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At Convocation, first-years called on to ‘embrace the unexpected’
Franklin Field during Penn’s 2025 Convocation.

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At Convocation, first-years called on to ‘embrace the unexpected’

Penn’s 286th academic year formally began at Convocation, where President J. Larry Jameson drew lessons from nature by invoking fireflies—recognizing students’ brilliance, prescribing them to ‘“embrace the unexpected,” and reminding them, “Fireflies do not glow alone.”

4 min. read

Penn leaders welcome first-years and families
Penn President J. Larry Jameson shaking hands with a new student at the NSO event.

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Penn leaders welcome first-years and families

President J. Larry Jameson offered a message of encouragement, comparing the scaffolding on Fisher Fine Arts Library to the support Penn will provide the Class of 2029, and Provost John L. Jackson Jr. told students they will be challenged both with new ideas and to embrace differences.

2 min. read

Class of 2025 Ivy Day Ceremony
The recipients of the Ivy Day awards holding their awards.

Recipients of the 2025 Senior Honor Awards (from left): Amaan Omer, Bonnie Li, William Krasnow, Fiona Wu, Faith Applegate, Ria Ellendula, Yousef Elyoussef, and Jared Mitovich.

(Image: Prestige Photography)

Class of 2025 Ivy Day Ceremony

Annually for more than 150 years, the Ivy Day Ceremony has celebrated remarkable graduating fourth-years for their leadership and service, with the Senior Honor Awards being among the oldest traditions at Penn.

3 min. read

Collaborating toward a better future for all
Group pose of Draw Down the Lightning grants winners.

Winners of the inaugural Draw Down the Lightning grants with Penn President J. Larry Jameson and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives David Asch.

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Collaborating toward a better future for all

The 12 winning teams of the inaugural Draw Down the Lightning grants were celebrated by Penn leadership at a reception, bringing to life the vision of In Principle and Practice.

4 min. read