Campus & Community

Staff Q&A with Charles Howard

The Rev. Charles “Chaz” Howard’s official job as University Chaplain is to oversee religious life on campus, but in times of need he offers something much more personal to the Penn community: a friend.

Greg Johnson

West Philly’s front porch

In April, the University City District wants you to linger at The Porch, the reimagined public space adjacent to 30th Street Station, for a variety of events, including live music, fitness classes, and a beer garden.

Q&A with John Zeller

In 2007, Penn kicked off the public phase of the Making History Campaign, the largest fundraising effort in University history, and one of the largest ever launched by a U.S. college or university. From the beginning, the Campaign wasn’t just about reaching the numerical goal of $3.5 billion.

Heather A. Davis

Philadelphia READS! Community Night at Penn Museum April 10

It's a groundswell and it's building momentum—Philadelphia's cultural community is putting the spotlight on reading, literacy, and community engagement. Reading opens up worlds of opportunity—and books, like the many cultural treasures in the city, bring so many worlds vividly to life.

Pam Kosty



In the News


Philadelphia Inquirer

What’s it like to come home from prison? Reentry simulations let people experience it firsthand

With support from the STAR program, Aslam Ashari was able to enroll in an entrepreneurship course at Penn after his release from prison.

FULL STORY →



Philadelphia Inquirer

He started college in prison. Now, he is Rutgers-Camden’s first Truman scholar

Tej Patel, a third-year in the Wharton School and College of Arts and Sciences from Billeria, Massachusetts, was one of 60 college students nationwide chosen to be a Truman Scholar.

FULL STORY →



Philadelphia Inquirer

A collector donated 75,000 comic books to Penn Libraries, valued at more than $500,000

Alumnus Gary Prebula and his wife, Dawn, have donated a $500,000 collection of more than 75,000 comic books and graphic novels to Penn Libraries, featuring remarks from Sean Quimly of the Kislak Center and Jean-Christophe Cloutier of the School of Arts & Sciences.

FULL STORY →



Philadelphia Inquirer

How did a white woman come to write the newest definitive text on Philadelphia’s Black history?

Penn alum Amy Jane Cohen is profiled for her new book “Black History in the Philadelphia Landscape,” which examines Black history through the lens of events, institutions, and individuals across the city. The book includes a reflection from Penn chaplain Charles Howard.

FULL STORY →



WHYY (Philadelphia)

Homeward bound: When a Penn Medicine nurse was diagnosed with uterine cancer, she turned to the service dogs she helped to train

A profile highlights Maria Wright of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, from her volunteer work connecting people with service dogs to her cancer diagnosis and her own journey applying for a service dog.

FULL STORY →