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A
Brief History of Global Engagement at the
University of Pennsylvania
Conclusion:
The Foreign Student Experience at Penn: From the Looking Glass to the
Present
[w]e believe, from our experience, that the diversities of man are only a veneer. One must know a great deal about that veneer in order to penetrate it without arousing hostility, misunderstanding or resistance… [w]e in no sense underestimate the importance of knowledge and understanding of the veneer; we are impressed that underneath it the frustrations, needs, hopes, desires, and satisfactions of all men are much the same. A great deal of discussion is taking place these days about the proper role of the University in world affairs… Is the American university doing what it should in these areas?
This brief
history of global engagement at the University of Pennsylvania teaches at least
one huge lesson: that Penn can now answer Melby's question. This report has examined
the histories of International House, the Office
of International Programs, Penn's international relationships
and its involvement in world crises. In all examples,
the Penn community has persevered to one common goal: to establish the campus
as an international haven and in so doing have made Penn's impact on the world
incontrovertible. The history is one of survival: International House survived
the Great Depression and gigantic financial difficulties to become a hallmark
of the Penn community, even if it is not officially a part of the campus. The
Office for Foreign Students, though for quite some time understaffed for the task
it had been assigned, maintained good standards of service and was led by committed
directors with incredible skills. Penn's international relations, regardless of
source, have forged a unique place in the world for Penn to become renowned as
the American university it is. As for its involvement in the international crises
of the 20th century, Penn did not falter once. Rather, its record of involvement
in times of conflict is astounding, and the memorials across campus are dedicated
to those Penn community members who devoted their service not only to their country,
but to their world. In every aspect of global engagement, the University of Pennsylvania
has succeeded, and will continue to do so in the future.
This
on-line exhibit was created by Alison D. Graham,
a University Archives Research
Fellow during the summer of 2007
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