Even in the rain, free food can draw a crowd.
Thousands of students, faculty, staff and other West Philadelphians braved the overcast skies to bid farewell to outgoing University President Judith Rodin at the annual staff and faculty appreciation picnic last Friday on College Green.
The event, co-hosted by the Division of Human Resources and the Office of the President, offered both jazz music and traditional Philadelphia food.
In a brief speech, Rodin told the crowd that "this is my chance to say thanks one last time. The past ten years of my tenure have been the most memorable of my life."
Rodin stayed long enough to greet a few audience members before leaving the festival.
Though originally billed as the annual faculty and staff appreciation picnic, the affair turned into a farewell to Rodin.
Janice Marini, executive director of special events in the president's office, said that the Philadelphia-themed foods -- including cheesesteaks, pretzels, Wawa beverages, hoagies, Rita's Water Ice and more -- intentionally drew upon Rodin's native city.
The musical acts were also drawn from Philadelphia culture and included an appearance by the mummer band Mummertime, which featured stringed instruments and flashy costumes.
The Philadelphia Police Athletic League's Youth Choir -- booked with the help of the University of Pennsylvania Police Department -- sang "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly to honor Rodin, after singing the "Star Spangled Banner."
In spite of the light rain, the mood was upbeat.
Craig Winn, a drummer of the local jazz group Friends, said that the weather reminded him of "rain in the islands," meaning that it was light enough for people to walk around uncovered.
"We're not going to let the rain stop us from having a good time," added Friend's featured vocalist Vaniesa.
The Philadelphia sports world was also represented, as a 10-foot tall inflatable Philadelphia Eagles mascot distributed commemorative Rodin water bottles and peanut bags.
The University planned to host between 6,000 and 7,500 people, an increase from the normal turnout of 5,000 at the annual picnic.
