Pres. opens mansion to hundreds at Halloween bash

The flame of liberty burns in the heart of Penn's president -- liberty, that is, to feast on Halloween treats.

"Give me your tired, your poor, hungry masses yearning for candy," said University President Amy Gutmann, who dressed up as Lady Liberty for the president's annual Halloween party held last night.

Whereas former University President Judith Rodin traditionally hosted the event indoors, decorating each room according to a different Halloween theme, Gutmann chose to hold the bash outside in the residence's backyard.

Under a protective canopy, the party benefited from the unseasonably warm temperatures.

"I was expecting it to be inside," Nursing junior Susan McCall said. "But, it was very nice weather, so it was good to be outdoors."

Accompanied by Uncle Sam -- Gutmann's husband, Columbia University professor Michael Doyle -- the sequined and glittering Penn president greeted students and posed for photographs at the entrance to the pavilion.

"She is so festive to dress up," McCall said.

Gutmann and Doyle officially moved into the residence last weekend, after the house underwent renovation to make it handicap accessible.

Students mingled around tables laden with apples, cheese and crackers, hot and cold cider, ginger cookies and mini candy bars.

Gutmann "is definitely more healthy," College senior Nicole Tabolt said, comparing Gutmann's fare to that of Rodin's.

The president said she was not purposely trying to change the layout of the party to reflect the presence of a new and different administration.

"I just wanted to get as many students as possible," Gutmann said. "I wanted students to see the whole house and grounds."

For some of the hundreds of students who attended the event, like College sophomore Jackie Dunn, last night marked their first visit to the 3812 Walnut St. address.

For others who have attended the function in the past, it was an opportunity to see a different side to the mansion.

"It was nice to see a part of the house we haven't seen," College sophomore Anna Pearce said.

Attendees were heartened by the opportunity to meet the president face to face.

It "makes the school seem smaller," College freshman Jessica Rosenbaum said.

Richard Michael from Feast Your Eyes Catering was one of many who helped arrange the fall-themed get-together.

"I'd just like to see more students in costume," he said.

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