*This article appeared in the 2007 Joke Issue
This may be more than just a drive-thru experience for actor Kal Penn.
Penn, already slated to teach two undergraduate courses in the University's Asian American Studies Program for the spring 2008 semester, will now replace Fred Scatena as the Department Chair of Earth and Environmental Science.
The decision to appoint Penn was announced by the Department Coordinator Arlene Bluntman at last night's annual banquet, "Love the Earth."
"We, at the department of Earth and Environment Science, love Penn's work," Bluntman said. "We needed to hit it, too."
Although some believe Penn, who lacks a doctorate degree, is an unconventional choice for a department head, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dennis DeTurck supports the decision.
"Kal Penn is chronic." DeTurck said. "He's all about the environment, knows good herb. His experiences make him uniquely qualified, and I think he is just what this University needs."
Bluntman also announced that, by Penn's request, the department's office will be moved to the Biopond.
Penn spoke at last night's banquet to accept the position and explained his reasoning behind the move.
"The Biopond is ideal," Penn said. With the change, "students will have the opportunity to get in touch with Earth . nature . themselves. It's about soul-searching, figuring out who we are and how we fit into this crazy world."
As department head, Penn will create the curriculum for each upcoming semester.
"The current curriculum is pretty much cashed, and I'm thinking of changing things around a bit," Penn said. "Introduction to Geology is wack. I'm talking about introduction to rolling copious amounts of green into one fat joint."
Penn also said his first order of business will be to bring in John Cho, who played Harold in Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, as the associate department head.
"Harold will help with the two most important activities - rolling and packing," Penn said. "What is weed going to do to us? Get us really blazed, I hope."
Overall, students seem to be pleased by the announcement.
"I think it's a dank choice," College senior Jay Skunkstein said. "Totally good move."
