Category Archives: Casey R.

November 7, 2013 · 12:19 pm

My Top Penn List: Homecoming 2013

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

Homecoming starts tomorrow. I can’t believe that we are more than half way through semester and soon it will be Thanksgiving. And, it’s been five years of Homecoming, featuring Arts and Culture at Penn.

But before we’re feasting on turkey and sharing time with family, we are invited to return home to our alma mater.

From Wikipedia:

Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in the United States. It usually includes activities for students and alumni, such as sports and culture events and a parade through the streets of the city or town. The NCAA recognizes the University of Missouri as the birthplace of homecoming.

Traditionally the crux of Homecoming is the home football game usually against the School’s rival. This year, the game is Saturday at Noon against our more recently acquired rival Princeton.  (In yesteryear, the rivalry for Penn was against Cornell.) General admission tickets are $15 or you can register in person on College Green for a Blue Quaker Pass which includes a GA ticket.

Outside of the big game, here are my top Penn picks for outstanding Penn programming this Homecoming weekend:

10. New College House Celebration
Friday, 12:30 – 2 PM
Tent on Hill Field

hill

Come join this picnic for the Penn community with live entertainment, delicious food, give-a-ways and more… Rain or Shine. Presented by Amy Gutmann, President, University of Pennsylvania and David L. Cohen, Chair, Board of Trustees.

9. Exhibit: Audubon’s Birds of America
Friday, 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Saturday, 10 AM – 9 PM
Sunday, 10 AM – Midnight
Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, First floor
3420 Walnut Street {Entrance off of College Green}

The Penn Libraries is pleased to announce a new permanent exhibition case devoted to the display of John James Audubon’s spectacular Birds of America (1827-38). Penn’s double elephant folio set of the Birds was a gift of Edwin H. Vare, Jr. in 1957-59. The page opening from the volume on display will be changed on the second Wednesday of every month.

8. The Circuit: 750 Miles of Regional Trails
Sunday, 10 AM – 12 PM
Widener Visitor Center
Morris Arboretum
100 E. Northwestern Avenue
Cost: $20

The Circuit: 750 miles of Regional Trails is a lecture by Bob Thomas, AIA, C’69,GAR’73, life-long Philadelphian, noted architect, planner, and Penn alumus. Learn more about the Philadelphia’s 750 mile regional trail system and its pending expansion. Tours of the Morris Arboretum are available after the presentation.

7. Rugby Alumni Game
Friday, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Penn Park

pennrugby

Football isn’t the only sport that brings our Pennsylvanians back to West Philadelphia. The Penn Rugby Alumni Board cordially invites you to attend the Ninth Annual Homecoming Alumni Game Friday evening at Penn Park. Join us to cheer on the Penn alumni rugby players. After the game, take part in a special alumni reception at Penn Park. Please contact Michael Reno at mreno@upenn.edu to RSVP.

6. PennGALA Speed Mentoring
Saturday, 2:30 PM – 4 PM
LGBT Center
3907 Spruce St

PENNgalaPenn students and alumni are welcome to join PennGALA’s Speed Mentoring event at the LGBT Center. LGBTQA alumni will connect with each other and current LGBTQA undergraduate and graduate students in a series of short one-on-one conversations, to discuss career-related issues such as job-search techniques, industry-specific topics, and professional life as an LGBTQA individual in the working world. Alumni, you are encouraged to indicate your career background here.

5. Exhibit: Ormandy in China: The Historic 1973 Tour
Friday, 8:30 AM – 9 PM
Saturday, 10 AM – 9 PM
Sunday, 10 AM – Midnight
Eugene Ormandy Gallery
Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, 4th Floor
3420 Walnut Street {entrance off College Green}

The 1973 tour of China by the Philadelphia Orchestra marked an important milestone in relations between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. Following on the heels of Richard Nixon’s trip to visit Mao Zedong in 1972, the tour was a successful attempt at cultural diplomacy–the first visit to China by an American orchestra. In recognition of the fortieth anniversary of this historic tour, “Ormandy in China” reexamines the ten-day visit and places the tour in the context of the political and cultural climate of the time.

