Classmates,

Happy 2006! It's hard to believe that it was half our lives ago that we could first vote for President, and now many of us are old enough to run for President (scary or exciting, depending on your point of view, I suppose).

Penn continues to grow and mature each year as well. For those of you, like me, who were back on campus this Fall for Homecoming or other events, you had the chance to see the continued evolution and development of our campus and the neighborhood. I was fortunate to attend two very interesting sessions during Homecoming. Ronald J. Daniels, Penn's 28th Provost, led a Q&A among alums where he demonstrated his ability to relate to all constituent groups within the University while also being very approachable and friendly. Penn's Executive Vice President, Craig Carnaroli, led a presentation about the expansion of Penn's campus to the East (closer to Center City), including the new live music venue, World Café Live, just past the Ice Rink on Walnut Street.

Meanwhile, in Philadelphia and around the world, Penn alumni and others are commemorating Ben Franklin's 300th Birthday (suddenly, being in my mid-30s doesn't seem all that bad). For events related to Ben's B-day, as well as other events in your region, visit the Global Alumni Network at www.alumni.upenn.edu/club.

Coming up in May is Alumni Weekend 2006. The dates are May 12-14 with Commencement on Monday, May 15. As always, there is a diverse array of programming for all alumni, not just class reunion years (although it is the 15-year reunion of our friends who graduated a year before us). Some of the Diversity Alliance alumni groups are celebrating special anniversaries in 2006. The James Brister Society and the Black Alumni Society are planning events to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the graduation of the first-known person of color from Penn. For more information about Alumni Weekend activities or any of the Alumni Groups, go to the Penn Alumni Weekend webpage at www.alumni.upenn.edu/alumniweekend2006.

Well, if the Class of 1991 is having their Reunion this year, you know what that means. Our 15th Reunion is in May 2007. Preparations are getting underway. Please make sure that Penn has your updated contact information. Also, if you'd like to help out with the Reunion in any way (planning events, encouraging attendance, building excitement in your city/area, fundraising, etc.), please contact me at iramail@starpower.net or Katie Alwart in Alumni Relations (215-898-9435 / kalwart@ben.dev.upenn.edu).

Here's a toast to a great 2006 and a toast to dear old Penn!

Best wishes,
Ira J. Hillman, Class President