Rodin rings in Class of 1998

In 30 years, members of the Class of 1998 may not remember the first time they gathered as a class at Sunday night's convocation, held in Irvine Auditorium. But University President Judith Rodin remembers her first convocation. "I remember thinking: Is this place going to live up to my expectations?" Rodin, a 1966 graduate of the University, said in her opening remarks to the freshman class. "Those recollections are especially strong as I welcome you." Rodin, who began her freshman year as the University's president this summer, said she and the Class of 1998 share a special bond in that both are starting anew. In her speech to the incoming class, Rodin concentrated on issues of free speech and diversity. "Here, various cultural and intellectual styles can happily coexist," she said, adding that debate and free expression add to the "search for new ideas." "I ask for your help to make Penn a place where such debate is welcome," she said. "Individuals and groups who see things differently should communicate across boundaries." Rodin also cited vivid contrasts within the University environment, and the community surrounding it. She discussed the art museums and cultural events "within a five-mile radius of campus," and contrasted them with the run-down homes and frequent drug use found in other areas of Philadelphia. "Make Philadelphia your playground," she said, inviting students to take part in the city's entertainment and educational opportunities, along with helping to find "solutions to urban dilemmas." And in her closing words, Rodin asked the freshmen class to be "committed." "You are beginning the 255th year of this University," she said. "And we do so with you --- ready to take our place as committed freshmen." Following Rodin's remarks, Provost Stanley Chodorow, who is also entering his first year as a University administrator, spoke about academics. "The education we want to give you at Penn will submerge you in theory," Chodorow said, citing Ben Franklin's discussion of ornamental, or theoretical education, versus practical teaching. "The lure of the practical is very powerful but it has pitfalls." Chodorow added that the University and the new administration is setting "very high standards." He also advocated a "self-making" education where "you will be working on yourself." Along that line, Chodorow placed great emphasis on the importance of academic integrity, honesty and truth. "We want to reform undergraduate education and provide a unified undergraduate experience," he said. "Academic integrity is at the heart of [that]." Despite his self-proclaimed "serious" discussion of academics, Chodorow's comments led to titters from the freshmen class at several points. "Though part of my job is dealing with student affairs, I don't organize the parties," Chodorow said to a spattering of laughter. "I don't think you'd like the kind of parties I'd want." As is tradition for the annual convocation ceremony, Irvine Auditorium's organ was used, the Glee Club sang, and Rodin mentioned highlights about the incoming class during her address. And as usual, the ceremony concluded with the freshman class's first attempt at singing "The Red and Blue." But the traditional introduction of the class's flag by the senior class president was omitted from the ceremony. Rodin said later that the omission was accidental.