West Philadelphia | Penn Today

Opening doors to health care careers

Hakiem Ellison helps Philadelphia students explore health care career pathways and plan for their future.

Local businesses and Penn suppliers promote their products and services during the expo portion of the Penn Local Business Exchange.

Fueling growth locally, together

The eighth annual Penn Local Business Exchange brought together entrepreneurs, city officials, and University buyers to swap insights and build relationships.

4 min. read

Craig Roncace, Penn’s urban park manager, gardening and caring for plants in an outdoor park setting on campus.

Craig Roncace puts his green thumb to work

As Penn’s urban park manager, Craig Roncace leads a versatile team in charge of outdoor maintenance, waste management, and sustainability initiatives across campus.

3 min. read

Mark Dingfield named executive vice president at Penn

As executive vice president, Dingfield will oversee Penn’s business and administrative operations, including finance, investments, human resources, information technology, facilities and real estate services, audit, public safety, and more.

2 min. read

Nikisha Bailey and Matthew Nam, co-founders of Win Win Coffee, a Philadelphia-based coffee supplier and Penn vendor.

Keeping it local: Penn’s partnerships with Philadelphia-based vendors boost local economy, neighborhood impact

According to the University’s latest Economic Impact Report, Penn helps power Philadelphia’s economy by procuring goods and services from neighboring businesses. Local CEOs discuss the meaningful impact that Penn has on their bottom line and in the community.

7 min. read

Know before you go: Commencement 2025

Penn Today provides a list of important facts and tips to help guide guests through this year’s Penn’s 269th Commencement ceremony to be held on Franklin Field on Monday, May 19.

3 min. read

A celebration of creativity and innovation for social good

Nine graduating students were recognized at an annual reception for the President’s Engagement, Innovation, and Sustainability prizes.

4 min. read

Fourth-years Ejun Mary Hong and Jack Nicholas Roney were awarded a 2025 President's Engagement Prize to pursue their PIXEL project. The pair will collaborate to bring art mentorship, creative skill-building, and industry networking opportunities to under-resourced high school students in the greater Philadelphia area.

Empowering high school youth through immersive art mentorship

Penn fourth-years Ejun Mary Hong and Jack Nicholas Roney will use a President’s Engagement Prize to expand their existing initiative dedicated to connecting under-resourced high school students in Philadelphia with art mentorship, creative skill-building, and industry networking opportunities.

6 min. read

Inaya Zaman, Rashmi Acharya, and Imani Nkrumah Ardayfio.

Nourish to Flourish

Fourth-years Rashmi Acharya, Imani Nkrumah Ardayfio and Inaya Zaman created Nourish to Flourish, winner of a 2025 President’s Engagement Prize. The trio will work with community partners at the Benjamin B. Comegys School in West Philadelphia to encourage healthier food choices.