4. Blutt Band Slam
Saturday, 3 PM – 5 PM
College Green

Whether you love jazz, classical music, or good old-fashioned rock and roll, you will find something to get your toes tapping at this engaging and spirited competition on College Green. Band members will compete in a wide range of genres and styles. Meet up with friends at the Quaketacular Spectacular Beer Garden and watch the show.

Penn alumni, student musicians and singers! More information here!

3. 79th Annual Alumni Award of Merit Gala
Friday, 6 PM – 10 PM
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
3680 Walnut Street

Join fellow alumni, friends and guests, at the 79th annual installment of a Penn tradition. The Gala honors those alumni who have demonstrated commitment and dedication to the University, helping to make it shine more brightly than ever. Hosted by new Penn Alumni President, Julie Beren Platt, C’79, the Gala will recognize individual alumni, class and club honorees. Board of Trustees Chairs, David L. Cohen and President Amy Gutmann invite all alumni to attend this splendid occasion.

For more information visit, www.alumni.upenn.edu/pennalumni/aamgala or call 215.898.7811. Cost is $75 per person/$55 for alumni graduates, 2003-2013.

Alumni Award of Merit
L. John Clark, W’63, WG’68
Mindy Halikman Heyer, C’79, W’79, WG’80
Helen Frame Peters, Ph.D., CW’70, G’74, GR’79
Steve Roth, W’66
Young Alumni Award
Farnia Fresnel, ENG’98
Andrew J. Rosenthal, C’06
Creative Spirit Award
Mary Ellen Mark, FA’62, ASC’64, Hon’94
Class Award of Merit
Class of 1978
David N. Tyre Award for Excellence in Class Communications
Class of 2008
Alumni Club Award of Merit
Penn Alumni Club of Metro New Jersey

2. Classes without Quizzes: Dining and Lovemaking in Pompeii
Friday, 6 PM – 7 PM
Penn Museum,
Widener Lecture Room

“Dining and Lovemaking in Pompeii” Dr. C. Brian Rose, Curator-in-Charge of the Mediterranean Section, Penn Museum, James B. Pritchard Professor of Archaeology, University of Pennsylvania The destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 A.D. allows us to reconstruct extensively the nature of daily life in an Early Imperial Roman town, especially the residents’ attitudes toward food and sex. This lecture presents an overview of those attitudes by examining the archaeological discoveries in both cities, including the wall paintings, mosaics, dining rooms, and food remains. Topics include cookbooks and dinner parties as well as prostitution and same-sex relationships.

1. The film screening, Head Games
Presented by Penn Alumni Film Festival
Saturday, 5:45 PM – 8 PM
Claudia Cohen Hall
G17 Class of 1969 Lecture Room
249 South 36th Street

Inspired by events from the book Head Games written by former Ivy League football star and WWE wrestler Christopher Nowinski, and featuring interviews with Nowinski, Bob Costas (NBC Sports), Keith Primeau (NHL All-Star), Cindy Parlow Cone (Olympic Gold Medalist, Women’s Soccer), and many more, Head Games exposes viewers to one of the leading public health issues of our time, concussion. The film features several of Penn’s leading scientists and clinicians interested in providing evidence-based treatments and improving the lives of those who have experienced lasting effects from a traumatic brain injury.

Stick around after the documentary for a panel discussion with medical experts. Panelists include:

  • Dave F. Meaney, PhD, Chairman, Department of Bioengineering, Solomon R. Pollack Professor Bioengineering, Associate Director, Penn Center for Brain Injury and Repair
  • M. Sean Grady, MD, Chairman, Department of Neurosurgery, Charles Harrison Frazier Professor of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine
  • Douglas H. Smith, MD, Director, Penn Center for Brain Injury and Repair, Robert A. Groff Professor of Neurosurgery, Vice-Chairman for Research & Education, Department of Neurosurgery
  • Rahul Kapur, MD, Chief Medical Physician, Penn Athletics Kelli Williams, PhD, Director of Neuropsychology and Co-Director, Concussion Clinic, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

I hope this selection of Homecoming programming makes you excited for the weekend as much as I am! See you on campus.

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October 17, 2013 · 12:04 pm

My Top Penn List: Best Professors to Explain Washington

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

I’m a CNN junkie. I watch Erin Burnett, Anderson Cooper, Piers Morgan and Jake Tapper regularly.  If I get out of work at 5, I head to the gym where I can view Wolf Blitzer’s Situation Room from the elliptical.  So I’ve been closely watching the government shut down and the nation’s run into the most recent spending limit cap. Last night, I watched the literal 11th hour House vote on the Senate’s bill and listened to the commentary before calling it a night.

