Staff Editorial: Bidding farewell to Judy Rodin

Ten years ago Penn was a much different place. While it was an excellent research university, it lacked the vibrant atmosphere of academic excellence that we often take for granted today. This change was due, in large part, to the presence of President Rodin.

Rodin presided over great change at the University of Pennsylvania. In her decade of leadership we have seen each undergraduate class become more and more talented, competitive and energetic. We have seen the area around Penn's campus revitalized, from a haven for parking lots to an attractive destination for a young student. And perhaps most importantly, we have also seen Penn attract more and more prominent faculty members and promising graduate students to myriad programs and departments.

And with the purchase of the postal lands, Rodin has secured her legacy and the future of this University, as it continues to grow and expand.

However, it was not a decade of wine and roses and there were bumps in the road. Many still remember quite vividly the tragedy that was the death of Jesse Gelsinger, a young gene therapy patient. Some, to this day, regard that as a major mark against Rodin and the University, not just because of the tragedy but because of the manner in which it was handled.

In the end though, Penn was well served by Rodin and is well positioned to continue improving. We offer our thanks and appreciation, and wish her the best of luck in all of her future endeavors.

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