From 2 Aug 1988, Page 37 - The Philadelphia Inquirer at Newspapers.com:565

Jerome S. Shenker, 71; worked with Penn's athletic programs

By Donna St. George
Inquirer Staff Writer

Jerome S. Shenker, 71, a spirited Penn graduate who may have been as well-known on campus during his retirement years as he was during college, died yesterday at his Wyndmoor home.

Outgoing and friendly, with a loud, resonant voice, Mr. Shenker had attended the University of Pennsylvania in the 1930s and became involved in more than his studies. He played baseball and lightweight football. He was secretary-treasurer of the Inter-fraternity Council.

Mr. Shenker graduated in 1938, moved on to the business world, and owned two children’s camps in Kent, Conn. — Ken-Wood and Ken-Mont.

And over the years, Mr. Shenker returned to his alma mater. He helped the alumni association and was a regular at major college events.

After retiring ten years ago, his visits became more frequent. He not only volunteered for assorted groups and projects but also became assistant to Paul Rubincam, director of recreation and intercollegiate athletics.

“He worked here full time for a handshake,” said Rubincam. “He just loved the university and liked contributing to it.”

Tanned and trim, often dressed in plaid slacks or a sporty outfit, Mr. Shenker was a fixture on campus — waving to friends, exchanging news, and often making predictions on Penn’s next game.

He also was busy. Most recently, he played a major role in creating an exhibit of sports sculpture at the Dr. Harry Fields Gallery of Penn's Gimbel Gymnasium.

Mr. Shenker also initiated a program to get alumni involved in attracting scholar-athletes to Penn.

He raised funds for the P.G. Riblett football fund and helped plan receptions during the Penn Relays. He also assisted athletes in finding career positions, summer jobs, and internships.

He also undertook many smaller endeavors — from arranging ice to be delivered to a social gathering to speaking a kind word, according to those who knew him.

“He was the kind of guy who’d stop a kid on the street who was playing for us, introduce himself, and say, ‘I really appreciate what you’re doing out there,’” Rubincam said.

“There was nothing he would say no to,” said Dorothy Moritz, who worked with Mr. Shenker for Penn’s Football Club. “He was always great about everything. He was one of the last great guys.”

Mr. Shenker and his wife, Audrey, became known as university hosts and hostesses at the Wharton Sinkler Estate, a historic manor owned by the university and used for social and business gatherings.

There, he not only oversaw the estate but also gardened, growing memorable orchids.

Mr. Shenker had been elected chairman for the Class of 1938’s 50th reunion. Although his health began failing before finishing his work for the reunion, he was present for an earlier celebration of his time at Penn.

In January, he was honored with an alumni merit award for helping to establish the Wharton Sinklet Estate and for adding his devotion and warmth to the campus.

“He put back in as much as, if not more than, he got out of Penn,” said Moritz.

Mr. Shenker served in the Army during World War II, graduating from the Royal Australian Commando School and seeing combat as an officer with the First Cavalry Division.

Surviving are his wife, Audrey Izenberg Shenker; son, David; daughter, Nancy Bryson; two grandchildren; and a brother.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. today at Joseph Levine & Son, 7112 N. Broad St. Interment is at King Solomon Cemetery, Clifton, N.J.