There are so many issues in DC: laws, policy, the will of the people, healthcare, jobs, taxes, default and more. Whether or not you agree with the current vote of Congress, this quagmire has been in the news for a solid three weeks and could use a lot of clarification.  Here are my choices for Penn faculty who would do a great job to help explain the forces at work in DC.


10.      J. Sanford Schwartz, M’74, INT’78 – Dr. Schwartz is an health care policy expert, who predicted that the Affordable Healthcare Act would contentiously pass and focuses on cost-quality tradeoffs in health care, health economics, health policy and medical decision making.


9.         Michael X. Delli Carpini, C’75, G’75  – Frequently Dean Delli Carpini explores the realm of politics in this new information environment and in particular, he explores the evolution of media that has occurred over the last twenty-five years – blogs, online fundraising, citizen journalism, social networking sites, viral videos, websites – to drive political campaigns.


8.         David B. Thornburgh – As the Executive Director, Fels Institute of Government, Mr. Thornburgh teaches Politics and Public Leadership which orients students to the constraints that characterize leadership and management in the public service focusing on the areas of  public service, policy analysis, politics, and political realism.


7.         Jeremy Siegel – Dr. Siegel is our guru of the stock markets.  Every media event of the Congress and President seem to be orchestrated to send a message to the global markets that the US will not fail them.


6.         Olivia Mitchell – As a professor of Business Economics and Public Policy  and of Insurance and Risk Management, Dr. Mitchell is the expert on employee benefits and compensation, health/retirement analysis & policy, international private & social insurance, labor economics & public finance and risk & crisis management.


5.         Marjorie Margolies, CW’63, PAR’91, PAR’97 – As a former Member of Congress for the 13th District of Pennsylvania, Ms. Margolies knows a thing or two about the House of Representatives which benefits her students in her class, Dealing with the Media.


4.         Julia Lynch – Dr. Lynch, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science, studies the concerns the politics of inequality, social policy, and the economy in comparative perspective, with a focus on the countries of Western Europe and the United States.


3.         Reed Shuldiner, PAR’14 – A Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Center for Tax Law and Policy, Dr. Shuldiner is one of the nation’s top experts on the Federal income tax – best known for his seminal work on the taxation of financial products. Plus he has advised the governments of China, Lithuania, the Philippines, and South Africa on income tax issues on behalf of the International Monetary Fund and the U.S. Treasury.


2.         Joni Finney – As the Director of the Institute for Research on Higher Education, Dr. Finney’s work on higher ed espeically on issues like public finance of higher education, governance, access and accountability might shed some light on how the issues in Washington end up affecting those of us working at Penn.


1.         Mark Duggan – Professor Duggan is the Faculty Director of Wharton Public Policy Initiative. In this role, he is my number one choice to oversee that conversation that we could have with these other nine faculty members to shed some light on the power play and issues in the Beltway.

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Filed under Annenberg, Casey R., Fels Institute, GSE, Notable Alumni, Penn Law, Penn Medicine, Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative, Research, Top Ten, Wharton

September 19, 2013 · 9:18 am

My Top Penn List: Penn Spectrum 2013

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

While advanced registration for Penn Spectrum 2013 is closed; walk-on registration is available Friday and Saturday. This conference is gearing up to be phenomenal.

The educational pieces highlight topics that focus on issues pertinent to our multicultural groups and are given a Penn spin with alumni thought-leaders. The social get-togethers encourage camaraderie. Finally, Penn is always beautiful in the early fall and Penn Park is bustling with activity.

Here are the top ten events that I’m looking forward to this weekend.

10.   Guided Tour of Penn Park by University Architect David Hollenberg.
Friday, September 20, 1:30pm
Meet at Weightman Hall, 235 South 33rd Street (between Locust and Spruce, near Franklin Field)

See the University’s beautiful new green space featuring environmentally-conscious recreational and athletic areas on the eastern edge of campus. Learn about the Park’s unique design, and hear from Mike Diorka (Associate Athletic Director, Facility Management) about how people are putting the new space to use.

