TRUSTEES:
Actions of October 30
At the Stated Meeting of the full board on Friday, October 30, the University Trustees passed a resolution to establish a Master of Medical Physics degree in the School of Arts and Sciences (see the Provost's report).
They also passed a series of Finance Committee resolutions including one to consolidate the various budgets involved in Perelman Quadrangle projects--some renovations, some new construction--and to add $40.1 million in funding to the total of $42.5 million involved in the consolidation. The additional appropriation will fund the start of construction of Wynn Commons, Houston Hall renovations, and Williams Hall renovations and additions. Its scope includes "...interior renovation within Houston Hall, construction of a food service facility, access tunnels, loading dock facility, installation of brick and granite walkways, ampitheater, and rostrum in and around Wynn Commons. The scope also includes the construction of the two-story glass Silfen Study Center that will connect to the newly constructed activity rooms on the lower levels of Williams Hall."
Another resolution authorizes the formation of Hamilton Square, Inc., as a for-profit corporation to develop the mixed-use commercial project at 40th and Walnut announced last month with Robert Redford--the Sundance Cinema and related amenities including a cafe and parking.
Under another, the Wharton School will "expand the definition of eligible students for financial aid" to include MBAs; a 1996 action that provided guarantees of $50 million for undergraduate loans was raised to $100 million for this purpose.
Still others authorize a chilled water plant for new research and academic buildings coming on line by the year 2000; renovations to the Law School's historic home, now renamed Silverman Hall; the purchase of a property at 741-43 Spruce Street for Pennsylvania Hospital; and borrowing from Washington County Authority for various University projects.
A resolution authorizing the sale of the Wharton Sinkler Estate in Montgomery County, with authority to subdivide the property into three to seven lots, was followed by a statement of appreciation by Trustee Susan Catherwood for the important ties between the University and the Elkins and Sinkler families.
Appreciation: A memorial resolution for the late Trustee Charles S. Wolf was passed and given to his widow and son; and resolutions of appreciation were presented also to three who have been term trustees, Edwin Krawitz, William Schawbel and George A. Weiss. See two resolutions of appreciation: to PennMed and its Professor Peter Nowell.
Reports: A series of information reports to and by Trustees will
be summarized in a future issue.--Ed.
Almanac, Vol. 45, No. 10, November 3, 1998