Though he was not the original choice for the Social Planning and Events Committee's fall speaker, rap mogul Russell Simmons has students excited about his Nov. 8 visit to Irvine Auditorium.
SPEC President Catey Mark said that former Vice President Al Gore had previously accepted a bid to be the fall speaker but was unable to sign the contract because of a scheduling conflict.
"At this point, we're really excited about Russell Simmons and the buzz we've noticed around campus," Mark said, adding that the CEO of Rush Communications and founder of Def Jam Records is also an excellent choice for speaker.
Simmons has been referred to as the "godfather of hip-hop."
Though some students have not heard of Russell Simmons, most are aware of his contribution to the hip-hop industry and are excited about his visit.
"He's an entrepreneur, and I want to hear what he has to say," said Wharton senior Ari Friedland, adding that he thinks Simmons will appeal not only to Wharton students, but to the entire Penn community.
Friedland, who said he plans on entering the ticket lottery, said that he feels Simmons is a good choice.
"I think it's kind of out of the blue, but I think it's a solid choice," Friedland said.
Jake Ginsburg, a College junior, said that he also approves of Simmons for fall speaker.
"He's obviously done a lot of hard work, and I think he's a role model for entrepreneurs," Ginsburg said. "I don't know a heck of a lot about him, but I know more than if [SPEC] were to choose some other random CEO."
Wharton junior Rick Aubrey, however, said that he had never heard of Simmons and has no interest in hearing him speak.
"I have kind of a distinct music taste, and hip-hop definitely isn't in it,"Aubrey said.
Wharton sophomore Gayani Abeyasinghe said that she was surprised by the choice.
"I think it's pretty cool, but I would expect someone more academic than him" at Penn, Abeyasinghe said, adding that she thinks Simmons is a decent choice because he will provide practical advice on succeeding in the world.
A lottery for student tickets opened yesterday at specevents.net.
Students selected will be notified on Nov. 2 and will then have the chance to buy up to two $5 tickets.
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