9.   Black Bodies in Propaganda: The Art of the War Poster
Sunday, September 22, 12noon
Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South Street, Trescher Entrance

Browse this collection of 33 posters aimed at mobilizing African-Americans in war efforts, even as they faced oppression and injustice in their homelands.

8.   Post-racial Leadership at Penn and Beyond
Friday, September 20, 4:30-6pm
Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street

Join the James Brister Society (JBS) for a panel discussion featuring members who have demonstrated leadership at the University and in their careers. Followed by networking with the panelists and your fellow attendees.
Moderator: Leslie Kruhly, University Vice President and Secretary. Panelists include Gil Casellas, L’77, University Trustee, JBS Co-Chair, Chairman of OMNITRU, former Chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Claire Lomax, Esq., C’84, University Trustee, Member-School of Social Policy & Practice Board of Overseers, General Counsel-The Lomax Companies; John Chou, Esq., L’84, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at AmerisourceBergen Corporation; Farah Jimenez, Esq. C’90, L’96, JBS Member, President and CEO of People’s Emergency Center.

7.   Harvest Ceremony and Tour of Penn’s New Lenape Garden
Also at Saturday, September 21, 5-6:30pm
Greenfield Intercultural Center, 3708 Chestnut Street

Celebrate with us at the home of the beautiful, tortoise-shaped Lenape Garden. It was created to educate the community about the Lenape who first called the Delaware Valley home. Also featuring the art of Jack “Crying Raven” Anderson from the Ramapough Lunaape Nation who works with acrylic, oils, watercolor, and collage. His art reflects his transitional life, strong family values, but also rebellion against education, conformity and strict social mores. It also reflects who he has become after going through a healing process and developing new respect for family values, spiritualism, society, art and music.

6.   Look Who’s Famous Now! Increasing Asian American Presence in Media and Entertainment
Saturday, September 21, 3:30-5pm
Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall

Discover the challenges that Asian Americans have historically faced in these industries and how we addressing these challenges today. Learn how access to digital technology has affected Asian and Pacific Islander representation, both onscreen and behind the scenes. Featuring Brian Redondo, C’05, Digital Project Manager at the Ad Council, Jessica Park, W’06, Director, Office of the CEO at Warner Music Group and Bing Chen, C’09, Global Creator Development & Management Lead at YouTube.

5.   LGBT Community at Penn: Past, Present & Future
Saturday, September 21, 5-6:30pm
LGBT Center, 3907 Spruce Street

Join in the conversation about the LGBT community at Penn and how it has evolved over the last several decades, including the development of the LGBT Center itself and how Penn’s LGBT Center is a model among its peers at other institutions. We’ll conclude with a dialogue about the challenges that lie ahead and the vision for the Center and our community in the years to come. With Bob Schoenberg, GSW ’89; Director, Penn LGBT Center; Erin G. Cross, G ’10; Associate Director, Penn LGBT Center; Carolyn DeChants, SP2 ’13, and Andres Castro Samayoa, GSE ’17.

4.   Traditional Native American Grand Entry and Official Welcome
Friday, September 20, 7pm
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theater, 3680 Walnut Street

University administrators offer a formal welcome after our Penn Spectrum Grand Entry, featuring drums and dance based on the opening ceremony of a Powwow. As part of this tradition, any military veterans present will be honored by the other attendees and event will be emceed by Talon Ducheneaux, C’15

3.   Black Alumni Reunion Dinner and Keynote Speaker
Saturday, September 21, 7:30-9pm
Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

This Reunion Dinner program includes greetings and remarks from the Black Alumni Society (BAS) and Makuu Black Cultural Center as well as Keynote Speaker, Marc Morial, C’80, President and CEO of the National Urban League, former Mayor of New Orleans.

2.   Questions vs. Solutions: The Immigration Discussion Continues
Saturday, September 21, 3:30-5pm
Colloquium Room, 8th Floor, Huntsman Hall, 3730 Walnut Street

Why should community members support efforts to improve the integration and inclusion of those new to the U.S., as well as others facing language and cultural barriers, into the social and economic fabric of a city? Featuring a conversation with Jennifer I. Rodríguez, GCP’01, Executive Director, Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs. Hosted by Nicolas Rodriquez, C’04, Conference Co-Chair, Board member of the Association of Latino Alumni.

