University of Pennsylvania
There were a lot of reminiscences in the Donaldson Room of Weightman Hall. I could see the misty recall of all the Eagles games that were played on the hallowed Franklin Field below us... before they went and got their own stadium.
After a delicious lunch, the group adjourned to a nearby lecture hall to hear a discourse on the construction of Skirkanich Hall. Those of us who manage facilities on suburban campuses can't really appreciate the complexity of shoe-horning new construction between existing (and occupied) structures with virtually no lay down areas, busy streets and heavy pedestrian traffic.
Add to the mix a signature architectural firm (Tod Williams/ Billie Tsien Architects), structural concrete construction with custom surfaces and throw in the fact that it's a science building funded with the largest gift by an individual in Penn Engineering's history (who happens to be an alum, Overseer and Trustee)... no pressure... The reality is (like all construction) if the architect (signature notwithstanding) is reasonable and the contractors are carefully selected for their ability to work with a unique design, most other problems can be worked through.
You can check out the building concept here http://www.seas.upenn.edu/whatsnew/skirkanich-hall.html then go to http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0107/gaz02.html to see the reality. The facilities folks liked the process so much they immediately began plans for a nano lab!
The Business Meeting covered three points:
1. Our organization is still solvent, but if you haven't already, get your dues paid to maintain your membership.
2. Skytop dates have been set for April 23-25, 2008. For those who have yet to attend a Skytop Conference this will be the 20th and we hope a stellar one.
3. Elections: All elected posts become vacant in June '08 so I will be actively seeking conscripts from the ranks to continue the DVAPPA Chapters strong presence in ERAPPA. It's also important to remember that Annual Elections in the ERAPPA Annual Meeting (this fall in Baltimore) are by ballot issued to Institutional Representatives who are present at the Business Meeting. The weight of this responsibility became apparent to me in Ottowa when I looked around the crowded room and saw only a handful of folks from DVAPPA that could vote... and I wasn't one of them. If you are the Institutional Rep please make an effort to attend at least the Business Meeting so that we have some representation on issues which may affect us in the larger organization.
Cordially,
Ralph Thayer, President DVAPPA
p.s. - A special plea to institutional members: We need to build up our membership so that we can remove the barrier that prevents patient and deserving business partners from joining our organization. We all know at least one school, college or university that may not be aware of the benefits of DVAPPA... for that matter may not even know we exist! I am throwing out a challenge for every Institution to bring just one new member into the fold this year. Please contact Bob Morrow with the name of a contact in an interested institution or plan on bringing a prospective member to one of the upcoming events.
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