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File #: 180529    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 5/17/2018 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 5/17/2018
Title: Recognizing and honoring Dr. Stephen Spinelli for eleven years of dedicated leadership as Chancellor of Jefferson University, and as President of the former Philadelphia University.
Sponsors: Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Taubenberger, Councilmember Domb, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Squilla
Attachments: 1. Signature18052900.pdf
Title
Recognizing and honoring Dr. Stephen Spinelli for eleven years of dedicated leadership as Chancellor of Jefferson University, and as President of the former Philadelphia University.

Body
WHEREAS, Stephen Spinelli, Jr. became Chancellor of Jefferson University on July 1, 2017, when Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University officially merged. Prior to being named Chancellor, Dr. Spinelli served as the President of Philadelphia University since September 1, 2007; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Spinelli has spent his career in academia, business and philanthropy, and in his first act as President, he and the Board of Trustees developed the vision of Philadelphia University becoming the model for professional university education in the 21st Century. He also helped establish the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Spinelli's leadership has resulted in 10 years of solid balance sheets, positive operating margins and doubling of the University's endowment. Entering into the combination with Jefferson, Philadelphia University enjoyed record enrollment and retention, with particular growth of graduate enrollment, continuing and professional studies enrollment, and online enrollment. During Dr. Spinelli's presidency, the University achieved 148 percent of its largest capital campaign well before its conclusion; and

WHEREAS, During Dr. Spinelli's tenure, Philadelphia University began a focus on innovation, by establishing the Vice Presidency for Innovation, The Celebration of Innovation with title sponsorship from Verizon, and opening the University's Entrepreneurship Center. Dr. Spinelli and his team opened facilities to advance student success such as the SEED Center; Lawrence N. Field Design, Engineering and Commerce Center; Nexus Learning Hubs; and the Arlen Specter Center for Community Service; and

WHEREAS, Prior to his tenure at Philadelphia University, Dr. Spinelli held a variety of faculty and leadership ...

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