News Archives

Gelles to Participate in PBS Discussion on Child Welfare

PHILADELPHIA -- Richard James Gelles, interim dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania, will participate in "Failure to Protect: A National Dialogue," a PBS special airing at 10 p.m. (EST), Thursday, Feb. 6.

Award for a small-scale pioneer

Dawn Bonnell has won the American Ceramic Society’s Ross Coffin Purdy Award for her pioneering work on scanning impedance microscopy, a technique that is used to measure the properties, in particular electromagnetic properties, of nanostructures like molecular wires and nanotubes. Bonell is Trustee Professor of Materials Science and Director of the Center for Science and Engineering of Nanoscale Systems.

Close encounters with art

At the ICA they know how to throw a great party. The Institute for Contemporary Art, Penn’s showcase for the works of living artists, opened its doors one winter night (Jan. 17), inviting all to a free sneak preview of four of its latest exhibitions.

Masch joins cabinet

Gov. Ed Rendell (C’65) has tapped Mike Masch, vice president for budget and management analysis, to be his chief number-cruncher again. Masch served as then-Mayor Ed Rendell’s budget director during Rendell’s first term at Philadelphia City Hall. As of Jan. 20, he is doing the same thing for Rendell in Harrisburg, serving as budget secretary in the new administration. In addition to serving as Penn’s budget director for the past six years, Masch sat on the city’s School Reform Commission.

BEN Buys, and West Philly benefits

When the Penn Marketplace opened its doors for business on the Web one year ago, it made it easier for those who buy goods and services for Penn to find and order the products they need. It brought all of Penn’s approved suppliers together in one location, allowing purchasers to peruse catalogs custom-tailored for the University and containing over 550,000 items. The Penn Marketplace has also made it easier for minority-owned and West Philadelphia-based businesses to garner a larger share of Penn’s purchasing dollars.

“The Darkest Day: The Washington-Baltimore Campaign During the War of 1812”

In the first two years of the War of 1812, the young American nation suffered setbacks at the hands of its British foe, but the most humiliating defeat occurred in August 1814, when the British navy sailed up the Potomac and landed troops near the city of Washington. The British routed the Americans at the battle of Bladensburg on the city’s outskirts and then proceeded to sack Washington, burning the White House and Capitol building, and forcing President Madison and other politicians to flee.

Appointments

Kathleen McClave has been picked to fill the newly created post of associate dean for communications and business development at the Wharton School. In this new role, McClave will help coordinate efforts across Wharton’s administrative and academic departments, including research centers, executive education, career manage-ment and external affairs. McClave comes to Penn after having served as principal at Tillinghast-Towers Perrin the last four years.

Bring your tech literacy up to speed

Information Systems and Computing Technology Training Services has partnered with Online Consulting to provide on-campus classes at a discount to members of the Penn community. Classes taken at Penn are up to 25 percent less expensive than comparable classes off campus. Here’s a sample of upcoming courses being held at the ISC Labs at 3650 Chestnut. For details contact the Online Consulting Penn Registration Desk at 1-800-288-8221 or visit www.tts.isc.upenn.edu. Registration required.

Work at Penn? Join the club

Every morning, before starting their hectic day, a small group of Penn people sit at linen-covered tables, leisurely sipping coffee and biting into lemon Danish. Some scan today’s headlines while others share quiet conversation. If this sounds like a better way to kick off your day than your now-hurried routine, consider joining Penn’s Faculty Club. Complimentary morning coffee and pastries is just one of many membership perks.

Aaron Franklin and Rick Bulley