This summer, a 102-year old building moniker will bite the dust.
University officials plan to rename Logan Hall as Claudia Cohen Hall, in accordance with the wishes of trustee Ronald Perelman, who was given the option because of his $20 million donation in 1995.
While Perelman should certainly be recognized for his generous gift to the University, there's something to be said for preserving history.
Structures like Logan Hall make up an important part of Penn's culture. To that end, the University should refrain from renaming historic buildings on campus.
Administrators can always offer new buildings to donors looking to leave a mark on the University. But like College Hall and the Quadrangle, Logan Hall has helped anchor Penn's campus for over a century.
During this time, thousands of Penn students have taken classes, met with professors and sat for midterms in the historic structure. In short, the building itself - and its name - is another thread of commonality which connects all Penn alumni.
By renaming Logan Hall, the University has severed that tie.
Which is unfortunate, because despite all the changes over the years, the core of the University around College Hall has provided a common reference point for all alumni.
And that's something that no donation - no matter how large - can ever buy.
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