History prof steps in at Civic House

He is an associate dean. He is a professor of history. He is tenured faculty.

But for all of his prestigious academic positions, School of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Walter Licht prefers to get his hands dirty -- through community service -- and that is why he is stepping in as the new faculty adviser for Civic House, Penn's community service hub.

"The Civic House is closer to who I am... closer than some of the administrative capacities that I have been in," Licht said. "It meets all sorts of values I feel strongly about."

Provost Robert Barchi announced Licht's appointment yesterday in a statement in which he wrote, "The mix of Walter's research interests, his commitment to excellence in education, and his devotion to the local community make him the ideal candidate for this important new assignment."

Civic House Director David Grossman said that Licht is the perfect candidate to succeed Deputy Provost and English Professor Peter Conn as faculty adviser for the house.

"Professor Licht's academic interests are absolutely consistent with the social issues relevant to the Civic House's work," Grossman said. "He brings a genuine interest and passion about the Civic House, our students and what is possible with them and the broader community."

Certainly, Licht is no stranger to the community service scene or the area.

"I have lived in the city of Philadelphia and in West Philadelphia since 1977," Licht said. "I just love West Philly and have been a very active member of the West Philly community."

In fact, Licht said he deeply values his role in the community.

"I have been in administration approaching eight years, and I have had various roles in administration, but none of them quite match what is very dear to my heart, and that is being involved in one's community and encouraging involvement in one's community," Licht said. "So the values and mission of the Civic House are very dear to me, and having young people engaged is very dear to me."

Licht said he also feels his position as a Penn oldtimer will aid him as a Civic House newcomer.

"For one thing, the Civic House still has to raise some money and I have had experience with development and know a bit about what it takes to find donors and interest donors," he said. "I know a lot of people and know how to get things done quickly and know who gets things done, so I can help in ways I think a professor who has not been involved in the administration can."

Despite his administrative prowess, Licht said he understands that he still has his work cut out for him in the coming months.

"I have some learning to do," Licht said. "I do not want to step in immediately. I want to be a facilitator and a sounding board."

But Licht said that he does have some basic notions about the direction in which he wants the house to go.

"I have not formed definite ideas because at this point I am still in the learning stage, but my great hope is to continue the terrific activities that are already in place and continue the student involvement that goes into the place," Licht said. "I want it to be a hotbed of people enlisted in activity and involved in activity."

And activity is not all that motivates Licht -- he said he hopes the Civic House will also serve the intellectual function of discussion and shared knowledge.

"My hope is that the Civic House becomes a hub of discussion and not just activity," Licht said. "I hope the house becomes a forum place for all sorts of discussion for citizenship and being involved in community life, be it in the service or in more political ways."

Grossman said he shares Licht's enthusiasm.

"I am thrilled about" Licht's appointment, Grossman said. "I really look forward to what he will bring to the house and to working with him."

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