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Rare sparrows make guest appearance at Penn
Two all-white birds on gray pavement, with blurred leaves in the foreground.

The birds likely have a rare genetic condition called albinism, which stems from a mutation that prevents proper melanin production. (Image: Doug Wiebe)

Rare sparrows make guest appearance at Penn

Earlier this year, Penn Medicine epidemiologist Doug Wiebe glimpsed two small all-white birds outside Van Pelt Library that turned out to be albino house sparrows. Their coloration is likely the result of a genetic condition in which a bird’s feathers lack pigment.

Michele W. Berger

New ACME at 40th and Walnut streets opens
people walk past the new ACME market

New ACME at 40th and Walnut streets opens

Partnering with Penn, the grocery store has invested in a University City market with a fresh concept based on research and neighborhood trends. ACME will also contribute $50,000 to local hunger relief programs, including the Netter Center.

Lauren Hertzler

Fostering kittens, plus more Side Gigs for Good
A dog sitting on a couch, with a kitten nuzzled in its lap.

This summer, Morgan Hoke in Penn’s Anthropology department fostered four kittens, including Finch seen here, cuddling with Hoke’s dog Nuna. (Image: Courtesy Morgan Hoke)

Fostering kittens, plus more Side Gigs for Good

Around nearly any corner, the Penn community’s selflessness shines through, despite months apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Katherine Unger Baillie , Michele W. Berger

Quakers of all ages
At Franklin Field, a student from West Philadelphia runs with a baton during a track & field practice.

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Quakers of all ages

Every year since 2013, the Penn track and field teams have joined forces with the Netter Center for Community Partnerships in a program called Young Quakers Community Athletics (YQCA).

Penn Today Staff

Side Gigs for Good endure amid a pandemic
Person with a mask sitting on a bench holding a bowl of green beans next to a sign that says Beth David

Inspired to make her synagogue community more sustainable, Jane Horwitz of the Science Outreach Initiative helped congregants grow green beans for distribution to a local food pantry. (Image: Courtesy of Jane Horwitz)

Side Gigs for Good endure amid a pandemic

The Penn community’s altruism shines as the pandemic’s effects stretch on.

Katherine Unger Baillie , Michele W. Berger

Bringing green, healing spaces to the streets of West Philadelphia
Painted facade of One Art building in daylight in West Philadelphia

As part of her internship with One Art, rising junior Alice Cochrane collaborated with One Art Director Malaika Gilpin as well as members of BioPhilly, a local design network, to create renderings for a new, green facade for the West Philadelphia community center. (Image: Alice Cochrane, Maram Moushmoush/BioPhilly)

Bringing green, healing spaces to the streets of West Philadelphia

As part of a Summer Humanities Internship with One Art, rising junior Alice Cochrane helped design a new façade for the “urban eco arts village” and community center.

Erica K. Brockmeier

Shining a light on the dangers of lead
paint chipping off of wood

Shining a light on the dangers of lead

Lead poisoning robs children of opportunity, and the impact is worse in underserved communities. Faculty and students at Penn are bringing scientific and policy attention to the problem, while empowering young people to minimize their risk and be leaders for change.

Katherine Unger Baillie