1.   Penn Spectrum Dance Party (21+ Only)
Saturday, September 21, 9pm-1am, Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall

In the tradition of Taste of Penn Spectrum from Homecoming and Alumni Weekend, dance the night away to R&B, salsa, Bhangra, hip hop, merengue, reggaeton, soca, and more to end the Saturday’s activities on a high note.

I know that our Penn Alumni Relation staff will be working hard to make this a fantastic event for our Multicultural Outreach teammates and our diverse alumni alike.

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September 5, 2013 · 10:21 am

Locust Walk Talk: Healthy Cities, Healthy Women

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

Penn Nursing is in the middle of executing their biggest symposium tour, around a topic that Dean Afaf I Meleis, PhD, DrPS(hon), is extremely passionate – urban women’s health. Urban women’s health is the intersection of women’s health, the practice of public health and the related effects of living in an urban environment. While much is known about these topics individually, the junction of these topics needs more inspection.  The Healthy Cities: Healthy Women conference series aims to promote discussions about re-envisioning our communities to make them universally safer, healthier and more livable.

Penn Nursing in Botswana

Since its launch in 2009, Penn Nursing has taken their symposia to Miami (November 20, 2009), New York City, (May 5, 2011) and Los Angeles (November 18, 2012). Starting with a city-centric focus, the events featured local experts like Dr. Divina Grossman, Dean, Florida International University College of Nursing & Health Sciences, in Miami, Nicholas D. Kristof, a two-time Pulitzer Prize columnist for The New York Times in New York and Paula Daniels, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Mayor Villaraigosa in Los Angeles.  Yet their messages were global: discussing what the future of Health Care Reform holds for women, combating a “pervasive human rights violation, the oppression of women and girls in the developing world,” and the shedding light on the world-wide issues of domestic violence, poverty and human trafficking. For a taste of the discussion so far, Penn Nursing has created a Healthy Cities, Healthy Women youtube page.

Honorary Committee Member and Former U.S. Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Dr. Shirley Sears Chater with Dean Meleis and Dean Courtney Lyder of the UCLA School of Nursing

The next stop for Healthy Cities, Healthy Women is London on September 17.  Penn Nursing has partnered with The Lancet and King’s College London to bring this discussion to Europe.  Endorsed by the Mayor of London, Healthy Cities, Healthy Women will spotlight the issues of preventing violence against women, providing increased access to services, improving health through improving the built environment and identifying ways to build and sustain a healthy life cycle within a healthier urban community. The message that “women are the pillars of society, playing important and multiple roles as mothers, leaders, students, decision-makers, scholars, lawmakers, business executives, voters, and workers” will be a critical theme to the day’s discussion, as mentioned in Dean Meleis’ recent blog entry for The Lancet. Registration is open for this incredible event.

Invisible Walls: Women, Violence and Safety Panel featuring Dr. Sommers, Dr. Adey Nyamathi, Ms. Kay Buck, and Dr. Anne Teitelman

On the heels of London, the tour returns to the States in Washington, DC – the center of health policy. Focused on the unique challenges and key roles that women play in maintaining good health practices in an increasingly urban world, Healthy Cities, Healthy Women Washington will provide an opportunity to discuss the need to improve the urban environment to strength the health of women, their families and the communities in which they contribute as well as creating practical solutions to improve health through improving the built environment.  The conference aims to address the impact of cities on the health of women and their families. Registration is open for this event as well.

Nick Kristof sharing heartbreaking and inspiring stories at Healthy Cities: Healthy Women.

The last stop of the symposia tour will be in Philadelphia on May 15, 2014 with Health Cities, Health Women: The Global Future.  The details will be forthcoming; please bookmark and return to Penn Nursing’s Healthy Cities, Healthy Women site for information in the near future.

Please note, all of the photos in this entry are available on Penn Urban Women’s Health Facebook page.

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Filed under Alumni Programming, Alumnni Education, Casey R., Locust Walk Talk, Penn Nursing

August 8, 2013 · 9:32 am

My Top Penn List: Faculty Travelblogs

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

During the summer, it’s nice to have some time to slow down and catch up on things between Alumni Weekend & Graduation and New Student Orientation. In addition to having some time to work on long-term projects, I get more time to enjoy some fascinating posts on our blog by our own faculty.

