The Re-Opening Celebration
December 11, 1997
On December 11, 1997, Writers House celebrated its completed renovation. Click here to find out more about the renovation and all those involved.
- Marathon reading
- Musical performances
- Artistic pieces throughout the House by Penn students and affiliates; organized by House Curators Jessica Chiu and Jean Won
The Ceremony
- Al Filreis, English Professor and Director of the Kelly Writers House.
- Stanley Chodorow, Vice Provost of the University of Pennsylvania
- Harris Steinberg of the architecture firm Steinberg and Steinberg -- designers of the newly renovated Writers House.
- Kerry Sherin, Resident Coordinator of the Writers House.
- Judith Rodin, President of the University of Pennsylvania.
- Paul Kelly, Penn alumnus and benefactor of the newly renovated Writers House.
- Kerry Sherin and Shawn Walker, '97-'98 and '96-'97 Resident Coordinators, present the dedication plaque to Paul Kelly.
- Heather Starr presents the Paul Kelly chair.
- Regina Christian, performs an orginal song for the rededication of the House, "(Hold That Thought) I'm Coming Home"
Other remarks in honor of the House:
Recordings
- Al Filreis (11:35): MP3
- Stan Chodorow (4:45): MP3
- Nate Chinen (4:29): MP3
- Harris Steinberg (4:34): MP3
- Kerry Sherin (5:39): MP3
- KWH Re-Opening Celebration and Kudos (Incomplete Recording) (31:20): MP3
- Herman Beavers (4:27): MP3
- Lilly Cabri (6:01): MP3
- Suzanne Dorf (2:44): MP3
- Kristin Gallagher (7:29): MP3
- Laura Goldstein (6:56): MP3
- Matt Hart (7:02): MP3
- Mike Magee (8:39): MP3
- Holly Johnson (3:52): MP3
- Heather Starr (2:32): MP3
- David Slarskey (?) (25:11): MP3
- KWH Marathon Reading III (Complete Recording) (61:18): MP3
Photo album
(above, left to right): Regina Christian performs her song, (Hold That Thought) I'm Coming Home; Al Filreis and Herman Beavers in the audience; Heather Starr presenting the House gift to Paul Kelly.
(above, left to right): Former Resident Coordinator Shawn Lynn Walker and current RC Kerry Sherin present Paul Kelly with the Kelly Writers House plaque; Shawn and Dave Deifer in the kitchen.
(above, left to right): WH staff member Christine Sullivan; The crowd looks on.
(above, left to right): The Paul Kelly Chair; Nate Chinen at the podium; Mike Pereira, of Virgin House Band fame.
(above):Chip Blaustein and Greg Djanikian; Kerry approaches the microphone.
Behind the Scenes
Check out all the people who made the behind the scenes schedule of work possible.