Academy Award-winning actress Jodie Foster will deliver the University's 250th Commencement address on Monday with a speech University administrators promise will resonate with the Class of 2006.
And after initial skepticism from senior-class leaders, those graduating now say they are eager to hear Foster's remarks.
"There was a little bit of surprise" after the choice was announced, Senior Class President Pierre Gooding said. But "seniors are excited."
"General remarks is that she is an excellent speaker," Gooding added.
A Yale University graduate, Foster was selected because she has played "courageous roles" and is a "role model," according to Penn President Amy Gutmann.
University Secretary Leslie Kruhly -- who oversees Commencement -- said she was pleased with a draft of Foster's speech she had seen. She said she could not disclose any specifics.
"I can only say she's making ... remarks which I think the graduates will find challenging and personal," Kruhly said.
Representatives for Foster did not immediately return phone calls for comment.
While Foster was not on a short list of desired speakers that an advisory board of seniors provided to administrators, Gooding is optimistic Foster's speech will be an inspiring send-off.
"I would definitely like to hear Jodie give some type of direction to the outgoing class," Gooding said. He thinks the senior class should get "something to think about as they move on to their future careers."
And members of the Class of 2006 are already thinking about their legacy.
The senior gift drive had raised $54,836 as of Wednesday. Officials estimated that they expected to raise more this weekend. The money will go toward the Penn Fund, which supports general University needs like financial aid and facilities.
About 55 percent of the class had donated to the campaign as of Wednesday, according to Meredith Seidel, who is orchestrating the campaign. She is confident it will attract enough new donors by the June 30 deadline to pass the 60 percent mark and set a University record.
"They are going to break it," Seidel said. "There's no doubt about it."
Seniors had set a goal of $60,000 early in the academic year. The previous class had the same aim but did not quite reach it.
The Class of 2005 donated the funds it raised for scholarships.
Preparations are also under way for this Saturday's Ivy Day, on which senior leaders will present the Ivy Day stone. The stone, planted each year in a different campus location, serves as a permanent monument to each class.
The Senior Class Board chose to place the class' stone on the stairs in Wynn Commons near Logan Hall. While its exact spot on the steps was not solidified on Wednesday, Gooding said the placement will be a strong testament to the class.
Wynn Commons is "the student-union area where lots of seniors congregate and ... it's next to College Hall and all of the tradition that is around that area," Gooding said. "That was the perfect place."
