"It just worked out that way"

An Exclusive Interview with Penn President t Amy Gutmann (Part Five)

Yong Tang: How do you balance the role as a professor and the role as Penn President?

Amy: The roles go together well. I am a professor in political science. I have done research on education, democracy, ethics, public affairs and issues of health care. Those are very helpful in my role as a President.

Yong Tang: What are the advantages and disadvantages of female university presidents compared with their male counterparts?

Amy: I don't think there are advantages or disadvantages either way. However, it is wonderful that women have the opportunity today to become leaders in industry and leaders in academia. These opportunities weren't available 20 years ago the way they are now. Balancing family life and professional life is the biggest challenge, but this applies to both men and women.

Yong Tang: You were graduated magna cum laude from Harvard-Radcliffe College in 1971. You are a Harvard University Ph.D. Your daughter and your son-in-law are also Harvard University students. In 2003, you were awarded the Centennial Medal by Harvard University for "graduate alumni who have made exceptional contributions to society. Why do your whole family choose Harvard, not Penn?

Amy: It just worked out that way. My father died when I was 16 years old and on the advice of a family friend, I applied for admission to Radcliffe. Fortunately, I received a full scholarship, as my mother did not have the financial resources to pay for me to go there. I received a wonderful education at Harvard.

Yong Tang: You are married to a Columbia University Professor. Your daughter, Abigail, is a Ph.D. student in chemistry at Harvard University. Your son-in-law Jakub is a Ph.D. student in Business Economics at Harvard. It is a very academic family. Can you tell me some interesting stories about your family life? How is your family different from other American families?

Amy: I grew up as an only child in a small town about one hour north of New York City. My father fled Nazi Germany, eventually starting a scrap-metal business in New York, and my mother grew up poor during the Great Depression. Even though we didn't have a lot of money, my parents were very supportive of my education. My husband and I have tried to pass that love of education on to our daughter and we're delighted that she has decided to pursue a career as a scientist.

Yong Tang: In 2005, you were appointed to the National Security Higher Education Advisory Board, a committee that advises the FBI on national security issues relating to academia. Can you tell me more about that job?

Amy: I am one of 16 U.S. higher-education leaders on this advisory board. The board is charged with fostering outreach, promoting understanding and strengthening relations between higher-education institutions and the FBI.

Yong Tang: You have advised the President of the United States on science and technology. How?

Amy: I advised that progress in science and technology is essential to the future of the United States. To make progress requires a national investment in science and math education at the elementary and secondary school levels as well as support for research and teaching at the post-secondary school level.

By Yong Tang, Washington-based correspondent of People's Daily Online