I was drawn to these stories due to my own wanderlust.  I hope these entries inspire your own dreams and travels.

10. Marvelous Macchu Pichu and Mythic Toga Parties: Relive Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw’s, Associate Professor of American Art, visit to mystical Peru.

Macchu Pichu

9. Italian Inspirations: Reminisce with Michael Gamer, Associate Professor of English, on his journey through magical Italy.

Venice

8. Paris to Normandy: Experience the relaxed atmosphere of a French river cruise with our Professor Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw.

Monet’s house, Giverny, France

7. Cruising the Dalmatian Coast: Explore the wonders of the Adriatic and the Dalmatian coast with David Wallace, Judith Rodin Professor of English.

Grgur Ninski statue, Split, Croatia

6. The Waterways of Holland and Belgium: Simon Richter, Professor of Germanic Languages and Literatures, shares his discoveries along the impressive canals of the Netherlands and coast of Belgium.

In Bruges

5. Sketches of Spain: Find out more about Northern Spain and Basque Country from our prolific faculty blogger, Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw.

Casa Battló, Barcelona

4. The Danube River and Habsburg Empire: Enjoy André Dombrowski’s, Assistant Professor of Art History, tale of traveling down the Danube.

Dürnstein, Austria

3. Across Time and Space – Discovering Morocco: Wax nostalgic about the timelessness of Morocco with Thomas Max Safley, Professor of History.

Kasbah, by Murray Sherman, Gr’69

2. Baltic Dispatches, Part 2: Relive Art Caplan’s, the former Emmanuel and Robert Hart Director of the Center for Bioethics, trek around the Baltic States.

Riga, Latvia

1. Turkey Trot: Join Larry Silver, Professor of Art History, in his search for the quintessential Turkey.

The Blue Mosque

These are some of my favorite stories and pictures from our amazing faculty.  I’ve been on orbitz, expedia and travelocity to plan some of  my own holidays, inspired by our globetrotting professors. Better yet, I’m going to peruse the Penn Alumni Travel page and discover my future expedition there.

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July 11, 2013 · 6:47 pm

Locust Walk Talk: Better Late than Never – Class of 1995 in San Francisco

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

I called out of work today due to a headache.  I was able to sleep it off and I’m feeling better now.  However, I forgot that it was my day for a blog entry.

So really short, I’m going to share with you some of my pictures from San Francisco.  I went to the City for the Fourth of July to celebrate the 40th birthday year of the Class of 1995.  Our trip, called San Fran 73-13, was put together by Susan Webner, W’95 and Sara Golomb, C’95.

Look forward to a more detailed write up soon.

The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Saturday’s bike ride.

A panoramic view of the Ferry Building interior

Fresh Cheese at the Farmer’s Market.

photo(9)

Most of the trip attendees, a ton from the Class of 1995.

A selfie, in the Presidio, at the Off the Grid, food truck picnic. Gotta like a place named after you.

We had a great time and we’re looking forward to meeting up again before we return to campus in 2015 for our 20th reunion.

 

 

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June 27, 2013 · 4:42 pm

My Ten Penn List: Ivy Plus at Penn

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

Last year I shared with you some insider knowledge about our Alumni Relations peer conference, Ivy Plus, which Dartmouth hosted.  This year, we are the hosts welcoming the Alumni Relations Offices from the 7 other Ivies, Stanford and MIT.

This conference provides fantastic career training with sessions like Changing the Status Quo, discussing the numerous challenges alumni relations offices face in promoting programs and events to a wide population of alumni; Collaboration: Breaking Down Silos within Alumni Relations, focusing on the working within our universities as well as our own departments for programming opportunities; and How do You Measure Success and Engagement? Setting and Measuring Program Goals, tackling the vague science of quantifying alumni engagement in a purposeful way.  On the other hand, we are in the business of connecting people to each other and their almae matres, so we also know how to have some serious fun, too.

Here are my top ten photos from the conference, albeit some are candids and others were tweeted, instagrammed or facebooked.  (note: the opinions and views expressed through these Twitter, Instagram or Facebook accounts are the opinions of those individuals and do not reflect the opinions or views of the University or myself).

10.

