Letters to the Editor

Housing head puts students first

To the Editor:

I was greatly disappointed to read the scathing attack on Philip Nichols, head of College Housing here at the University of Pennsylvania.

As a graduate associate and first year member of the Penn community, I am overwhelmed by Nichols' genuine concern and consistent involvement with the Penn students.

I have had the pleasure to work with Nichols closely throughout this past semester and do not see someone who is out of touch with the community at all; conversely, Nichols attends student events and even welcomes members of Stouffer College House into his home every week for homemade cookies.

What Nichols is displaying is not a disconnect with the Penn community but rather a genuine regard for the health and safety of the students for whom he genuinely cares.

I reassure you that Nichols is well aware of the needs and strengths of the Penn Community and takes a passionate stance in order to protect the well-being of its members.

Andrea Campbell

First-year GSE

The author is a graduate associate in Stouffer College House To the Editor:

In response to David Burrick's editorial "Seriously Out of Touch," I would like to offer some insight into Phil Nichols' leadership of the College House System at Penn.

For the past semester, I have lived in Stouffer College House, where Phil is the Faculty Master. My experience is a far cry from the lack of pride and excitement that Mr. Burrick describes.

Every Wednesday night, Phil opens his apartment to students from Stouffer, Mayer, the Annex and their friends. He sits in a rocking chair and listens to students talk between bites of homemade cookies and gulps of cold milk.

Stouffer College House is a hub of fun and engaging community events.

If Phil Nichols' participation in quizzo, eating contests to raise money for charity and bowling with residents of Stouffer means that he's out of touch, I don't know what more Mr. Burrick desires. Almost everyone who lives in Stouffer (including Mayer Hall) loves it and Nichols.

Disenchantment, frustration and inability to talk to Phil seem to be problems that reside only in people who have not met him, like columnist David Burrick.

Emily Buzzell

College junior

The author is a resident of Stouffer College House

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