The sunshine brought more than just cherry blossoms out on Locust Walk Monday afternoon. College Green displayed an array of sunglasses, summer dresses and sandals as students wandered through College Palooza.
The event, sponsored by the College Dean’s Advisory Board, was a “carnival of liberal arts,” CDAB Co-Chairman and College senior Dave Frankenfield said.
CDAB aimed to gather all departments in the College to display what they have been teaching this semester, according to Co-Chairwoman of CDAB and College junior Saba Jafri.
Free food, information boards and student projects on display attracted students to the various tables set up along the walk. The Anthropology department’s table displayed casts of skulls instead of candy. The department even attracted students to the table with Bob, a replica mummy.
Students gathered around the Penn Liberal and Professional Studies table to grab free frisbees — ideal for the sunny spring day. LPS Recruitment Specialist Jay Esposito said he felt that the table helped attract student interest in Penn’s summer courses.
Hindi teaching assistant Nidhi Khatana said she spent at least half an hour preparing the South Asia Studies stand in the morning. She was grateful for the warm temperatures the early afternoon brought.
Frankenfield added the annual event has been lucky with the weather each year for College Palooza, since it began in 2006.
Penn Samba, Quaker Notes and Penn Pipers provided light entertainment in between 60-second lectures by various College professors.
Criminology professor Adrian Raine used his minute to explain to students how people become serial killers. “Once upon a time, these cold-blooded killers were once warm little babies,” he said.
The event coincided with Penn Previews, allowing prospective students and their families to get a glimpse of what the College has to offer.
College freshman Nick Volpe thought that the event was “cool” and said overall the event was “probably not as useful as [the College’s] website, but at least it puts it in front of you.”
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.