Announcements

Like you, I am witnessing the turbulence and strife taking place on several university campuses across the country. Members of our community will have different reactions to what is happening, including feeling heightened anxiety and other strong emotions. That this unrest is happening at the start of Passover undoubtedly creates further stress.

Today, the University of Pennsylvania announced admission decisions for Regular Decision applicants to the Class of 2028 across Penn’s four undergraduate schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Wharton School, and the School of Nursing. These remarkable students will comprise Penn’s 272nd undergraduate class.

With heavy hearts, we write to share that Nathaniel Gordon, a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, passed away Saturday, March 23, at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.Nate, as he was known to family and friends, was a native of Covington, Georgia, and moved to Philadelphia when he was 13. He earned his high school diploma through the Community College of Philadelphia’s Gateway to College Program, a partnership with the School District of Philadelphia that enables high school students to enroll in CCP courses.

During these first weeks of the spring semester, I have been sitting down with students, faculty, and staff who are deeply engaged in fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment on our campus. I have talked with the chairs of the Antisemitism Task Force and the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community.

There are times when leaders should weigh in on the values and principles that guide and define an institution. Recent political cartoons make this one of them.

Just before the winter break, Interim President J. Larry Jameson convened the Presidential Commission on Countering Hate and Building Community. A full listing of the members of the Commission and their charge all can be found on the Office of the President website. We are grateful to Dr. Jameson for his leadership and share his view that hate has no home at Penn.

Welcome to a new semester and a new year at Penn!As I begin my role as Interim President, people within our University and beyond are sharing with me their deep affection for Penn. They believe in Penn’s extraordinary work and our boundless potential.I believe in Penn, too. Over the years, I have witnessed what we can do to make the world a better place.

Interim President J. Larry Jameson issues a statement on the passing of Claire M. Fagin, former interim president of the University of Pennsylvania and former dean of the School of Nursing.

I write to share that J. Larry Jameson, MD, Ph.D., has graciously agreed to serve as Interim President of the University of Pennsylvania, effective immediately. Dr. Jameson has served as Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and dean of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine, which together comprise Penn Medicine, since 2011.

I am honored that the Board of Trustees has asked me to serve as Penn’s Interim President. I accept this responsibility clear-eyed about the challenges facing our University. Like you, I love Penn. I have dedicated many years of my life to this amazing institution. I have been honored to serve as Executive Vice President of our health system and dean of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine for more than 12 years.