“Upon the Report of the Examiners, the following candidates approved of as qualified by their standing and proficiency to be admitted to the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, are James Abercrombie, John Leeds Bos[z]man, John Clopton, William Cock[e], Thomas Duncan Smith, William Thomas, and Ralph Wiltshire; and a mandate was ordered to be made out for conferring on them their Degree of Bachelor of Arts on the 10th of June next.”
(Image: Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Minute Books, volume 2, 1768-1779; University Archives)
A look back at the Class of 1776
At the time, the seven graduates of the class received Bachelor of Arts degrees in a private ceremony open only to faculty, trustees, and graduates—due to what was described as the “unsettled state of affairs.”
On May 18, more than 9,000 students are eligible to graduate at the University-wide Commencement ceremony, and Penn will confer eight honorary degrees.
The gift from Wharton alumnus Greg Mondre and Alexandra Mondre will establish the Mondre Family Initiative, increasing tuition affordability for more than 1,000 families each year.
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Penn receives $20M gift for middle-income student financial aid enhancements
A landmark gift from Greg and Alexandra Mondre will provide endowed support for Penn’s Quaker Commitment.
Forum on the future of higher education launches Penn Speaker Series on America 250
America’s semiquincentennial presents the opportunity to reflect on what events and institutions created the United States, and the role these institutions will play in the future.
Tips for a greener, cleaner, and easier Move-Out experience
Working with community partners, Penn offices offer options for off-campus pickups, on-campus donations, and additional curbside trash pickup days aimed at keeping the neighborhood clean and limiting what ends up in the landfill.
(Clockwise from top left) Mark G. Allen, Sara Cherry, John L. Jackson, Jr., Michael E. Mann, and Duncan J. Watts.
(Images: Courtesy of Penn Engineering; Penn Medicine; Eric Sucar; Julian Meehan; and Annenberg School for Communication)
Five from Penn elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences
Mark G. Allen, Sara Cherry, Provost John L. Jackson, Jr., Michael E. Mann, and Duncan Watts are recognized for their contributions to the applied, biological, social, natural, physical, and behavioral sciences.
The recipients of the 2026 President’s Engagement and Innovation Prizes: (Top left) Connie Ni, Darlene Leohansson, and Chloe Chang. (Top right) Justin Wang, Janine Haros, and Eric Lee. (Bottom left) Margaret Zhu; (bottom right) Nhlanhla Mavuso.
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Class of 2026 President’s Engagement and Innovation Prize winners announced
Four prize-winning teams will design and implement post-graduation projects that make a positive, lasting difference here in Philadelphia and beyond.
