A year of learning, thinking big

W hat a difference a year makes. This time last year, the future of Penn was very much in doubt. No, there were not concerns about the University's continued viability. Rather, there were questions as to what Penn as an institution would look like under the leadership of its new president, Amy Gutmann.

By now that picture has become more clear. Nearly 16 months into her term in College Hall, Gutmann has made notable progress. She has been quick to adapt to the change of scenery and adept at mastering the learning curve that comes from changing executive roles.

It did not take Gutmann long to lay out her vision for the future of this university. Although the "Penn Compact" was somewhat nebulous in its initial presentation, it contains laudable ideas, and Gutmann has done a fine job of drumming up support.

The key in all of this has been to appeal to the constituencies that matter most and which can bring about the changes Gutmann envisions. Alas, students are not one of those primary constituencies, nor do they necessarily need to be.

No part of Gutmann's vision will be possible without strong financial support. In that department, College Hall is glowing from the light of one of its best fundraising years on record. But to accomplish big goals, like extending financial aid, Penn officials will have to dig deeper.

It seems as though they're trying.

At last a complete leadership team is in place, something that could not be said for the previous three years. From new Provost Ron Daniels to fundraising chief John Zeller, everyone in the administration has rallied around the flag.

Results are now trickling in, and, more importantly, people on campus are talking about Gutmann's plans.

The president has made selling Penn one of her priorities, and she is following up high school visits across the country with a tour of Southeast Asia this fall. Initiatives such as this will go a long way in establishing Penn's international brand.

Closer to home, Gutmann's plan for broadening interdisciplinary education is making progress. This November, the first of what should be many joint appointments will be made.

Plans laid many years in the past for campus improvements are now coming to fruition, which will benefit future generations of students.

All of these things sound good, and probably will be some day. But it is also important for some of Gutmann's focus to be on the present. Students who are here today need to see some results of these initiatives, whether it be boost in financial aid or a new kitchen in a high-rise dorm.

Including everyone in the forward progress that is being made starts with small, tangible goals that can be met one step at a time. For students who may graduate in the coming few years, making a connection is vital. They are the future benefactors, after all, for the "Penn Compact" of 2020.

In a year's time, Amy Gutmann has learned a lot about Penn, and Penn has learned a lot about Amy Gutmann. As far as the early returns go, it looks like even someone from Princeton can make Penn better.

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