After a week-long orientation process, the Class of 2006 -- its members on the verge of attending their first lectures -- was officially welcomed last night into the ranks of the red and blue.
Convocation took place on College Green and featured musical performances, processionals and remarks by several Penn administrators -- but not dinner. Unlike the ceremonies of recent years that featured fully catered meals, students at this year's convocation sat in long rows of white chairs and were treated to a dessert on Wynn Commons following the event.
The new students marched to the event in long lines from their respective college houses, gathering from all corners to the center of campus. Convocation marked the first and last time the entire Class of 2006 will be gathered until graduation.
Professors, administrators and student leaders were next in the processional, ushered in by the traditional sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance" and decorated in the traditional regalia of long black robes.
University President Judith Rodin spoke to the class at dusk, telling the fresh faces that the time was chosen because an old stage of their lives was setting and a new one beginning.
Rodin called on the freshmen to reveal and fix the problems plaguing the world post-Sept. 11.
"On Sept. 11... America's disengagement with world affairs was exposed and tallied," Rodin said. "We brought you here because we're counting on you."
Rodin also encouraged the students to communicate with one another and familiarize themselves with many different groups of students.
"Are Israeli and Palestinians any longer trying really to understand each other's stories?" Rodin asked. "Live and learn with extraordinary men and women from every conceivable background."
In addition, Rodin extolled the virtues of all four undergraduate schools in the University -- not forgetting Wharton.
Wharton students "will put your retirement accounts in better shape than mine," Rodin joked.
Students said they thought her words were inspiring, and that they would take them to heart.
"I felt part of a tight-knit group," College freshman Michael Schwartz said. "She seems like someone I'd like to have dinner with. Except I'm not in Wharton."
Following Rodin's remarks, a cappella group Penny Loafers took the stage and performed one song, rewarded by the loudest applause of the night.
Provost Robert Barchi then stood to speak to the crowd.
"A great university is a living entity, not just a place," Barchi said.
Barchi listed the achievements of Penn's own alumni to underscore his statement, which include nine signers of the Declaration of Independence, eight signers of the Constitution, 11 Nobel Laureates and over 70 Olympic medalists.
Barchi told the students that their inspiration to reach this level of success would most likely come from their own ranks.
"The greatest impact on your experience here will not be us," Barchi said. "It will be your peers."
The provost shared with the audience his hopes for its members -- "That in four years you will say that you have learned and grown beyond your wildest expectations," he said.
As students exited the ceremony, College Hall was lit up with blue and red lights and filled with voices of excited chatter from the freshmen.
"I was actually surprised," College freshman Kim Thompson said. "Most convocations are really long, but this one was actually nice."
