Memories of Penn

Author: Rebecca Eckart, GEd’ 13

Well, I can finally say it: I’m officially a proud Penn alumna!  I graduated from the Graduate School of Education this May, and as I packed up my apartment, I couldn’t help taking time out to browse through the hundreds of pictures I’ve taken of Penn this year.  As I’m sure all of you would agree, Penn’s campus is incredibly beautiful.  Inspired by Casey R.’s top ten posts, I’d like to share ten of my favorite places with you, in no particular order.

The Love Statue

I can’t count the number of times I’ve posed next to this statue with classmates and friends.

Graduate Student Center

The Graduate Student Center (GSC) is my favorite place on campus to study or grab lunch.  Several of the friends I made outside of my cohort I met during the first few weeks of school at the GSC.

Locust Walk

Locust Walk is beautiful all year round, but especially in the spring when all the trees come back to life and form a perfect arch for graduates as they process down to Franklin Field.  Walking through all the class flags with friends and classmates is definitely something I won’t forget anytime soon.

Graduate School of Education (GSE)

This is the building where I took most of my classes.  I made friendships, established lifelong professional networks, and learned from some of the most innovative faculty in the field of education here.  Penn GSE was founded in 1914 and will celebrate its centennial next year—hopefully I’ll be back to celebrate!

College Hall

College Hall is one of my favorite buildings on campus, especially when the sunset hits the west side of the building.

Van Pelt-Dietrich Rocking Chairs

You can find these great rocking chairs on the first floor of Van Pelt facing College Green.

Covenant

Covenant by Alexander Liberman is one of my favorite pieces of public sculpture on campus.

Penn Park

Not only is Penn Park a great place to run or take a walk, it also boasts a fantastic view of downtown Philadelphia.

Franklin Field

I took in a number of Penn traditions at Franklin Field this year, including the post-third quarter toast toss during home football games and the Penn Relays.  My final trip into Franklin Field this year was for the 257^th Commencement.

Sweeten Alumni House

Finally, last but no means least, Sweeten Alumni House.  I was incredibly lucky this year to work as a graduate assistant in Alumni Relations. Not only did I learn a lot, I also got to work with a great staff and meet talented and proud Penn alumni from all over the country.