As students from around the world apply to join Penn’s Class of 2030, each application includes a thank-you note to someone who shaped their journey. In solidarity and in that same spirit of gratitude, I write today to thank all of you in our Penn community.
Thank you to our students—nearly 30,000 of you—for all the ways you engage, excel and inspire. You give me tremendous optimism for the future. In October, I joined four fourth-years onstage during Family Weekend for a deep dive into their Penn journeys. The audience loved their insider view, and so did I. We also recently celebrated another Penn Rhodes Scholar, Florence Onyiuke, joining a distinguished tradition of Penn scholars committed to making a difference in the world. These are just a few recent examples among countless.
Thank you to our faculty, distinguished by your exceptional teaching, rigorous scholarship, and how you ignite learning and strengthen the life skills of our students. You impress me every day. Onstage at a recent alumni event in New York, I was delighted to talk with two star professors, Sarah Gronningsater in SAS and Abby Reisman in GSE. They covered how teaching history and the classroom experience can model empathy and trustworthy communication, both critical to supporting a thriving democracy. In Boston, I interviewed Kirin Musunuru, who led a team to create a novel CRISPR gene editing treatment for a baby with a lethal genetic liver disorder. In just about every field under the sun, Penn faculty are providing scholarship and expertise while leading the important discussions of our time.
Thank you to our staff for the critical ways you enable our missions, ensure Penn runs seamlessly all day every day, and form the foundation of Penn’s success. You support our students, faculty, and one another; keep our campus safe, cutting-edge, and beautiful; deliver lifesaving care; and strengthen our local, national, and global partnerships. Your innovative thinking and dedication keep Penn at the forefront of education, research, and service. I am deeply grateful for the expertise and creativity you bring every day.
Thank you to our global alumni for maintaining such strong connections to Penn and each other. It was wonderful seeing many of you recently in Dubai, Boston, New York, and on campus for Homecoming. When I talk about the difference Penn makes in the world, I always highlight the extraordinary impact of our alumni, delivering Franklin’s mandate to do good in the world. You mentor our students, open doors to opportunity, champion our academic missions, and are Penn’s finest ambassadors.
As we enter the final weeks of the semester, I encourage you to thank someone who has made a difference in your life at Penn. Gratitude strengthens the bonds that hold our community together and propel us forward. I remain grateful to each of you—students, faculty, staff, and alumni—for your commitment to our shared goal of using knowledge for good.
Please enjoy the break, and I will see you around campus soon in December.
Warmly,
J. Larry Jameson, MD, Ph.D.
President