Rodin, Chodorow welcome first class of new millennium

Freshman convocation marks the first time Penn's incoming class assembles in one place -- until graduation four years later. Although beach balls and mortarboards were not on hand Sunday night, the members of the Class of 2000 proved they are already practicing for graduation, throwing frisbees from the upper decks of Irvine Auditorium as the ceremony began. "Tonight as you come together for the first time as a class, you are writing the first line of your story -- the story of the class of 2000 and your own personal story," said University President Judith Rodin in welcoming approximately 2,350 freshman. Rodin highlighted the numerous accomplishments of members of the Class of 2000. She noted that this class is the most selective in the University's history and that the class represents all 50 states and 55 countries. Over 320 freshmen were valedictorian or salutatorian of their high schools. More than 230 edited their student newspapers. And about 150 students served as president of their student council. The class include 800 competitive athletes -- among them, 20 Olympic hopefuls. The class is diverse, with students from ethnic or racial minorities making up one-third. For the first time ever, more than half of the class is female. This news seemed to receive louder applause from the freshman males than the females. Rodin also mentioned such individual standouts as a stop pistol shooter from Sweden, a world-renowned squash player from Canada, and a ballroom dancer from the Czech Republic. Provost Stanley Chodorow provided the Class of 2000's introduction to the academic realm of the University. "Let Penn belong to you just as you belong to Penn," he said. He urged freshmen to get involved and contribute to the University community, inspiring them with tales of the accomplishments of last year's graduates. He spoke of Erica Weissman, who studied skeletal remains in Iraq last year to learn about the history of disease. And Chodorow lauded Greg Grimaldi, who created a virtual market on the Internet. "Discovery is what you've been studying for," said Chodorow. "Discovery is your reward." Senior Class President Neil Sheth presented the Class of 2000's flag. Many freshmen said they felt the ceremony united the class. "It was very good to come together," said College freshman Paul Marion. "Everyone was pumped. It's going to be a good four years." College freshman Josh Remick agreed. "Coming from Vancouver and not knowing anyone, I felt an instant closeness with us all being in one room being welcomed together," he said. Earlier in the day, the deans of the four undergraduate schools met with freshmen. School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens emphasized that there is "no magic formula" in creating a curriculum. She urged students to be adventurous and creative as they select courses. College Dean Robert Rescorla stressed the importance of student initiative. "At Penn you can get a wonderful education if you take responsibility for crafting it," he said. "But you can get a quite pedestrian one if you go with the flow and take what is easy or what your friends are taking." Rescorla added that that each student should take at least one course a year in which he or she has no prior experience. He urged students to a high level of academic integrity. "The gains you gain from cheating are severely priced," he said, noting that dishonor is worse than failure. College advisor Diane Frey reminded freshmen they are no longer in high school. She said her fellow advisors are not the college equivalent of guidance counselors. "They can only give you there best advice, and at the end you must process that advice? and make decisions yourself," she said.