University of Pennsylvania

Penn Thillana gives an Enchanting Performance

Last weekend Penn Thillana, Penn’s premier classical Indian dance team, hosted their spring show Enchanted. The performance, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, blended the play seamlessly with the group’s signature dance style. First-time audience members loved the incorporation of the well-known story. “I think it’s really representative of Penn because we have so many cultures coming together,” commented Engineering and Wharton sophomore Christian Burton. Thillana’s poised and talented dancers amazed Engineering sophomore Nicole Lok. “It’s a super difficult dance form because it’s very precise,” she explained, “They even choreograph their eye movements!” Regardless, the dancers made each turn and twirl look flawless and effortless. Everything from the live music, to the elaborate costumes, to the dancers themselves came together for a truly magical spectacle.

BWUA Honors U.S. Dream Academy

Penn’s Black Wharton Undergraduate Association recently hosted its annual gala, an exciting and elegant evening that recognized the work of the non-profit organization the U.S. Dream Academy. The black tie affair, held at the Inn at Penn, gave students the opportunity to connect with friends and enjoy great food and entertainment, all while learning about an amazing cause.

College sophomore Keishawn Johnson looks forward to the event every year. “The BWUA Gala has always been a hallmark of my short time at Penn…the award ceremony is always a joy to watch, as great and deserving groups are recognized for their hard work.”

The Gala, or Galvanizing Adolescents towards a Legacy of Achievement Award, is known for recognizing exceptional organizations, particularly those which are making strides to improve the lives of youth in Philadelphia. The U.S. Dream Academy, an after-school mentoring program which focuses on character-building, was an easy choice for the gala committee.

“We chose the U.S. Dream Academy because of their focus on not only at-risk students but also students whose parents [are] in prison,” explains event chairperson and college sophomore Kerubo Mokaya.  “Tonight will go down as one of my fondest memories of Penn.”

Participants were serenaded by jazz trio Southern Silk through dinner and dessert, followed by an address from keynote speaker Dr. Tukufu Zuberi and the presenting of the award.

Elegance, fun, and service were clearly the themes for the evening, as students engaged with the charity and with one another. Congratulations to the U.S. Dream Academy for their work, and to the gala committee for hosting such a successful event.

Flinging in Fashion: Outfit Ideas

Penn has seen some crazy amazing weather this week! (Head over to our instagram for pics of Quakers enjoying the sunshine http://instagram.com/uofpenn).

Sadly, the summer-like temperatures we’ve been loving aren’t forecasted to last throughout Fling. This has huge implications for clothing choices for the weekend: The standard fling uniform of shorts, flip flops and bro tanks might be a little impractical in 60 degree rainy weather. For that reason, here are some quick outfit ideas for Penn girls and guys to try out. They’re fun, springy, and fling-approved, and will also work in cooler temperatures. Happy flinging!

For girls, jeans, hightops, and a breezy tee are totally appropriate for the weather, while a neon satchel adds a fun pop for a daytime look. If jorts are more your style, add a bright sweater and floral scarf to keep you warm.

Guys can embrace their inner prepster for fling in Nantucket red shorts, boat shoes, and striped tees. Be sure to add a zip up hoodie if the temperatures start to drop. Seasonal extras like a great pair of wayfarer shades add an instant cool-factor.

By Alexandra Roman, written storytelling intern

Penn Law Tumblr: #PennLawLife: "Why did you choose Penn Law?"

Penn Relay for Life Raises $84,000

This past weekend, Penn Colleges Against Cancer hosted the annual Relay for Life walk at Franklin Field. For most of the evening, participants enjoyed performances from student groups such as Off the Beat, Sparks Dance Company, and Quaker Girls Dance Team while running/walking for the cause.

Once night fell, the beautiful and inspiring Luminaria ceremony began, with a lineup of touching stories from members of the Penn community and the Philadelphia community at large, as well as a solemn moment of silence for loved ones lost to cancer. The nationally recognized event raised over $84,000 this year toward cancer research. Congratulations to the event organizers and all participants!