Trustees Stated Meeting Coverage

At the Trustees' Stated Meeting on Friday, the Veterinary Hospital was designated the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital, in recognition of Mr. Ryan, the Commonwealth Speaker who has been a driving force behind Commonwealth funding to the Veterinary School, and his "unwavering dedication to and support of the School and hospitals over the past 42 years."

The Trustees passed Resolutions of Appreciation for Charles A. Heimbold, Jr., L '60, a trustee since 1994 and chair emeritus of the Law School's Board; and for Lynda Barness, Gr '72, a University Commonwealth Trustee since 1994 and vice chair of the Veterinary School's Board.

President Judith Rodin noted that improvements to the campus facilities are continuing, with Levine Hall slated to be completed before the Trustees next Stated Meeting in June. She mentioned the recent dean appointments in Dental Medicine and Social Work. She said that she attended a meeting of the presidents of colleges and universities in the state who are discussing economic development opportunities--Keystone Innovation Zones--to enhance areas around campuses. Penn is also involved in collaborative efforts through ISTAR with Pittsburgh, Penn State and Carnegie Mellon, dealing with terrorism.

Provost Robert Barchi concurred with Dr. Rodin about the two newly appointed deans, Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, incoming dental dean, and Dr. Richard Gelles, who had been social work's interim dean. Dr. Barchi noted GSE is participating in an exchange program with Beijing University. He also said the Wharton MBA Program has been ranked number one for the 3rd consecutive year by Financial Times.

Mr. Craig Carnaroli presented the University's financial report for the period ended December 31, 2002. He reported that the Consolidated University (academic and health services) total net assets decreased $122.8 million to $5 billion, principally due to a net loss on investments both realized and unrealized. Net assets from operations declined $8.7 million; net assets from non-operating activities declined $114.1 million, while cashflow from operating activities increased $32.7 million over the comparable six-month period of the prior year. On the Academic side, total net assets decreased by $91.5 million since June 30, 2002. While net assets from operations increased $9.9 million, non-operating activities generated losses of $101.4 million. Contributions posted increases over the previous year but Penn's endowment decreased from $2.841 billion, June 30, 2002 to $2.740 billion. The Health Services' net assets decreased $31.1 million due to an excess of expenses over revenues, however overall utilization remained strong with adult inpatient admissions increasing 3.6% and overall patient activity increasing.

Dr. Barchi presented the Penn Medicine report; he said that the Strategic Plan, which has an emphasis on life sciences, will be ready to be reviewed by June. He also noted that the Medical School had nearly 5000 applications for 150 slots.

Mr. Ehrlich's Academic Policy committee report focused on the continuum of education, including professional certification programs.

PricewaterhouseCoopers reviewed the three and six months' financial statements, ending December 31, Mr. Kelly reported.

Mr. Clark, chair of the Budget and Finance committee, presented six resolutions which were approved: design and construction of Harrison College House renovation project, $26 million; design and construction of Annenberg Plaza improvements, $3.9 million; revised scope and budget of C. Mahlon Kline Building interior for the Veterinary School, $2.34 million; design and construction of Annenberg School classroom renovations, $1.775 million; design and construction of Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall HVAC renovations, $1.5 million; and design and construction for replacement of Williams Hall windows, $1.2 million.

Mr. Tarnopol reported that the Development committee had been updated on the continuing search for a new vice president for development to replace Virginia Clark who left last summer.

Mr. Lauder gave highlights from the External Affairs committee meeting, noting the new WXPN general manager Roger LaMay, and the radio station's proposed move to new quarters. He also noted the constraints of both the Commonwealth and the Federal budgets and how they will likely impact the University. He mentioned that the transition to the new Penn logo is progressing with all the schools adopting a more consistent look than they have had.

Facilities and Campus Planning had presentations from two architectural firms, Mr. Mack explained. Tod Williams and Billie Tsien Architects presented their firm's plans for Skirkanich Hall, the SEAS building for bioengineering. It will be solving what the dean calls a "3-D puzzle" on the site of the Pender Building, between Moore and Towne by connecting the older buildings and creating an entryway for the entire engineering complex. The other presentation was by Dan Kelly of MGA Architects, who explained plans for the renovation of Hamilton House, the northern most of the three high-rises in Hamilton Village. This project will include the exterior as well as the interior of the structure, setting the standard for the trio of dorms, with physical and perceptual changes.

Mr. Casellas reported on the Neighborhood Initiatives committee meeting which included several presentations including one by Dr. Dennis Culhane of social work on his efforts to develop GIS--based decision support tools for policy analysis, community planning and research. GSE Dean Susan Fuhrman had reported to the committee on the progress being made at the Penn Alexander School and the ongoing work with the three Partnership Schools. Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush spoke to the committee about the ‘Share the Road' campaign and gave an update on the decline in crime within the Penn Police jurisdiction since 1996. Omar Blaik, vice president for facilities and real estate services, told the committee that The Bridge Cinema is exceeding National Amusements' projections and that the 40th Street area is diverse and international with its mix of retail establishments. Lee Nunery, vice president for business services, discussed the Economic Inclusion Program which supports local and minority businesses.

Mrs. Catherwood, chair of Student Life committee, discussed the proposed Performing Arts Hub, to be located in Stouffer College House, bringing together 43 student performing arts organizations.

Mr. Marks' Investment Board report noted that in the first half of the fiscal year all major equities declined. Penn's fund declined 4.1%.

Mr. Williams said the Alumni Weekend brochure is aimed at "Rediscovering Penn."