Explorer in a Hurry

In his brief and dramatic life, 19th-century medical alumnus Elisha Kent Kane broke new ground in exploring both the frozen North and the hothouse atmosphere of celebrity culture.

My Dinner with Thor

As a Penn student, he helped free his wrongfully accused father from a Venezuelan prison, championed a struggling conservative student publication, and won an award for protecting free speech on campus. These days, as he shuttles among his identities as foundation executive, movie producer, TV talking head, and columnist, Thor Halvorssen C’96 G’96 is still “fighting for freedom”—with time out for an occasional nice meal.

The Man Who Would Never Be Mayor

In the race for Philadelphia’s top job, Michael Nutter W’79 was dismissed as the candidate without a constituency. His journey from last place to landslide victory had the markings of a political miracle. Now the public expects more.