| Penn Today

2025-10-03

Philadelphia’s Green Transformation

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and Penn Institute for Urban Research will host a discussion about community-driven efforts to make Philadelphia cleaner, greener, and safer for all. Panelists will address how non-profit leaders, community organizers, and researchers work to improve and maintain Philadelphia’s diverse public and underutilized spaces. Open to the public. Register for free tickets.

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Irvine Auditorium, 3401 Spruce St.

2025-10-10

The Penn AI Symposium

A computer chip illuminated and elevated with the letters AI printed on it.

The inaugural Penn AI Symposium, hosted by Penn AI, will invite leading thinkers to share their explorations at the frontiers of artificial intelligence. Speakers will address some of the most significant questions of our time, including how AI intersects with business, education, health, science, and society. Free and open to faculty, students, and thought leaders, both internal and external to Penn. Register to attend.

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Huntsman Hall, 3730 Walnut St.

2025-10-04

Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

Chinese calligraphy brush strokes against paper.

Penn students, faculty, and staff are invited to learn how to write autumn-related poetry and phrases in traditional calligraphy, as well as enjoy mooncakes, music, and social time.

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The ARCH, 3601 Locust Walk

2025-09-30

The Future of Global Public Health

In May, the Pandemic Agreement was adopted at the World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization, aspiring to improve global cooperation in pandemic preparedness. Meanwhile, infectious diseases like avian influenza and West Nile virus pose threats to public health. Perry World House will host an expert panel on these evolving risks and what should be done to address them. Free and open to the Penn community. Register to attend.

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Hybrid; Perry World House, 3803 Locust Walk

2025-10-03

The Voices of Our Vision: The Sound of Success

During this documentary screening and panel discussion, participants will learn more about Positioned for Success, a mentoring program launched by Penn students for Philadelphia middle schoolers and funded by a Penn Projects for Progress award. Open to the public. Register for free tickets.

6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

College of Liberal and Professional Studies, 3440 Market St.

2025-11-01

CultureFest! Día de los Muertos

Two costumed dancers at a Dia de Los Muertos event

Día de los Muertos dates back 3,000 years to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and is observed across Latin America and in Latine communities worldwide. Participants will explore the unique history, traditions, and expressions of this celebration of life and death. Hosted by the Penn Museum, this family-friendly festival includes an arts activity, dance and music performances, an artisan market, and a traditional ofrenda (altar) installation. Free with Penn ID.

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Penn Museum, 3260 South St.

2025-09-25

Democracy, Gender, and Leadership in Africa

Perry World House will host a conversation with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, who began her term in March 2025. The second woman to be elected president in Africa, and the first in Namibia, President Nandi-Ndaitwah will speak with the Penn community about her commitment to democracy, gender equality, improved governance, and economic growth. Register to attend.

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Hybrid; Perry World House, 3803 Locust Walk

2025-10-27

A Preview of ‘The Machu Picchu Play’

The Penn community is invited to a preview of ‘The Machu Picchu Play' by Peruvian playwright Tyler Rocio, directed by Erlina Ortiz, a Dominican American theater maker and Equity in Action Visiting Scholar. Register to attend.

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Platt Student Performing Arts House, 3702 Spruce St.

2025-09-24

Whartons’ Heartivist: Impact, Reimagined

Nimo Patel—Penn alumnus and founder of Empty Hands Music—will share his experiences with supporting underserved populations through music, dance, and community empowerment initiatives. Attendees will learn how the performing arts can foster unity and empower the next generation of changemakers. Register to attend.

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St.

USA Today

Nebraska confirms state’s first case of bird flu in dairy herd as U.S. outbreak persists

Scott Hensley of the Perelman School of Medicine says that a bird flu case in a Nebraska dairy herd isn’t unexpected given the virus’s ongoing circulation among cattle.