For every student, the first days on campus as freshmen are some of the most memorable -- and now the Class of 2007 has the opportunity to see them on display.
"Freshmen on Film," a photography exhibit capturing the Class of 2007's first days on campus, opened yesterday in the Fox Gallery in Logan Hall.
"It was an artistic idea. It's a documentary of a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Director of College Houses and Academic Services Leslie Delauter said.
The organizers also said they hoped that students will be intellectually stimulated by the project, and noted that one aspect they are most proud of is the universal appeal of the photographs currently on display.
"One aspect of this art is the thinking component," CHAS Faculty Director Phil Nichols said. "These pictures are going to move, regardless whether the student is, for instance, a chemistry or an economics major."
The exhibit displayed the work of five photographers with distinctively different styles and techniques.
"I felt it was a fun way to document the orientation," photographer Matt Brownell said. "Each photographer has a different perspective."
Some of the featured photographers are also Penn alumni -- adding to their work a more personal and nostalgic quality, and a feeling of excitement.
"I was a freshman in 1983, which was part of the joy of being in this project," photographer and former Daily Pennsylvanian Photo Editor Tommy Leonardi said. "I liked it because I was a part of the orientation."
In addition to the displayed photographs, the exhibition gives freshmen the opportunity to share their experience by writing messages on a large canvas and bringing in their own photographs.
"We want to have the pictures that students took.... This gives them a chance to be [a] part of this exhibition, not just as subjects of art," CHAS Associate Director David Fox said.
Some students who attended last night's opening were excited to see their pictures.
The reception also offered snacks and refreshments from Bubble House. To some students, this proved to be the greatest attraction.
"I haven't seen the exhibit," Engineering freshman Kirtesh Patel said. "I just came for the food. Getting free food is always good."
Many students said they were unaware that they were being photographed during orientation.
"We didn't really know that there were pictures being taken," Engineering freshman Samantha Mita said. "I think most freshmen don't know about the exhibition."
The exhibit will continue in Logan Hall until Sept. 19 and might later be displayed during Parent's Weekend and 2007 graduation events, according to organizers.
"People don't usually think of preserving," CHAS spokeswoman Sue Smith said. "But with time, this will be very interesting to see."
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