Stanley dines, talks war with frat

Executive Vice President Clifford Stanley dined and conversed with the brothers of the Delta Upsilon fraternity last night, discussing topics ranging from his military career to friction between the University and the West Philadelphia community.

He noted to the brothers that he was wearing his fraternity pin from when he attended South Carolina State University -- he also directed them to call him "Cliff."

"It's not everyday a high-level administrator tells you to call him" by his first name, College Junior Bret Hovell said.

Stanley, a retired Marine Corps Major General, stood up and entertained questions from the brothers. Part of the conversation was devoted to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 and the current threat of terrorism.

After Sept. 11, "war was essentially declared," he said. "People had heard of terrorism, but not like this."

At that time of the attacks, Stanley had an office in the Pentagon. "My office was completely destroyed," he said, noting that he was in Quantico, Va. on Sept 11.

Stanley added that he is supporting the troops and thinking about his daughter, who is serving overseas as a Navy Nurse.

Switching to a more local topic, the brothers also asked Stanley about the state of the dormitories.

"Conditions are not the best -- these are old facilities," he responded. "I would hope that we would continue to make them better."

Some of the brothers who live on campus expressed their dismay with the high rises.

"I hear you, what you're saying, and we're on it," Stanley said.

College junior Jeff Schoengold was pleased with Stanley's candidness. "He is an extremely personable guy," Schoengold said. "He was very open and receptive to listening to our concerns."

Schoengold asked Stanley about the University's relations with the Philadelphia community and whether he is in a position to end the friction.

"I am in a phenomenal position to do something about that," he told Schoengold, adding that when the University hired him and released his pictures, it made a statement.

"Clearly that is a signal being sent, hiring someone looking like me," he said.

DU President and College sophomore Colin Shay said that inviting administrators and faculty to dinner gives the brothers a chance to learn about the people in leadership positions.

"One of the things that we try to do is educate and enlighten the brothers," Shay said.

Previous dinner guests include University President Judith Rodin, History Professor Thomas Childers and Political Science Professor Stephen Gale.

Shay said that he enjoyed Stanley's discussion, but was somewhat surprised with his demeanor. "He wasn't what I expected," he said, "he was surprisingly soft spoken.... He was a pleasure to have here."

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