The Urban Studies Program reports with sadness the passing of Dr. John Keene, Emeritus Professor of City and Regional Planning and long-standing member of the Urban Studies faculty. Professor Keene taught the course URBS204: Urban Law for over 35 years. John provided his students with a critical perspective on the legal and regulatory underpinnings of urban planning and development, as well as how the law handled issues of equity and environmental sustainability.
Please see his full obituary here: https://almanac.upenn.edu/#john-keene-city-regional-planning
He was an exceptionally loyal member of our Urban Studies community with a strong commitment to teaching undergraduates. The Urban Studies program emerged in the early 1970’s as part of the City and Regional Planning program in the the Design School. When planning faculty drifted away, John continued to teach his Urban Law course for URBS undergrads. He persisted through the program’s move into Arts & Sciences in the mid-1990’s, and more recently as an Emeritus Professor. John taught his Urban Studies course just this past semester, Fall 2021.
John had a notable dignity and elegance about him, which manifested in the way he carried himself, in his work, and in his interaction with others. The format John used in his Urban Law class followed the law school model, often a new experience for undergraduates. Students read and debated lengthy cases about zoning, environmental law, and housing equity. He expected much of his students, and conveyed the seriousness and weight of the field, inspiring them to do their best work. They appreciated the challenge.
In his manner, John conveyed and embodied a sense of propriety, but with it much warmth and openness. In an academic setting, with its hierarchies and jockeying for position, John Keene had a rare generosity and genuineness that many of us were fortunate to experience in our interactions with him over the years. We are grateful for his contribution to our program and to his impact on students.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for contributions in Dr. Keene’s honor be made to the Department of City and Regional Planning’s Fellowship Fund, or to the Urban Studies Program. In order to donate in Dr. Keene's name, choose "in memory," and you will have the opportunity to enter in his name.
Thank you very much for joining us in mourning the loss of a great professor.
Elaine Simon, Co-Director, Urban Studies Program