 @amywolf A sultry summer evening at @Pennalumni’s #IvyPlusAR… just the right kind of night for quizzo!

9.

irishwombat Talking about culture with Prof. Jackson #IvyPlusAR.

8.

Teamwork with the last minute prep for Ivy Plus. (photo, Ivy Plus facebook page)

7.

@emilieckl Filing into the Barnes. #ivyplusAR @IvyPlusAR

6.

photo

A candid of some of the directors, deep in discussion.

5.

museum

Some of our Ivy Plus colleagues on the Early Bird Tour of the Penn Museum. (photo, Ivy Plus facebook page)

4.

@krl67  #ivyplusar, Philly market tour…I’m in heaven!

3.

@jenlynham Everyone else is in the wrong session: mimosas at class benchmarking! #ivyplusar

2.

Yea, we can have some serious fun, too.

ebetz Lisbeth rocks! #ivyplusar @uofpenn @pennalumni

1.

Delco is short for Delaware County, the Philadelphia southwestern suburbs from which several of our staff hail. It IS quite an honor to be accepted and loved by these ladies. (photo, Kiera Reilly)

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June 17, 2013 · 2:42 pm

Locust Walk Talk: Representing Penn – In the Neighborhood

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

I had the opportunity to go represent Penn as a delegate at the inauguration of Dr. Helen F. Giles-Gee, CW’72, GEd’73, GR83, as the 22nd president of the University of the Sciences (USciences) on April 19, 2013.

The start of the ceremony

It is so easy to take for granted the pomp and circumstance that I see on a regular basis: convocations, baccalaureates, graduations and commencements. Those of us here in Alumni Relations tend to work these events and often we lose sight of the ritual of celebrating education. So it was an exciting chance to be a part of another school’s traditions. It also helped that former colleagues of mine from my Wharton days including Nancy Shils, C’77, G’86, GEd’98, GEd’01, GRD’08, were behind the scenes to ensure a wonderful day for all involved.

Presidential Inauguration Ceremony was the climax of the week-long celebration which centered on Dr. Giles-Gee’s tenure of “A New Era of Opportunities: Teaching, Service, and Student Research” for USciences.

Officially installing Dr. Giles-Gee as the 22nd President of USciences

Complete with pageantry and Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, students, alumni, delegates, and faculty marched into the USciences’ Athletic/Recreation Center. The program – about the future of the institute without forgetting its rich past – featured Congressman Chaka Fattah, G’86, City Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, students speakers both undergraduate and graduate, and honored staff and faculty to welcome Dr. Giles-Gee to her new role.

According to S. Rogers Wetherill, President, University of the Sciences Alumni Association, USciences began when 68 Philadelphia apothecaries met in Carpenters’ Hall in 1821 because Penn didn’t know what to do with them. At that meeting, the group wanted to establish improved scientific standards and to train more competent apprentices and students to enhance their vocation and to protect the public. The following year, they organized and incorporated the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy (PCP), the first college of pharmacy in the nation and the founding institution of USciences. Today, USciences is a leader healthcare and has taught the founders of six of the world’s pharmaceutical companies and instructed other alumni who have made significant contributions in fields beyond pharmacy, from pioneering the use of X-rays to motor oil additives to rechargeable batteries. The phrase, “Where healthcare and science converge” is more than a tagline, it is the School’s mantra.

Dr. Giles-Gee’s Address

“Today is both a joyful and momentous occasion for this University. A search committee comprised of a diverse representation of stakeholders articulated the attributes for the ideal leader; the resulted in the most comprehensive examination to find just the right person,” Marvin Samson, Chairman of the Board Trustees, University of the Sciences touted, “You, Dr. Helen F. Giles-Gee, met and exceeded the rigorous standards that were established.”*

Dr. Giles-Gee delivered an exciting and engaging address about the role of UScience in the regional and the country, promising to ensure a bright future to its graduates. Ending her speech, she simply stated, “I love what I do and I have a passion for higher education and I’m excited to be here at the University of the Sciences.”*

Welcome back to the neighborhood, Dr. Giles-Gee.

The recessional, albeit a little blurry.

* Lee, N. (2013, April 22). Dr. Giles-Gee – the 22nd President of USP. University City Review, p. 1. Retrieved from http://ucreview.com/index138.htm.

