An array of speakers including Mayor David Cicilline '83 and President Ruth Simmons kicked off A Day On College Hill by welcoming prospective students and their parents last night in Salomon 101. The program, largely designed to highlight Brown's unique attributes for those in attendance, also included remarks from Dean of Admission Jim Miller '73 - who referred to the class of 2010 as "one of, if not the single best class in the history of Brown" - and a video presenting portrayals of Brown in popular culture.
ADOCH co-coordinators Joshua Livingstone '08 and Julen Harris '08 congratulated the approximately 600 students in attendance on their acceptance and acknowledged the futility of conveying what Livingstone termed Brown's "awesomeness" in a five-minute speech. Livingstone and Harris encouraged everyone to immerse themselves in the Brown community and make the most of their 24-hour ADOCH experience.
Harris introduced Simmons as "the most respected and loved person on this campus." Prospective students who introduced themselves to, took pictures with and even hugged Simmons before the program promised the class of 2010 will carry on this adoration. After asking those standing in the back of Salomon 101 to find a seat, Simmons told students "how extraordinary it is to be your age and to have so many choices."
"We are honored that you even thought about Brown as an option for your college education," Simmons said. "You are the smartest, the cutest, the savviest, the most cosmopolitan, the most extraordinary - I could go on and on. You are the best," she told the audience. Simmons congratulated Miller on completing his job under immense pressure, scoring a laugh when she added such pressure was only increased because the "entire nation - that is, the Thursday night Fox nation - was waiting to see whether he would admit (The OC characters) Seth and Summer."
Simmons spoke of growth and improvements currently under way at Brown, saying it is being "done all for you - the class of 2010." She noted the hiring of additional faculty, the upcoming completion of the Life Sciences Building and the planned Friedman Study Center to be housed in the Sciences Library.
Regarding this last project, Simmons expressed her befuddlement at student demand for 24-hour spaces and attempted "to put in a plug for sleep," even though she acknowledged it would likely be to no avail. She added that when students invite her to have coffee or a snack she is frequently shocked by how late they suggest meeting, saying she is always asleep by 11 p.m.
Brown is "not an easy institution to understand from the outside," Simmons said. In a gentle dig at other universities, she said she sometimes has to explain Brown students' oft-cited status as "the happiest in the (Ivy League)" to the puzzled presidents of other Ivies.
"Whether you choose Brown or not, be aware of what a phenomenal opportunity and obligation you have because of what you have been given in life," Simmons concluded, leaving the stage to thunderous applause.
Miller charged those accepted under Brown's early decision program to convert undecided students and encouraged others to take advantage of ADOCH to "ask every question you ever wanted to ask."
Miller encouraged prospective Brown students to both peruse " all of our propaganda" and to stand in the middle of the Main Green and ultimately judge the University based on what their "heart and stomach" tell them.
"The brain is a lousy organ to make that choice," he said.
Cicilline attempted to sell prospective students on the possibilities Brown presents for participating in the world beyond College Hill. Brown's close relationship with Providence "allows young people from Brown to become really a part of the fabric of Providence," Cicilline said. He also praised Brown as an important resource for the city and state. He touted Providence's architecture, cultural offerings, history and vibrant neighborhoods. Cicilline closed by telling the audience he has never met any Brown alum who does not love the University. "How could anyone get accepted to Brown and not come?" he asked.
The presentation concluded with a video that offered students a look at Brown's image in popular culture. Entertaining clips from the Simpsons, the Sopranos, The OC, Sex and the City, Family Guy and some well-known movies both flattered and mocked the University.
Alex Vogel '10 said the video gave ADOCH "a good vibe." He added the "speakers were funny and very persuasive (and) Ruth Simmons certainly had a way about her."
Dean of the College Paul Armstrong addressed parents in Sayles Hall immediately before the speeches in Salomon, highlighting the unique combination of independence and guidance Brown affords students. He attributed Brown students' happiness to the New Curriculum and praised the University faculty. The Rev. Lester Stone, the parent of a prospective student visiting from Lansing, Mich., said he thought the presentation was delightful. "The thing I got out of it was the philosophy of Brown - of freedom as well as responsibility," he said.
