Quad set for April: Fling, not stirred

Don't worry, M's got your back: Penn students now have a "license to fling."

This year's Spring Fling Theme - "2007: License to Fling" - was announced by the Social Planning and Events Spring Fling Committee today in a press release.

Engineering junior Lindsay Motlin - one of the three directors of Fling - said that "everyone in the committee was enthusiastic about the Bond theme" because the current year - 2007 - fits well with Bond's "007" ranking.

Because the press release was released only a few hours ago, students were unavailable for comment on this year's theme, a takeoff on the 1989 James Bond movie, License to Kill.

They can, however, look forward to this year's logo contest, which was also announced today.

The logo, reflecting the chosen theme, will be featured on Fling paraphernalia, and the winning designer will receive $100 and a pair of tickets to the annual Friday-night Fling concert.

The deadline for submitting logos is Monday, Feb. 5. Logo entries can be sent to fling@dolphin.upenn.edu.

Spring Fling, an annual Penn tradition, will take place on April 13 and 14. Entering its 34th year, the event usually attracts about 10,000 students and visitors.

Typically, there is continuous live music and activities in the Quadrangle, as well as the aforementioned Friday concert, which tends to feature a nationally recognized band.

The name of the headlining band will likely be released in mid-March, Wharton senior Matt Mizrahi, co-director of the Social Planning and Events concerts committee, wrote in an e-mail.

Meanwhile, suggestions for daytime bands are being accepted and can be dropped off in the Office of Student Life.

But no matter what is chosen, members of the Fling committee - which spans students from all years and schools - expect Fling attendants to have a good time.

"Students can definitely expect the same activities that they have enjoyed in past years," Motlin said.

SPEC Spring Fling is also working on the FlingSafe Committee, a program of students who will work to promote safe and healthful fun during Fling that was created last year.

"The fact that so many students have stepped up for this committee is a testament to the fact that Penn students really value Spring Fling as a major school tradition," Wharton senior and SPEC chairman Catey Mark said.

She added that she hopes FlingSafe will help SPEC ensure a safe Fling and lead the administration to allow the event to continue in the future.

Last year, FlingSafe was created in order to reduce the amount of property damage and alcohol abuse that has been reported during Fling since its creation in 1973 - concerns that led University administration to question whether the tradition could be kept in the Quad last year.

And it seems to have helped; Lee Kramer, associate director of student life and SPEC advisor, said that, in recent years, a positive trend has emerged showing Fling to be a safe and fun event.

"We hope that all students will enjoy themselves responsibly," he said.

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