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Two talks, one theme in common

One speaker came to underscore the enduring friendship between France and America. The other came to express new hope for an enduring peace between Israel and Palestine. For both, that also meant talking about Iraq. For French Ambassador to the United States Jean-David Lafitte, making his first official visit outside Washington to speak at Penn on April 11, Franco-American differences over Iraq were a mere speed bump on a long road.

Penn Team Takes First Prize in Ninja Film Contest

PHILADELPHIA  A dozen students and alumni at the University of Pennsylvania have won the $15,000 grand prize in a competition that drew some 70 three-minute Ninja-themed films. The contest was sponsored by videogame publisher Activision, part of its promotion of a new game called Tenchu: Wrath of Heaven. Entries were judged by producer Terence Chang and director John Woo, known for films including Face/Off and Mission Impossible 2.

Michael X. Delli Carpini Named Dean of Penn's Annenberg School for Communication

PHILADELPHIA -- Michael X. Delli Carpini, a respected scholar in American politics, public-opinion research and mass media, has been named the Walter H. Annenberg Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn President Judith Rodin announced today. Delli Carpini currently serves as director of the public policy program of the Pew Charitable Trusts in Philadelphia.

Les Hudson Named Penn's Vice Provost for Strategic Initiatives

PHILADELPHIA  Les Hudson has been named vice provost for strategic initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, Provost Robert L. Barchi announced today. Effective June 15, Hudson joins Penn from Pharmacia Corporation, where he has most recently served as group vice president and general manager of a billion-dollar worldwide ophthalmology franchise.

Penn Commencement Live on the Web

PHILADELPHIA  Family and friends unable to attend Penn's 247th Commencement in person will be able to view the entire ceremony online thanks to a live Webcast. Coverage of the ceremony at Franklin Field  from processional to recessional and all the pomp and circumstance in between  will be broadcast live on the Internet beginning at 9 a.m. (EDT), Monday, May 19.

New Website Allows Tracking of Philadelphia's Murals

PHILADELPHIA -- A new Website created by the Cartographic Modeling Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is being launched to document the beauty and diversity of Philadelphia's 2,500 murals.In partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Recreations Mural Arts Program, the project is part of Penns Neighborhood Information System that focuses on vacant properties and neighborhood change in Philadelphia. Community development efforts to reclaim vacant land and buildings can be easily traced by studying the growth of murals.

NSA Designation Identifies Penn as a Leader in Computer Security Education

PHILADELPHIA  The National Security Agency has designated the University of Pennsylvania as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education, part of a program intended to safeguard the nations information infrastructure by encouraging universities to offer coursework in computer security. Penn becomes one of about 30 such centers nationwide.

University of Pennsylvania Doubles Its Purchase Of Wind-Generated Power to 10 Percent of Energy Need

PHILADELPHIA  Under a new 10-year agreement, the University of Pennsylvania will now purchase 10 percent of its energy needs from wind-generated power, in effect doubling its nation-leading wind-energy purchase to the output from 10 wind turbines.Penn will purchase 40 million kilowatt hours annually from Community Energy Inc. of Wayne, Pa. This agreement represents the largest retail purchase of wind-generated energy in the nation. The 10-year commitment will also lead to the construction of a new wind farm in Pennsylvania.

During Earth Festival, Penn to Announce Agreement Doubling Wind Power Purchase

WHAT: Earth Festival 2003, sponsored by the Penn Environmental Group, with the theme "Thinking about Alternative Energy" and highlighted by the announcement of Penn's latest commitment to using renewable wind energy. The event will also feature displays on environmental issues and research, including displays of Penn's alternative-fuel vehicles, powered by natural gas and electricity. WHO: Omar Blaik, vice president of facilities and real estate services at the University of Pennsylvania Brent Alderfer, president of Community Energy Inc.