EDITORIAL: Welcome back

The 112th Board of EditorsThe 112th Board of Editorsand Managers welcomesThe 112th Board of Editorsand Managers welcomesincoming freshmen andThe 112th Board of Editorsand Managers welcomesincoming freshmen andreturning upperclassmen toThe 112th Board of Editorsand Managers welcomesincoming freshmen andreturning upperclassmen tothe University.The 112th Board of Editorsand Managers welcomesincoming freshmen andreturning upperclassmen tothe University.___________________________ Returning students know these telltale signs; in just five days, Locust Walk will be crowded with students rushing to class and trudging home from the library, backpacks full of books in hand. For you, upperclassmen, we hope the summer was both productive and relaxing. We're glad to see you again. For the brand-new Class of 2000, these first few hectic days on campus will likely be nothing short of bewildering. But take heart; you'll figure this Ivy League thing out in due time. We're glad you're here to help us usher in the University's next century. And we're looking forward to the contributions you'll make to life on and off campus. The University had a busy summer, with numerous administrative transitions and continuing work on projects that will change the look of campus in the coming years. The merger of the residential living and residential maintenance departments, for example, is now complete. Gigi Simeone and Zoila Airall, two fixtures within residential living, have both left their positions. William Gipson, late of Princeton University, has taken over as University Chaplain. And the sorry state of Penn's recreational and physical fitness facilities could change with the appointment of Tulane University's Mike Diorka as director of intramural recreation sports. Responsibility for the Book Store's operations has already been transferred to the Barnes and Noble chain, and Executive Vice President John Fry has promised that most other campus services -- ranging from residences to dining -- may be outsourced to save money and improve efficiency. The crumbling bluestones that make up Locust Walk are in the process of being replaced. Former Quaker football standout and All-American wide receiver Miles Macik made the Detroit Lions. Football quarterback and baseball shortstop Mark DeRosa elected to give up his last year of college athletic eligibility -- and has been signed by an Atlanta Braves' farm team. Jerome Allen, a former Quaker basketball player who spent last year with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is now playing for the Indiana Pacers. The Daily Pennsylvanian pledges to continue its proud tradition of complete, accurate and timely coverage of University and city news, sports and opinion this semester -- and we want you, as readers, to get involved. Write letters to the editor or guest columns, alert us to upcoming events and observances, call, fax or e-mail us if you feel our reporting has neglected you -- or better yet, come and join us. Informing, entertaining and providing a forum for campus debate remain our top priorities as we begin a new school year. We hope it's a great one for everybody. Welcome back.