Cabrini takes over the Parkway

MARIA D’ALESSANDRO STAFF WRITER MAD724@CABRINI EDU

The potential storms on Saturday, Oct. 2 did not keep Cabrini students from boarding a train to the city for some free entertainment. Afree Something Corporate concert and free entry to 11 Philadelphia museums weighed more than the threat of rain. Small groups of friends traveled into the city to be a part of Campus Philly’s Kick-Off, a nonprofit, student-run project of the city of Philadelphia.

Campus Philly links college students across the Philadelphia region through this day of free museum entry and concerts. All of Benjamin Franklin Parkway was transformed into a day of free activities, on-site skateboarding and giveaways from area businesses, organizations and voter registration information. Booths lined the street, offering free product and drink samples, voter registration and community service and internship opportunities. The “You Can Deal With It” program was at the festivities, plus representatives from Drexel and Rutgers. Arock-climbing wall also attracted students.

Once arriving in the city, students received free admission to Parkway museums with a college ID. They were able to explore the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Franklin Institute Science Museum and others from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting at 3 p.m., Something Corporate and local bands creat- ed a huge crowd for their free concerts on the Parkway.

Kristine Jennings, a sophomore and Something Corporate fan, said that she loved being able to see her favorite band for free in Philadelphia. Jennings was also lucky enough to get an autograph from Andrew McMahon, the lead vocalist, and a photo with him after the concert.

After all the festivities, Shampoo Nightclub offered a $5-off discount for admission, starting at 9 p.m.

The group offers the Campus Philly Kick-Off in order to expose college students to the city’s social, community and professional opportunities. This program establishes the city as a “region with a vibrant college population,” according to Cam- pus Philly e-mail statements.

Over 20,000 participants from ages 18 to 25 were estimated to come out for the day’s festivities.

According to the website campusphilly.org, the group’s mission is to “engage college students in providing them better information, incentives and networking opportunities to make the most out of college life in Philly. And, as they graduate, we will connect students to the tools to find a job and stick around.”

Campus Philly also offered a discount program to involve regional colleges and universities. The program gives students discounts at cultural and retail outlets, access to events at college campuses and in the region or to other promotions organized for the student community