Class of '91 revels during Senior Week

Over a combination of mixed drinks and mixed emotions, graduating seniors toasted their final days as undergraduates throughout this past week, celebrating with everything from "high teas" at Center City hotels to bar-hopping up Walnut Street. Senior Week, which each year begins on the last day of final exams with a Happy Hour at the Palladium, is organized by the outgoing senior class board and is one of their top annual responsibilities. "The events so far have been great," said Senior Class President Brian Gordon last week. "Everyone's having a great time. People are really getting into it. The weather has really helped." Unlike some previous years, the week did not include a "booze cruise," during which the class rents a ship for an evening on the Delaware River. Instead, organizers planned both a Day at the Races at Garden State Raceway and an afternoon in Atlantic City for gambling. Senior Class Board members said both events sold out. "Every single event that we sold tickets for, we sold out," said Board Secretary Suzanne Berman. The week also featured two campus crawls, events during which students travel between local bars. One included traditional campus haunts Murphy's and Smokey Joe's, while the annual "Walnut Walk" featured drink specials at bars along Walnut Street from Front Street to campus. "Fish tanks, air conditioning, and beer, that's all you need," said College senior Jennifer Applegate during the Walk. "The Walk rocks." "I got to celebrate with two of my best friends," added College senior Jessica Cooperman. New this year, officers planned a series of "geographic gatherings," during which seniors gathered at various campus restaurants. Seniors met at each location according to their anticipated homes next year. The week also featured a formal at the Warwick Hotel and a "Sun-In" on College Green. "It's just a place where everyone will go and hang out," Berman said. "You might as well try and go where everyone else is." The traditional Ivy Day ceremony was held yesterday, during which the class' Ivy Day stone was revealed at the Furness Building and a sprig of ivy was planted. L.A. Law star and former University student Alan Rachins was the featured speaker. Throughout the week, seniors had time to reflect on their college years, which are about to conclude. Most had mixed feelings about leaving the University and entering the "real world." "I think one important thing is it's a sad time and a happy time," Berman said. "That's why it doesn't matter what you do -- it's a time to see your friends." "I'm happy to graduate," Applegate added. "I'm leaving behind a lot of people I like, but I'll keep in touch with those who I care about."

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