Arrest policies, programs or activities; admissions policies; scholarship 03/31/04 2:47 PM 5100 Walnut St Aggravated Assault and loan awards; athletic, or other University administered programs or employment. Questions or complaints regarding this 03/31/04 8:15 PM 905 48th St Aggravated Assault policy should be directed to Jeanne Arnold, Executive Director, 04/01/04 11:25 PM 5016 Pine St Robbery/Arrest Offi ce of Affi rmative Action, 3600 Chestnut Street, 2nd floor, 04/02/04 12:37 AM 4900 Catherine St Aggravated Assault/Arrest Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106 or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 04/04/04 2:55 PM 615 46th St Robbery 898-7803 (TDD).

6 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC April 13, 2004 ALMANAC April 13, 2004 www.upenn.edu/almanac 7 FOR COMMENT

Graduate Education at Penn: The Middle States Review Peter Conn Deputy Provost

Over the past two years, members of the Penn faculty, adminis- know more than we ever have about graduate education at this tration, and student community have devoted a considerable amount University. The findings and recommendations in this document of attention to Ph.D. education. Most significantly, the new strategic will have substantial implications for the future of graduate educa- plan puts a high priority on graduate education (an important shift tion at Penn. in emphasis from the predecessor plan). The plan states, as one of To convey something of what the report contains—and what Pennʼs central goals, that the University aspires to “strengthen the it does not—let me quote a few paragraphs from the prefatory quality and national visibility of Ph.D. education across all of Pennʼs essay. schools.” Pennʼs “standing as a university of the first rank,” the plan “Key factors lie outside the charge and purview of this study. continues, “depends in large part upon its reputation as a center of For one, the strength and reputation of our graduate programs ob- ... Ph.D. education and its commitment to train a new generation of viously rest on the excellence of the faculty. That premise did not scholar-teachers.” require investigation and recommendations would be superfluous: Simultaneously, the University has been preparing for two sepa- sustaining faculty distinction is the primary agenda of the Universi- rate but related external reviews: the decennial assessment of gradu- ty. Second, the health of graduate studies at Penn and elsewhere is ate programs, conducted by the National Research Council (NRC); shaped by forces far beyond the control of educational institutions. and the decennial accreditation review, conducted by the Middle The state of the job market affects both the quantity and quality of States Commission on Higher Education. applications to graduate programs as well as the morale of students Our ultimate purpose, as the strategic plan makes clear, is to and faculty; this in turn has an impact on time to degree. Similarly, strengthen Pennʼs graduate programs across the nine schools that of- the financing of graduate education is influenced by general eco- fer the Ph.D. Since the future choices we will make must be informed nomic conditions and by endowment performance of universities by full knowledge of our current practices, we chose to make gradu- and outside private agencies. Finally, of course, politics and the fis- ate education the focus of our Middle States review. cal solvency of the federal government have direct consequences The Middle States review entails a detailed self-study. Professor for all of higher education, including doctoral studies. Walter Licht, professor of history and associate dean of graduate “If this report stops short of fundamental or revolutionary studies in the School of Arts and Sciences, has led this effort. We findings and proposals, nonetheless it provides a systematic and organized our investigation under six headings, each of which was detailed scrutiny of our current policies and practices—the most assigned to a committee: comprehensive appraisal of the past thirty years. At the same time, —degree requirements, rules and regulations (Rebecca Bushnell, chair); it includes dozens of specific recommendations which, if imple- —preparation for teaching (Dennis DeTurck, chair); mented, will substantially improve the quality of Pennʼs doctoral —support systems for graduate students (Janice Madden, chair); programs. —admission systems, and placement strategies (John Monroe, chair); —performance measures and quality review of graduate groups “Stated summarily, these concrete suggestions can be catego- (Herb Smith, chair); rized into the following propositions. The University should: —administrative and financial structuring of graduate education · Strengthen the federal system of governance, with improved (Dwight Jaggard, chair). cross-school information systems and a more robust centralized (A list of all the sub-committee members is contained in the report.) review process that utilizes systematic performance measures; These sub-committees met regularly over the academic year · Facilitate cross-school collaborations in admissions, recruit- 2002-03. In addition, a steering committee, consisting of the six ment, curriculum, and alumni relations; sub-committee chairs and convened by Professor Licht, also met to · Encourage curricular experimentation which acknowledges guide the work of the sub-groups and eventually to draft the self- the different pedagogical needs of our diverse graduate programs; study report. To support their inquiries, the sub-committees made · Improve the clarity of program expectations and require- extensive use of statistical data and surveys that were distributed to ments for students; all of Pennʼs graduate chairs. The steering committee also conducted · Universalize best practices in mentoring students, monitor- extensive interviews and held several public meetings with faculty ing their academic progress, their training as teachers, and post- and graduate students. degree placement; and The report which the steering committee has produced is available · Examine alternative tuition cost arrangements (e.g., credit for comment at: www.upenn.edu/grad/selfstudy.html. This document unit vs. annual tuition charges).” distills the work of the six committees, including their recommen- I urge all of Pennʼs faculty and students, and in particular those dations for change. This represents the most extensive inquiry into directly involved in Ph.D. training, to read the report and respond Penn doctoral education undertaken in the past thirty years. We now to the steering committee at the e-mail address included there.

8 www.upenn.edu/almanac ALMANAC April 13, 2004