WHEREAS, A March 19, 2000, article in
The Philadelphia Inquirer
dubbed Dan Harrell “The Greatest Penn Success Story;” and
WHEREAS, Dan Harrell, a native and current resident of the City of Philadelphia, is revered by his peers as a Penn institution not only because of his impressive academic achievement at age 56, but also because of the love he lavishes on the fabled Palestra floor and for the students who play on it; and
WHEREAS, As a University of Pennsylvania student, Dan Harrell has achieved an impressive 3.19 grade point average with a major in American Civilization, as custodian of the Palestra, he meticulously and faithfully cares for the Palestra, its locker rooms, and the entire arena hardwood floor until it sings to him with the squeak of sneakers, and as inspirational friend and supporter, Dan Harrell looks out for the athletes, scribbles notes of support, gives them rides and good-luck charms, asks about their grandmothers, advises them on classes to take, and, through his pursuit of a dream, inspires them; and
WHEREAS, Upon graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Dan Harrell plans to continue to be an integral part of the Penn and Philadelphia community, possibly continuing as custodian of the Palestra, or working in Penn community relations in neighborhoods he has known since childhood, or working in sports facilities management, or working as a teacher, counselor, or mentor; and
WHEREAS, Because of his persistence and dedication, Dan Harrell is a hero to some, a mentor to others, and an inspiration to everyone fortunate enough to make his acquaintance; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors Dan Harrell, custodian of the Palestra, who at the age of 56, and after 10 years as a part-time student, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Dan Harrell as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
End