Collaborating toward a better future for all Winners of the inaugural Draw Down the Lightning grants with Penn President J. Larry Jameson and Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives David Asch.nocred 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
Penn IUR enters its third decade Housed in Meyerson Hall, the Penn Institute for Urban Research (IUR) is a campus-wide enterprise that draws from the collective wisdom of experts around the Penn and beyond to inform urban development and actions on public policy to support the sustainable growth of metros. Now entering its third decade, President Emerita Judith Rodin and Penn IUR co-directors Eugénie Birch and Susan Wachter reflect on the Institute’s history and impact.nocred Penn IUR enters its third decade The Penn Institute for Urban Research enters its second decade. President emerita Judith Rodin and co-directors Eugénie Birch and Susan Wachter reflect on the Institute’s history and impact. 10 min. read
Penn leaders-turned-diplomats reflect on American statecraft and foreign policy “We all have voice, and we can use it,” Gutmann said, encouraging all American’s to be ambassadors and to “speak up for constitutional ideals of liberty and justice for all.”nocred Penn leaders-turned-diplomats reflect on American statecraft and foreign policy In a conversation at Perry World House event on “Common Sense Diplomacy,” President Emerita Amy Gutmann and former trustee chair David Cohen shared insights and experiences. 5 min. read
Mark Trodden named Dean of Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences nocred Mark Trodden named Dean of Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences Trodden will assume the role of dean of the School of Arts & Sciences beginning June 1. 3 min. read
Outstanding staff honored at Models of Excellence award ceremony Audience members clapping, cheering, and holding celebratory signs at the 2025 Models of Excellence award ceremony.(Image: Allie Ippolito for Margo Reed Studio) Outstanding staff honored at Models of Excellence award ceremony Dozens of staff representing various divisions across the University were recognized during the 2025 Models of Excellence event for their exceptional, impactful efforts at Penn. 3 min. read
Wharton’s Dinan Hall restoration celebrated President J. Larry Jameson, Wharton School Dean Erika H. James, and Trustee Jamie Dinan at the Dinan Hall dedication ceremony.(IMAGE: SHIRA YUDKOFF) Wharton’s Dinan Hall restoration celebrated A gift from Trustee, Wharton Board of Advisors member, and alumnus Jamie Dinan led to renovation of former Vance Hall. 2 min. read
AI Across Disciplines event highlights the power of ‘breadth and connectivity’ at universities From left: Bhuvnesh Jain, Marylyn Ritchie, Dawn Bonnell, René Vidal, Duncan Watts, and Lynn Wu. nocred AI Across Disciplines event highlights the power of ‘breadth and connectivity’ at universities At a cross-disciplinary gathering at Amy Gutmann Hall, the Penn community celebrated the launch of the Penn AI Initiative with a panel discussing AI research at Penn—and writ large. 5 min. read
Penn Arts & Sciences receives $8M commitment from The Robert K. Johnson Foundation nocred Penn Arts & Sciences receives $8M commitment from The Robert K. Johnson Foundation The gift will endow the Integrated Studies Program, which offers an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience for Benjamin Franklin Scholars students pursuing degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences. 2 min. read
Actor, director, producer, Penn alumna Elizabeth Banks to speak at 269th Commencement Class of 1996 alumna Elizabeth Banks will address the Class of 2025 at Penn’s 269th Commencement on May 19.(Image: Robert Ascroft) Actor, director, producer, Penn alumna Elizabeth Banks to speak at 269th Commencement At the Commencement ceremony on Monday, May 19, Banks will receive an honorary degree, along with the other 2025 Penn honorary degree recipients. 4 min. read
Penn Board of Trustees votes to appoint J. Larry Jameson President and extend his term through June 2027 “I am confident that our University’s future is bright as we prioritize our core values of excellence, freedom of inquiry and expression, and respect,” says Penn President J. Larry Jameson. “I am deeply committed to this extraordinary institution, and it is an honor to serve as Penn’s President.”nocred Penn Board of Trustees votes to appoint J. Larry Jameson President and extend his term through June 2027 Jameson has served as Interim President since December 2023. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and Dean of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine.