University invited to celebrate 'Making History' at Penn Park

On Friday, April 19, the entire Penn community is invited to celebrate the success of the Making History Campaign with student performances, food, a fireworks display against the city skyline, and entertainment from two Grammy-winning musical acts.

Recording artists Train and John Legend (a 1999 graduate of the College), will headline a night of entertainment that will also feature comedy, dance, and a capella singing on three stages. The event will take place at Penn Park from 5 to 9 p.m. and is open to all faculty, staff, students, alumni, parents, and their families. The celebration is entirely free, but advance registration is required.

Attendees will need to bring their event confirmation e-mail and their PennCard for admission. Family members who are attending must be registered and all adults will need photo ID to gain entry. 

Prior to the headliners, Penn students will entertain the crowds with scheduled performances by dance troupes Penn Dhamaka (male south Asian dance troupe), African Rhythms (African dance), Onda Latina (Latin dance), and Soundworks Tap Factory; comedy shows by Bloomers (female musical and sketch comedy), Simply Chaos (stand-up), and the The Mask and Wig Club (male musical comedy); and recitals by the Penn Glee Club, the Penn Band, and the Penny Loafers (a cappella), among others. 

The event will also include exhibition matches by the men’s and women’s rugby, women’s soccer, and men’s baseball teams, as well as the co-ed Tennis Club. Food and beverage tents will open at 5 p.m., offering guests sandwiches, hot dogs, pretzels, and a vegetarian option.

Scott Sharpe, director of programs and special events in Development and Alumni Relations, says there will be event admission set up at both the Paley Bridge and lower Walnut Street entrances. The main food tent will be situated near the lower Walnut Street entrance, and the main stage will be set up on the north end of Dunning-Cohen Champions Field, also located close to the lower Walnut entrance.

Following the performances by Train and Legend, there will be a fireworks display with the city skyline as a backdrop.

“The intent of this is the celebration of this great campaign, and donors, alumni, parents, volunteers, students, faculty, and staff are all part of this success,” says Sharpe. “This is a Penn family and Penn community event. We really want the faculty and staff to feel very much a part of this celebration.”

To register for the April 19 event, visit the “Making History at Penn Park” website.

Making History Time to Shine