Former Penn students will once again experience the resources and entertainment that Penn has to offer during this weekend's Homecoming festivities.
While the obvious highlight is the Penn-Princeton football game, Homecoming organizers wish to expand on the more academic aspects introduced last year.
"We're trying to highlight intellectual resources as well as social resources," said Amy Garawitz, the associate director of classes and reunions at Alumni Relations.
According to the office, in previous years, social events have dominated Homecoming proceedings.
Organizers are therefore particularly hyping the Penn in Print events -- presentations and discussions of literary works by Penn alumni. The office hopes these events may even attract undergraduates.
"All of the Penn in Print events are open to current students," Garawitz said. There will be a discussion of The Quiet American, the subject of this year's Penn Reading Project, that Garawitz said might "generate intergenerational dialogue."
Appreciating diversity has always been a theme of Homecoming, taking the form of the popular Taste of Penn event, in which minority alumni groups enjoy food and music from different cultures.
A new sculpture project in Hill Square also promises to highlight Penn's diversity.
"Penn alumni donated [the sculpture] in celebration of 125 years of women at Penn," Alumni Relations spokeswoman Jennifer Rizzi said. "It consists of 22 benches that have quotations from Penn alumni."
According to Garawitz, typically 1,500 to 2,000 alumni attend events other than the football game. Judging by the increased interest in the Alumni Award of Merit Gala being held at the National Constitution Center, that number may rise.
"There are over 455 attendees coming," said Jason Horger, associate director of the Alumni Society, adding the number is at least 200 more than usual. "It's a combination of a new and exciting site and a lot of dearly loved award winners."
Tours are always part of Homecoming, and this year, the new Weiss Tech House, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and ENIAC are on the agenda. Similar to last year, the Quadrangle will be open for alumni to visit, and an architectural walking tour of Penn will be conducted.
The greater intellectual focus should not worry any of those who just want to have some fun. The Red and Blue Rendezvous, a Saturday night social for alumni, will showcase their musical talents and will be followed by a cocktail party.
And earlier in the day, the Tailgate on the Green before the game is aimed at including visitors of all ages in the festivities.
"There's even expanded programming for children," Garawitz said. "It will really feel like a proper tailgate and celebration of Penn."
No place like home The Alumni Relations Office has planned events for today and tomorrow.
Hill Square: The new park honoring Penn women will be unveiled today, 2:30 p.m., at 34th and Walnut streets. Penn in Print: Events will held in the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center all day today, including a book signing with alumni authors from 1-2 p.m. Award Gala: At $50, alumni can attend the 69th annual dinner. Weiss Tech House: An open house at Penn's newest hub will be held tomorrow from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pregame activities: Food, drinks and kids' football will highlight the College Green event tomorrow from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Taste of Penn: The culinary celebration of diversity will take place from 6:30-8 p.m. tomorrow.
