Houston Hall hits 100 yrs.

Houston Hall, America's oldest student union, will begin celebrating its 100th birthday today with the opening of the Centennial Exhibit from 4 to 7 p.m. in the building's Bowl Room. Assistant Director of Student Activities Kim Allen, who is co-chairperson of the Centennial, said she is excited for the celebration, which will run through January 24. "We've been building this event for almost a year," she said. "We hope everyone gets involved." Allen added that she enjoys the hustle and bustle of student excitement in Houston Hall. In fact, Houston Hall has often been called "the living room" or "hearthstone" of Penn, according to the Association of College Unions International. "Houston Hall should be a point of pride for Penn students," said Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta. Moneta added that the student union represents a long history of organized student leadership and governance. Terri Conn, assistant to the VPUL, said she hoped all students would attend the exhibition. "It's the first student union in the country, and a link between the past and the present as the Perelman Quad will be developed," she said. This weekend's events will include a house party on Saturday night and a show by the Performing Arts Council on Sunday. The house party will run from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with optional semi-formal attire. It will feature 16 table casinos in which students will be given $40,000 in play money and can win prizes including TVs and VCRs. "This is the biggest event," said Allen adding that DJ Roger Culture, Spruce Street Revival and the Avalons will be performing. In addition, Full Measure, Penn Singers, Penn Pipers and Sparks will perform on Sunday, January 21 from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Houston Hall Auditorium. A jazz concert will be held this Monday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., featuring a performance by Crosstown Traffic. A Centennial Tea will follow from 4 to 6 p.m. in the building's lobby. Stand-up comedian Robbie Printz will perform in the Hall of Flags between 8 and 9 p.m. next Tuesday. The culmination of these activities will be Houston Hall's Big Day Celebration next Wednesday in the lobby and the Hall of Flags. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will include historical photos, discounts in the Houston Hall mall, cake and ice cream. At 12:30 p.m., a dedication ceremony will occur, during which the Centennial Plaque will be presented. In addition, birthday cake will be served amidst singing by the Glee Club. All events are free and open to the public.