Transforming Inner-City Education: Lessons in Leadership

In memory of Tim Russert, the symposium's first moderator

October 31, 2008
Gesu School Sherrerd Gymnasium

On October 31, 2008, a sea of red shirts and caps filled Gesu’s Sherrerd Gymnasium. The die-hard crowd of nearly 200 was so dedicated to the mission of inner-city education that attendees braved the World Series parade traffic to travel to North Philadelphia. Gesu’s 11^th Annual Symposium on Transforming Inner-City Education, Lessons in Leadership, not only joined in the city’s celebration of the Phillies’ championship, but extended the accolades beyond baseball to successful leadership initiatives in inner-city education.

After a round of cheers for both the Phillies and for Gesu School, the panel discussion turned to more serious topics, ranging from the KIPP school model, to charter schools, independent and NativityMiguel model schools, and even work-study high school programs such as the Cristo Rey model. With inspiration offered by Stedman Graham, the audience left with renewed energy and fresh ideas to resume the work of combating the cycle of poverty and violence through quality education.

• Read the transcript
• View the program and panelist bios

Panel

Winston J. Churchill, Moderator
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Gesu School

Christine S. Beck
President & CEO of Gesu School

Lars Beck
CEO of Young Scholars Charter School

Stedman Graham
Chairman & CEO of S. Graham & Associates

Marc Mannella
Executive Director of KIPP Philadelphia Schools

Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
President of Fordham University

Dan Porterfield, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Strategic Development at Georgetown University

We thank our symposium sponsors:

Cozen O’Connor
CVS/pharmacy
Old Saint Joseph’s Church
Leonard & Susan Klehr
Warmdaddy’s