Celebrating the people who make Penn special

Forget Ben Franklin and all the Penn provosts and presidents that followed in his footsteps -- it's the faculty and staff who have devoted themselves to the University that give it its distinctive character. Which is why President Judith Rodin, Interim Provost Michael Wachter and Executive Vice President John Fry have invited Penn faculty and staff to a three-day celebration of the contribution we all make to the institution.

Faculty and Staff Appreciation Days begin with a picnic lunch on College Green June 2 and conclude with a self-paced tour of the University's museums on June 4. Here's a detailed schedule of events, all of which are free:

Tuesday, June 2

• PARTY ON THE GREEN: Enjoy a catered picnic lunch and cool jazz provided by Signature, featuring Community Relations Director Glenn Bryan. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on College Green.

Wednesday, June 13

• WAKE-UP WALK/RUN: Get your juices flowing with a 1.5-mile walk-run up Locust Walk from Hutchinson Gym. 7:40 to 9 a.m.; starting point at Hutchinson Gym, 33rd St. between the Palestra and Franklin Field. Hutchinson Gym lockers available for changing; refreshments included at end of route.

• HEALTH FAIR: Representatives of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and other health-care providers will offer over 25 workshops, screenings and information tables. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Faculty Club, 200 S. 36th St.

Thursday, June 4

• MUSEUM TOUR: The four museums on and near the Penn campus -- the Arthur Ross Gallery, 220 S. 34th St.; the Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St.; the Esther Klein Art Gallery at the University City Science Center, 3600 Market St.; and the University of Pennsylvania Museum, 33rd and Spruce streets -- will offer free refreshments to faculty and staff visitors this afternoon. 3 to 6 p.m. PennBus shuttles will operate at 15-minute intervals in a loop connecting the four museums, picking up passengers at corners.