'DP' inaugurates 115th board

and Sharon Male They laughed. They cheered. And most of all, they drank. With its annual night of eating, drinking and dancing, The Daily Pennsylvanian inaugurated its 115th Board of Editors and Managers on Saturday night at its banquet, held at the University Museum, where the DP's staff, alumni and guests enjoyed good company and a lot of wine. Later, the reception moved to the Egyptian Gallery, where University President Judith Rodin addressed the audience with her "Ode to the DP," inspired by Edgar Allen Poe's classic "The Raven." Rodin's speech was followed by a guest appearance from the legendary Grimace. The large purple Happy Meal character, played by former 34th Street staffer Matthew Snyder, declared he simply wanted to "spice the party up a little." After dinner, College junior and incoming Executive Editor Kent Malmros told the assembled guests that he found a surprising amount of similarities between the theme song to the television show Cheers and the bond that unites DP staffers at the windowless Pink Palace at 4015 Walnut Street. Next to address the crowd was Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Buzz Bissinger -- a DP alumnus and 1976 College graduate -- who expressed his fondness for the organization that helped launch his career. "Coming to the DP was the single best decision I ever made? perhaps in my life," he said. The night was also a chance to honor excellence over the past year. Among the awards, outgoing City News Editor Scott Lanman was named editor of the year, while reporter of the year honors went to his successor, College sophomore Ben Geldon. College sophomore and incoming Sports Editor Eric Moskowitz was given the award for sports writer of the year. And outgoing Finance Manager and Wharton senior Roger Levenson was named business manager of the year. The Daily Pennsylvanian Alumni Association gave its annual photography and writing awards to photographer Adam Snow, an Engineering junior, 34th Street magazine staffer and College senior Mary Harris and beat reporter Eric Tucker -- who, inebriated before the night even began, nearly knocked over several ancient artifacts on his way to receive the award. "It's all pleasure when you're with Eric Tucker," quipped the College sophomore and self-proclaimed lady-killer earlier in the night when warned of mixing business with pleasure. After the official installation of the 27 members of the 115th Board, the festivities moved next door to the Penn Tower Hotel, where the open bar was appreciated by all, especially by outgoing Daily Pennsylvanian Interactive Editor-in-Chief Mark Fiore. "It's one big booze fest," the College senior said when asked about the meaning of the banquet. "My entire dinner is all over the bathroom floor. It's great!" College sophomore Catherine Lucey was also in rare form. Among the beat reporter's pursuits for the night were incoming Photo Editor David Graff, incoming Associate News Editor Jeremy Reiss, incoming Art Editor Tom Schmid and just about every other male DP staff member. Incoming Business Manager and College junior Brian Garvey, meanwhile, expounded upon his opinion of the annual event. "It's the dog's balls," the Irish native said. The evening, though, was marred by the attempt of College junior Reiss and incoming DPI Editor-in-Chief Seth Grossman, a College sophomore, to serenade the horrified onlookers with their renditions of "Movin' On Up" and "Build Me Up Buttercup." They were quickly booed off the stage. In accordance with tradition, outgoing Layout Editor Jamie Palan decided not to wait until the party was over. This year's choice for dance floor "partner" for the College senior was outgoing Associate Sports Editor and Wharton senior Marc Edelman. But Palan and Edelman weren't the only two caught up in the spirit of the evening. Two members of the DP's new crop of beat reporters also took staff bonding to a new level -- engaging in some "co-writing" of their own before the night was over.