Campus celebrates inauguration on College Green

Before the inaugural festivities and celebrations began Friday morning, Alex Neijelow and Paul Verkuil stood under the statue of Benjamin Franklin near College Hall -- and waited. They shared that quiet moment before the woman they knew as mother and wife respectively was to officially become the seventh president of the University. The familiar environment of College Green had not yet erupted in celebration. University President Judith Rodin, her 13-year-old son Alex, and her new husband, Verkuil, had anticipated the events of last Friday since July. After the inaugural ceremony concluded at about noon, more than 6,000 students and staff gathered on College Green to eat lunch, watch performing arts groups entertain and enjoy the beautiful weather. Students gathering on College Green did not all know immediately what they were celebrating. Some found the free lunches, while others noticed the filled grassy areas around the library and College Hall and tried to find out what was happening. "It's terrific," Verkuil said of the entire inauguration. "We're all very excited." The entire inauguration was a lavish, celebratory display of University pride and hope for the future, and the University-wide party was no exception. Delegates from other universities, including Yale President Richard Levin and Princeton President Harold Shapiro attended the events. Alumni and trustees participated as well, along with former University Presidents Martin Meyerson, Sheldon Hackney and Claire Fagin. Students had a variety of thoughts on the event, ranging from loving the free food to being inspired by their new president. "Symbolically, it's great that there's a woman president at Penn," said College senior Margy Yuspa, who added that she was unable to attend the other events due to "time constraints." Engineering sophomore Kyle Lawrence said he attended the inaugural ceremony, but enjoyed the celebration even more. "When you look around now, with people in their robes and students all around, it reinstates your vision of what Penn is and why you are here," he said. Nursing senior Allison Squires cited Rodin's experience and sincerity. "I was most impressed by the president's speech," she added. "She's got a very good idea of where we should be headed." In the middle of the celebration, Rodin walked onto the stage set up near College Hall, and greeted the screaming crowd. "This is quite a party," she said. "Penn really knows how to do it. "This University can show everybody that you can do it all, have it all," she said. "You guys are great. It's overwhelming." Rodin also walked around College Green with her son, greeting administrators, faculty, dignitaries and students. Some students requested Rodin's autograph. Others asked if they could take a picture with her. And some simply wanted to shake her hand. "I think it's really good that she's going to emphasize undergraduate education and integrating the school more," said College junior Erin Branning. Rodin, breathless but smiling, said the entire event was "unbelievable," and cited the student speakers at the inauguration -- Undergraduate Assembly Chairperson Dan Debicella and Graduate and Professional Student Assembly Chairperson David Mestre -- as those who stood out for her. "The ceremony was spectacular," she said. "And the procession was just beautiful." Although she left the College Green soon afterward, Rodin's party was in full swing throughout the afternoon as groups ranging from the Inspiration to Mask and Wig performed. Associate Secretary and Inauguration Coordinator Constance Goodman said the two-day extravaganza was a "wonderful celebration for Penn." And former Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Alvin Shoemaker said he was leaving "on a high." "Her speech was just inspiring," he said, referring to Rodin's inaugural address given earlier Friday morning. Alumni also expressed their anticipation for an exciting future for the University. "I think it's absolutely thrilling to have a woman like Judith Rodin to give some of the national attention we deserve," said Steve Kramer, who served as co-president of the Class of 1971. "I hope she's here for a long time." College graduate Bob Holtz, who serves as President of the College Alumni Society, summed up the day, simply calling it "majestic."1