It's barely three weeks into classes, and already students are planning on escaping to Vegas.
Well, Vegas in Philadelphia, to be precise -- which is the theme of this year's "No Place Like Penn" extravaganza, which starts today and will continue until Saturday, Sept. 20.
The annual "No Place Like Penn" celebration -- sponsored by the Social Planning and Events Committee -- is comprised of a large selection of student-organized activities which allow students to experience the unique culture of both Penn's campus and Philadelphia.
"The freshmen have New Student Orientation, which has a variety of great activities," SPEC Vice President and Wharton senior Keri Vislocky said. But specifically, she added, "This is for upperclassmen and the whole campus to come together."
The event, which is extended by a day this year, will feature events such as a free exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art called "Strange Messenger: The Work of Patti Smith," an activities fair on Locust Walk and an evening with hypnotist Tom DeLuca, which will be sponsored by the sophomore class and will cost $6 a ticket.
"This year is much more varied than past years," Vislocky said. "So we're hitting a large spectrum" of interests.
The highlight of this year's Vegas-themed activities will be on Thursday at a "Wild Night in Vegas," which will be held in Wynn Commons. Casino tables, games and outdoor screenings of new and old versions of the film Ocean's 11 will be accompanied by a free food buffet. The event will be topped off with showgirls and Elvis impersonators.
The last day of "No Place Like Penn" is also special this year because SPEC has combined forces with Campus Philly to publicize College Fest -- an event sponsored by Philadelphia's Commerce Department, as well as by 25 area schools, including Penn.
"The goal is to get students to love Philly," Campus Philly's General Manager Jon Herrmann said.
The festival allows college student free and easy access to 11 of Philly's finest cultural institutions and museums.
College Fest will also hold a concert headlined by Busta Rhymes, where local groups will also be performing. College Fest is "going to be like Spring Fling in front of the art museum," said Herrmann, who is a 2000 Wharton graduate and past president of SPEC.
Herrmann said that last year between 20,000 and 25,000 students showed up and that he plans for similar turnouts this year.
College freshman Kyle Peterson said that he thinks the events will be beneficial for those students who decide to go.
"It's a good way to get to know the city better, since one of the reasons why Penn was my first choice was because of the city," he said.
College junior Jennifer Ingerman said that she would also participate in the events, although in past years she has taken it upon herself to discover Philly.
"I'm glad that there are programs, and it's a great idea," she said. "But, I don't think that is the only way to get to know the city."
Philly fun Free film: 'Blank Generation,' by Patti Smith, Institute of Contemporary Art, Wednesday, 9 p.m. 'Wild Night in Vegas': Casino tables and games, Wynn Commons, Thursday evening Activities Day: Locust Walk, Friday, 12-4 p.m. Hypnotist show: Tom DeLuca, Irvine Auditorium, Friday, 7 p.m., $6 tickets Football game: Penn v. Duquesne, Franklin Field, Saturday, 6 p.m. Busta Rhymes: Free concert, Philadelphia Art Museum, Saturday, 3-9 p.m. DJ Party: Hall of Flags, Saturday, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
