News Archives

Transcription of Remarks made by Desmond Tutu at the 247th Commencement Ceremony

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIAThis is a transcription of remarks made by Desmond Tutu at the 247th Commencement ceremony of the University of Pennsylvania, May 19, 2003, in Philadelphia. Heartiest congratulations to all of you graduating today. Im sure you want to extend a very warm thank you and congratulations to those who supported you: your families, your spouseswhere it applies, your children, and even your teachers.

Address of President Judith Rodin at the 247th Commencement of the University of Pennsylvania, May 19, 2003, in Philadelphia.

Welcome to the 247th Commencement of the University of Pennsylvania! Benjamin Franklin founded this University to produce graduates who would serve society  by solving what seemed to be the most intractable problems of the day and by promoting scientific, social and economic progress throughout the world. Generations of Penn alumni have translated Franklins vision into achievements and careers that brought meaning to their lives, credit to Penn and lasting benefits to humanity.

Penn Announces Commencement Severe-Weather Plan, New Time for Annenberg School Ceremony

WHO: University of Pennsylvania WHAT: 247th Commencement WHEN: Monday, May 19, 2003 WHERE: Various locations (see below) In the event of severe weather, heavy downpour, lightning or other dangerous conditions, the Universitys May 19 Commencement ceremony will be relocated from Franklin Field to the Palestra, 235 S. 33rd St. Archbishop Desmond Tutu will deliver the address. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10:15 a.m.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Exhibition/Lecture Series to Focus on History of the Deaf Community

WHO: University of Pennsylvanias Arthur Ross Gallery and the Pennsylvania School for the DeafWHAT: History Through Deaf EyesWHEN: June 3-July 28, 2003 Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.WHERE: Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 S. 34th St., Philadelphia

Furniture Guy, to teach non-credit courses at Penn

PHILADELPHIA  Ed Feldman, better known as one of the Furniture Guys on the Learning Channel, will teach two non-credit courses offered by the College of General Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.One course, 20th Century Design Walking Tour: Furniture Galleries, will explore Philadelphias decorative-art heritage. The three sessions begin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and continue through various furniture stores, galleries and salvage emporiums in Old City and Northern Liberties where students will learn first-hand about furniture heirlooms.

The inheritance

“Becoming a Catholic was the most Protestant thing I ever did.” So says the title character in Michael West’s one-man play “Foley,” the final production of the 2002-03 Penn Presents season.

At your service

A CURE for cities

The sins committed in the name of urban renewal in the 1950s and 1960s continue to haunt efforts to redevelop our great cities. Tearing things down was the easy part; deciding what to put in their place is the real challenge.

RESEARCH/From marsh to desert and back—if…

Where exactly was the biblical Garden of Eden? Some scholars think it was in the fertile wetlands where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet in southeastern Iraq. For thousands of years, the area was home to people known as the marsh Arabs, who made their living fishing, growing rice and tending water buffalo.

Living for the weekend

Like the enchanted village of Brigadoon, the tents and traditions of Alumni Weekend appear on campus for only a few brief hours then disappear into the mists to return the following year. This year that will be May 16-18. Alumni Weekend is an alternate University. Although the alums may be a bit grayer than the regular inhabitants of planet Penn, their activities are a mirror of actual campus life—going to lectures, asking questions, checking out the new Philly scene, meeting old friends and making new ones. The only thing missing is exams.