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May 23, 2013 · 7:13 pm

My Top Penn List: Alumni Weekend and Commencement 2013

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

Did Alumni Weekend really start 13 days ago? Did Joe Biden speak at Commencement just early last week? If it’s a blur for me, it must have been something exciting for our alumni to see.

As in years past, we have asked you to share in the celebration by tweeting, sharing photos or “liking” our posts on Facebook. You rose to the occasion with your social networking chatter and engagement.

This time, I searched for the hash tags: #Penn AW and #PennCommence2013 to share with you my favorite 10 tweeted or Instagrammed moments from Alumni Weekend and Commencement. Feel free to check out our proud Penn Twitter users by clicking their handles  (note: the opinions and views expressed through these Twitter accounts are the opinions of those individuals and do not reflect the opinions or views of the University or myself).

Parade of Classes 2013

10 ‏@Harry_Cooperman The scene from the Locust bridge @Pennalumni #PennAW pic.twitter.com/j1RO9FHgwV

9 @Terner_p Just drove by the Palestra and started crying uncontrollably. #thatsnormal #penncommence2013

Classes of 2013 Classmates at Smokey Joe's

8 @xulucy Thx for the memories, @SmokeyJoesPenn! You’ll be missed but frequently visited by this alum! #penncommence2013 pic.twitter.com/KXZdJHQ6BL

Live Music from Franklin Fest

7 @PennClub Live music at Franklin Fest! #PennAW t.co/8fANmJua54

6 @Penn Almost 50 years after leaving Penn for Vietnam, Mortimer O’Connor received a posthumous Ph.D. at #PennCommence2013. ow.ly/l1wUG

A Ton of Penn Tees

5 @alphawat: @Penn, thanks for the #tshirts… errrr #memories #penncommence2013 instagram.com/p/ZRZ2ChmY6d/

Ben on the Bench - Instagram
4. shanijamila Reunited with Ben @ Penn! #pennAW #penn5year #pennpride

3. @BrettTopche “This shirt isn’t too small. It’s aspirational.” #pennaw #10lbreunion

60 Miles to Philadelphia by air

2. @travelingheidi 60 miles from Philadelphia, listening to Jesus Jones & Indigo Girls, landing soon for @pennalumni Weekend #PennAW  pic.twitter.com/aTFbcSi8cC

All the Graduates

1. @Penn A big round of applause to the more than 6,000 members of the #Classof2013! #PennCommence2013 pic.twitter.com/gqRjkmthJD

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Filed under Alumni Weekend, Casey R., Commencement, Social Networking, Top Ten

May 9, 2013 · 6:51 pm

Locust Walk Talk: Regional Club Member Meet Up

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

Alumni Weekend is frenetic, hectic, crazy and frantic for us as staff.  We spend our hours running from College Hall to Hamilton Village (Superblock) and then off to the Stouffer College House in order to staff a board meeting, check in attendees at a panel discussion, or manage registration for one of our hundreds of our events.  We are in a constant state of flux.  It’s important though, because if we’re frenzied behind the scenes, then we know that everything is being accomplished to make sure that our alumni have an amazing time over the weekend  And the adrenaline does us all good.

I think you can see me darting from one location to the next in the background.

However, one of my favorite times during the weekend is the Penn Alumni Regional Club Member Meet Up.  It’s an hour out of our busy schedule to take some time to visit with our incredible volunteers:  club presidents, club leaders, club members, Interview Program Chairs and interviewer.  It’s so valuable to have the opportunity to see folks for a nice chat in person.

Campus is always so nicely done up.

While the event is primarily for our volunteers to network and meet their peers from next door or from around the world – last year, I was privy to Club members from Shanghai and Interview Program volunteers from Cherry Hill having a riveting conversation – this event is a break in the day to see our alumni friends, welcome them back to campus , and to thank them for all the hard work they’ve done for Penn.

So, if you are Interview Program chair, an interviewer, a club leader or member, you are welcome to join the Penn Alumni Regional Club staff for the Meet Up, which will be held on Saturday, May 11 in the Class of 1953 Lounge at E. Craig Sweeten Alumni House (3533 Locust Walk) from 3 to 4 PM.

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Alumni Weekend, Casey R., Locust Walk Talk