Seniors to toast final days at U. with week-long series of events

For years, graduating seniors have spent their last days at the University reveling in their last few moments of freedom before they go into the "real world." From the last day of exams until graduation, tradition has dictated that seniors indulge themselves in everything from an inebriated walk -- or sometimes crawl -- up Walnut Street to a night cruise up the Delaware River. This year will be no exception according to Senior Class Board members who are organizing this year's Senior Week. The week features a wide array of events scheduled to begin on May 4. They added that because the University will be celebrating its 250th anniversary, they are expecting a large turnout for this year's events. "I think especially because of Peak Week a lot of people will stay for it," said Senior class Treasurer Wendy LaRossa. Some of the most popular events from the past are scheduled for this year as well. The Senior Formal, held at the Warwick Hotel on May 10, the Booze Cruise, a boat ride down the Delaware River on May 6, and the annual Walnut Walk are all planned. In the Walnut Walk, which will take place this year on May 8, seniors, starting on Front Street, will visit over 20 bars with drink specials before ending up at Murphy's Tavern near campus. The Board has also scheduled two new events for the Class of 1990. Included for the first time are Performing Arts Night on May 5 in Irvine Auditorium and a Phillies game on May 6, according to Wharton representative Alan Axelrod. One traditional event is Ivy Day, which this year will take place on Saturday May 12 at 4 p.m. in Irvine Auditorium in which basketball star Julius Erving will speak. "Ivy Day is when the Senior honor awards are presented," explained Deborah Glassman, College senior and class secretary. "Also the Ivy Stone is revealed and the traditional sprig of ivy is planted." This year's Senior Week will also feature seven Senior Screamers -- another time-honored Senior Week activity -- including one at Smokey Joe's restaurant on May 12, the night before Baccalaureate. Described as a "one-day mini-Fling," the Senior Sun-In on May 10 from noon to 4:00 p.m. will be "a chance for seniors to hang out on College Green," according to Glassman. The senior class picture will also be taken and the General Alumni Society will be on hand to provide information to its newest member class throughout the afternoon. "[The events] bring everyone together and give friends a last chance to have some good times," explained Axelrod. "We expect the impact of the events to generate a lot of excitement." Tickets sales for the events, which went on sale yesterday, are "meeting expectations," and will continue to be on sale on Locust Walk until April 19 and during Reading Days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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