Pomp & Circumstance

In a celebration to end all celebrations, University President Judith Rodin was inaugurated last Friday and the entire University community, along with delegates, guests, friends and family attended. "It's been incredible," Rodin said following the ceremony. The day began with an academic procession down Locust Walk. As bagpipers played and onlookers applauded, students, faculty, Trustees and former University administrators participated in the march. The procession concluded with Rodin, smiling and waving. It ended at Irvine Auditorium, where the official inaugural ceremony took place. As nearly 1,000 people looked on, representatives from all aspects of the University sang Rodin's praises. Former chairperson of the Board of Trustees Alvin Shoemaker conducted the official investiture, which included the presentation of the President's Badge and keys to the University. And Rodin gave a 20-minute inaugural address, which included her vision for the University's future, focusing on undergraduate education and the University's relationship with Philadelphia. Following the ceremony, everyone recessed to College Green where free lunch was served and performing arts groups entertained. More than 6,000 students joined the party, enjoying the beautiful weather and celebrating the inaguration of their new president. "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," said Engineering sophomore Kyle Lawrence. Rodin and her son, Alex, made a brief appearance at the party, greeting well-wishers and celebrating a "new era" for the University. Throughout the early afternoon, stages were set up near the peace symbol and near the statue of Benjamin Franklin outside College Hall. There, groups ranging from Mask & Wig to the Glee Club performed. The inaugural officially began Thursday, with an academic symposium on education and responsibility during the afternoon. An inaugural dinner at the Franklin Institute took place that night. Through it all, Rodin's son was by her side, taking everything in and enjoying the whole experience as much as his mother. "Being with my mom is great," Alex said before Friday's events began. "Getting to spend more time with her and seeing all the students and talking to them is the best part."