Year in Review, Year in Review, Year in Review 1995 NOVEMBER

November's tragedies will not be forgotten. Students and faculty were horrified by the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and gathered to mourn his demise at a vigil on College Green. And the death of local deli owner, Lou Koch, left many saddened customers in its wake. Koch's Deli, at 43rd and Locust streets, always drew a crowd of University students, faculty and staff. Scandal connected to Marketing Professor Scott Ward finally came to a head. He was acquitted of four charges including involuntary deviant sexual intercourse and statutory rape. He is currently awaiting two more trials but hopes to resume his teaching duties soon thereafter. Another trial involving the case of College sophomore Scott Schuman also ended in an acquittal. He had been charged with assaulting a former University Police officer. College Pizza fell victim to a fire caused by faulty wiring and was forced to close temporarily for the second time in a year. The restaurant should reopen sometime in the next few weeks. Last month, the University Police department had its share of space in the spotlight. Former officer Mary Terry was dismissed for violating department rules by having an argument with two other officers. Chief George Clisby was accused of trying to prevent officers from testifying in court. The department also started deliberation on whether to equip its officers with semiautomatic weapons. As part of administrative restructuring, 20 University employees were laid off and informed that their positions would be eliminated. In an unrelated situation, Anthony Lyle, after 31 years as editor of the Pennsylvanian Gazette, voluntarily left his job to pursue other interests. There were also considerations to reopen two cases of denied tenure -- English Professor Gregg Camfield and Geology Professor George Boyajian are both awaiting their fates. Women athletes' claims of unequal opportunities resulted in the formation of the Gender Equity Advisory Group. The group will make efforts to eliminate sexist practices in the Athletic Department. The Theta Xi fraternity was re-recognized by University officials after being kicked off campus in 1992 for hazing violations and holding parties that resulted in severe damage to their house. The Commission on Presidential Debates announced that it is seriously considering the University as one of 10 finalists for hosting the 1996 presidential debates. A Commission representative visited campus at the end of the month. A 20 percent increase in early decision applications revealed growing national interest in the University. According to admissions officers, the improved quality of applicants will warrant a highly selective admissions process and will lead to a very strong Class of 1999.

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