In the years since my graduation from Penn, I have enjoyed the privilege of maintaining a close connection with the University. The many rewarding interactions that I have had with students, faculty and fellow alumni remind me of my own good fortune for being a part of this institution. Particularly rewarding has been my long involvement with the School of Arts and Sciences.
Even though I cannot claim any great distinction as a College undergraduate, I can recognize the many ways that my experiences as a student here influenced me. I continue to view the development of skills that a liberal arts education provides, skills such as writing, communication and critical thinking, as the best foundation a person can have for productive engagement in any pursuit, professional or otherwise, that is part of a meaningful life.
As an SAS overseer since 1982 and chair since 1999, I have a long perspective on the School’s progress. I can say, unequivocally, that the School has more to offer now than ever. Under the leadership of Dean Bushnell, the School has charted a course that will enhance its already considerable ability to provide an outstanding education in the arts and sciences, and to advance research in areas that are critical to our ability to work toward a better society.
In the last 25 years, I have seen increasingly talented students come to Penn. I have seen SAS faculty like Nobel Prize winner Alan MacDiarmid work at the frontiers of science and influence generations of students. I have seen the School successfully undertake enormous challenges like the renovation of Fisher-Bennett Hall and construction of the Carolyn Lynch Laboratory – projects that are critical to the School’s future.
Unfortunately, I have also seen how the lack of resources has hindered the School’s progress: when key faculty are lost because of poor facilities, or the best prospective doctoral students turn down offers of admission to go to schools that provide larger fellowships, or innovative new programs are passed by so that the School can continue to offer adequate undergraduate financial aid.
This is what the Making History campaign is about – providing the resources needed for the School to achieve its vision. My long involvement with Penn has been motivated by my desire to see that the University that I leave behind is even better than the one that I attended. That cannot happen without a strong School of Arts and Sciences. I am convinced that supporting SAS is critical to the future of the University.
Christopher H. Browne, C’69
Chairman, SAS Board of Overseers
Trustee of the University
