Bridge Celebrates Penn Women, Families

"It is a living bridge," said Judy Berkowitz, CW'64, at the dedication ceremony. "It will reach out into the future as our children and grandchildren join the Penn family."

For the more than 1,200 Penn alumni who celebrated 125 Years of Women at Penn during the first two glorious days in November, the dedication of the Women's Walkway and Class of '49 Generational Bridge was especially meaningful.

In a proud display of support, hundreds of Penn alumni and their families contributed nearly $3.9 million to the landmark celebration, much of which made possible the refurbishments to the bridge at 38th Street and Locust Walk, now known as the Women's Walkway and Class of '49 Generational Bridge.

The names of those whose generosity supported the project are inscribed on stone pavers, light rods, vine columns, and the "Founder's Gate," all of which are gracefully integrated into the design of the bridge. The names of new donors will be added each year, reflecting the ever-expanding Penn family, and, in the words of President Rodin, honoring "Penn's legacy of building bridges to a future of creativity, discovery, and opportunity for all."

A common love for Penn brought together alumnae from across the generations. Pictured are Sister Constance Murphy, ED'28, one of twenty-four Penn pioneers featured in the book, Franklin's Daughters, Lolita Jackson, ENG'89, and Bonnie Eisner, Event Coordinator.

The Schur family's legacy at Penn spans three generations. Pictured by the light rod/vine column that bears their names are (l to r): Betsy Schur Levy, C'80; Lilli Jane Scalettar, C'05; Linda Schur Scalettar, C'76; and Edith Weiner Schur, ED'52. Michael S. Schur, C'74, and David W. Levy, W'78, WG'81, are also featured on the plaque with their "Penn women."

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