Fire Dep't: Kids caused blaze

Children playing with matches caused a house fire in North Philadelphia on Wednesday that killed a 4-year-old girl, Fire Department officials said yesterday.

A 23-year-old and a child between 18-20 months were injured in the fire on Westmoreland Street near 34th. No working smoke alarms were found in the home, the department said.

A benefit for Skerski family

A benefit will be held today starting at 11 a.m. at Bobby T's restaurant at Venango and Almond streets in Port Richmond.

The benefit is for the family of slain police officer Gary Skerski, who was killed May 8, 2006, while interrupting a robbery at Pat's Cafe in the Northeast. All sales from today's benefit will be matched by the owner and then given to Skerski's family.

New prez at Univ. of the Arts

The University of the Arts has a new president. More than 2,000 people packed the Merriam Theater yesterday for Sean T. Buffington's inauguration as head of the university, on South Broad Street.

Buffington says that besides teaching students skills and discipline to be artists, art schools must teach them to be good citizens and leaders. He served as Harvard's associate provost for arts and culture and as director of cultural programs since 2005.

Drexel prez honored

Drexel University President Constantine Papadakis was honored with the William Penn

Award last night by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce in the grand ballroom of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, Broad and Walnut streets.

Since assuming his presidency in 1995, Papadakis has maximized Drexel's traditional strengths in technology, science and business, and has also worked to promote the economic growth of Greater Philadelphia.

Free admission offered

In a nod to Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary election, the National Constitution Center, 5th and Arch streets, is offering free admission tonight from 6 to 8. The highlight of the evening is the showing of the nonpartisan documentary "18 in '08." Reservations to see it are recommended and can be made by calling 215-409- 6700. *

- Staff and wire reports