Rodin, Stetson hope to lure local students to U.

Admissions Dean Lee Stetson and University President Judith Rodin are trying to give local students a reason to stay close to home next year. More than 300 accepted students and their families packed into the University Museum's Harrison Auditorium yesterday afternoon for the President's Reception-- a special outreach program designated to convince high school seniors from the Philadelphia area to choose the University over their other choices. After Stetson welcomed the students, and informed them that they were all admitted in the most selective year in the University's history, he introduced Regional Director Bruce Chamberlin to address the audience. Chamberlin praised the group on all of their accomplishments, adding that it was heart-warming to read all of their essays. "I only read one essay this year where the writer wanted to take Willis J. Stetson out to dinner," he said. "That's down from three last year." Chamberlin revealed that there were several famous applicants who were accepted, including a "Jeopardy" finalist, an actor from the television show "Saved By The Bell" and a renowned ice skater from Portland, Oregon. He then gave the students some advice. "You are venturing into a very neat part of your lives," he said. "Hopefully Penn will be a part of that." Stetson then introduced Rodin, who shared her personal experiences as a University student hailing from Philadelphia. "I grew up in Philadelphia and I thought I knew all about Penn," she said. "What I found out after I arrived on Penn's campus was that I didn't really know at all." Rodin added that there are advantages to going to school in the area, confessing that she used her closeness to home to get laundry done during her freshman year. She said she learned a lot during in her years at the University. "At my time here at Penn I learned to think analytically," she said. "I also learned to have a lot of fun. And I did." She concluded her speech by urging the students to join the University family. "We are very happy to see you here today," she said. "And we will be even happier to see you here in September." Finally, Stetson introduced College senior and Daily Pennsylvanian staff writer Lisa Neuberger to speak about her own experiences at the University. Neuberger said she has most enjoyed the people and the programs at the University. "Penn is not the type of school where you get locked up in the library for four years," Neuberger said. "Everyone is very involved in what interests them the most." After the speakers finished, Chamberlin introduced Counterparts, a student a cappella group, to entertain the audience. Students and their families were then invited upstairs to a reception where they could speak with the various deans and financial aid and admissions officers. Stetson said he was very pleased with the reception. "I think for a glimpse of Penn it was excellent," he said "And obviously a major highlight was hearing the president. Her very personal approach was warm and friendly and makes students feel comfortable about Penn." Stetson added that he feels the program provided prospective students with a good feel for the campus.