Kite and Key has new board-and slogan

The Kite and Key Society -- the oldest organization at the University -- has a new logo, a new attitude and new leadership. Last night, the society elected its 1996 officers in the Ben Franklin Room of Houston Hall. College junior Katinka Domotorffy was elected president and Wharton sophomore Jeff Engelberg will serve as vice president. College juniors Kim Frumin and Allison O'Brien will serve as secretary and treasurer, respectively. Along with the new faces, the largest organization at the University has introduced its first slogan, "Into Penn?Into Community." "Our plan for this year is to make the Penn Community aware that Kite and Key does more than give tours," said outgoing President Deidre Greene, a College senior. "This society is very involved in community-service projects." In fact, the organization, which was founded as an all-male exclusive social group, now has seven major departments. Kite and Key continues to be involved with the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by organizing overnight hosting programs, as well as tours for prospective students. "The Kite and Key Society is the student-welcoming arm of the University," Office of Student Life Activities and Facilities Director Fran Walker said. They also are responsible for on- and off-campus recruiting within three separate programs in the Admissions Office. "My favorite activity is hosting because I get to share my Penn experiences with someone who I can relate to," College freshman Shannon Burke said. Na Lee, a prospective student who hails from the Philadelphia suburbs, said she enjoyed her stay at the University. "My overnight experience was really enlightening," she said. "I definitely plan to attend Penn." Kite and Key has always provided assistance with activities such as Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, Commencement and the Penn Relays. Members also help staff the hospitality room in Houston Hall. "We are the behind-the-scenes people of the Penn community," Greene said. The community-service faction of Kite and Key has been expanding this semester. Begun five years ago with only the tutoring section, it has enlarged to encompass several community projects. The most popular group among Kite and Key members, however, is still the Step One tutoring program at Lea Elementary School. This year 125 students are acting as mentors to children in West Philadelphia. Other community projects Kite and Key is involved with include the Ronald McDonald House, the Rudolphy Residence for the Blind, soup kitchens, the wheelchair Olympics and blood drives. "I think as an organization, we have a lot of options for people to do meaningful work," said outgoing Vice President and College senior Lauren Zaslansky. "I spent two years on the Board of Officers and I am going to miss it so much. Every aspect of the Kite and Key Society is rewarding, from giving tours to tutoring."

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