Penn Architect Louis Kahn

Gazette Article, Excellent DVD Focus on Noted Penn Architect Louis Kahn

I want to share with you all my enthusiasm for an interesting article in the March-April Gazette, which in turn led me to an excellent documentary.  The subject of both is our late famous architect and professor, Louis Kahn.  The Gazette feature describes the revival and completion of a memorial to FDR on New York City's Roosevelt Island.  The documentary,"My Architect," is an Oscar-nominated film produced by Kahn's illegitimate son, Nathaniel. It describes the son's journey through his father's past and his architecture to discover the father, and also himself.  Lots of scenes from the Penn campus and Fine Arts classes in the 60's and 70's (Rick Parkhurst, are you in any of them?). The film itself dates from 2007, and the current-day camera work is vivid.  The Medical Arts Building is there, and so is the Kimball Museum in Ft Worth.  Soundtrack includes Beethoven, Neil Young and Jorma Kaukonen.

Best of all, you can check it out from the SA Public Library.  I returned my copy today.

Penn Alumni Rub Elbows with Cowboys Star, Politicos at Tommy Moore's

This item has been updated to correct the reason for John Ray's visit to Little Rock.  My apologies, John!

Our smallish group for the March luncheon found ourselves at the back of the room, where at the next table we saw former Cowboys star Emmitt Smith, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, and County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, among others.  When the politicians began to work the room, they recognized two of us--Elaine Ayala and Dave Young, and came over to grip and grin.

Also at our table were Julianne Legierse, who showed off her brand-new VW Cabriolet; Hank Hammer and visiting friend Glenda from Kansas City; and our World War II veteran John Ray, who is off to Little Rock as a donor to a fund, founded by Governor Beebe to help vets who are being encouraged to continue their education, learn a trade, and obtain assistance in finding jobs.  

I didn't take many photos this month, but here's one I'll call "Stars and Bars":  retired Brigadier General Young offers military and medical wisdom to 1st Lieutenant Legierse.

Have a good month, all!  I hope to see lots of you at Mariscos El Bucanero April 22, not to mention our special luncheon celebrating 100 years of Penn's Society of Alumnae, at The Bright Shawl on May 1.

Bob

Gazette Shines Hi-Tech Spotlight on Gilbert Mathews, W '70

If you haven't read your latest Pennsylvania Gazette carefully, you may have missed a nice feature on our own Gilbert Mathews, W '70.  Turn to page 77 in the March-April issue. 

Upcoming Events in Austin

Thanks to our Austin Penn Alumni colleagues, here is news about a March Happy Hour and other events in the capital city.  Austin Welcomes San Antonians, just as we do Austinites!

I.  First Happy Hour for 2013 on:

Thursday, March 21, 2013 at the Ginger Man at 301 Lavaca St, 6pm CST.

This event is a joint Happy Hour with the Cornell Club of Austin and a great opportunity to connect with our Ivy peers.

Please save the date!  

II. Austin World Music Festival: Exclusive 10% ticket discount

I am very excited to announce a special Alumni discount for WOBEONFEST 2013: The Austin World Music Festival , to be held on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 in downtown Austin. WobeonFEST is a new two-day, outdoor, family-friendly World Music festival featuring world-class World Music, food, drink and a World Bazaar featuring merchandise and art.  The main music stage is on the expansive North Lawn of the Mexican American Cultural Center in Downtown Austin.  The festival features tons of good music, food and drink, and a World Bazaar. 

The festival was created by Jakes Srinivasan (WG’94) to bring top-tier international music to an increasingly-diverse Austin community with a wide range of musical tastes, in a family-friendly, affordable way.  The festival also serves to raise funds for the community – United Way  for Greater Austin is partnering to help organize the fest and will receive a portion of the proceeds.  Current face-value tickets are priced at $29.50 (1-day), $49.50 (2-Day), and kids under 12 enter free.  Also available are $249 (2-day VIP) weekend passes for an enhanced festival experience. 

Jakes has set up a special 10% ticket discount for Penn and Wharton alumni to be redeemed during the SXSW time frame.  The discount can be automatically redeemed by clicking this link, or by using the discount code PennRocksAustin on the festival ticketing page.  This discount is only valid until midnight on Sunday March 17, 2013, so if you are interested please don’t delay.  Prices will also go up closer to the festival.

The festival is headlined by Afropop superstar Angelique Kidjo (from Benin) on Saturday, and Reggae star Collie Buddz (from Bermuda) on Sunday.  Ten other top-tier touring and local bands are also featured, including Afrobeat sensation Fatoumata Diawara (Mali), Bomba Estereo (Colombia), Red Baraat (India/NYC) and others.   See the WobeonFEST website or the WobeonFEST facebook page for details and schedule.  See recent press releases here and here.

Penn Alumni Gather at El Sazon, Welcome New Alumna

The Penn Alumni Club of San Antonio met at El Sazon Cafe for February's gathering on Friday the 22nd.  We were delighted to welcome 1st Lt Julianne Legierse, USAF, a 2011 graduate of Penn Nursing.  Julianne is serving San Antonio's military community at San Antonio Military Medical Center.  L to R:  Toni Murgo, Bruce Gatti, John Ray, Hank Hammer, Julianne Legierse, Elaine Ayala.  Photo by Bob Weidman.

Ivy Plus Happy Hour at Aloft Hotel

Blanco Rd at Loop 410

Thursday, March 14, 5:30-8 P.M.

March's Ivy Plus event is sponsored by the Harvard Alumni Club.  Aloft Hotel,  a contemporary hotel concept, promises Happy Hour prices and a band, "Colao."  The bartender will attempt to create Ivy-themed drinks and will welcome suggestions.  For starters, to make you smile and whet your thirst, here are some ideas from our own April and Albert Dickson:

Penn-themed libations

a Locust Walk  (similar to a Grasshopper)

the Whartonite  (Goldschlager and Redbull)

Schuylkill Water (really dirty martini with lots of olives floating)

the Button (Chambord and Absinthe)

the Philomathean  (single-malt Scotch served over chilled marble from the Rosetta Stone)

the Gargoyle  (saltwater and olive oil)

Send me your own ideas, won't you?

And if you choose to make it an evening, there are several good dining options right in the neighborhood:  Dough Pizzeria, Picnickins, Ilsong Garden, Lion and Rose, Sawasdee Thai just to name a few.  

Hope to see you Aloft!

Bob Weidman