Campus & Community

On his way to becoming a choral music teacher, William Alexander took a detour down guidance counselor road to work with middle school students, and ended up in the land of psychology. “I think always working with young people was the central theme,” he says about his career, “so I navigated my interests from teaching to psychotherapy and psychology.”

Now in its 15th year, Penn’s Models of Excellence program has honored more than 600 notable staff members who reflect initiative, leadership, increased efficiency, and commitment to service.

Diane Sandefur entered the world of higher education as a nontraditional student. For the past 17 years at Penn, she has helped hundreds of fellow nontraditional students—veterans, in particular —receive their own acceptance letters from higher education institutions.

As a Mexican, Steven Cabrera says he’s very aware that many individuals who share his culture have a difficult time accessing health care in Philadelphia because of issues like immigration, poverty, or both.

The integration of computers in modern life has led to an explosion in networks and the amount of data flowing through them. This information has enabled the more efficient management of electrical grids, and new research techniques in fields as diverse as sociology, astronomy, and genetics.

This fall, Penn has expanded its menu of campus dining options, adding new facilities to its retail footprint, both off campus and on. HipCityVeg recently opened at 214 S. 40th St., and HubBub Coffee, at 3736 Spruce St., is scheduled to open on Monday, Oct. 21, at 7 a.m.

Faculty, staff, and students who have innovative ideas about sustainability are encouraged to apply for support from the Green Fund.

Penn parents and alumni who seek a freewheeling discussion about books and writing can join a Kelly Writers House online book group. The Writers House has hosted these groups every year since 1999, which are led by a member of Penn’s faculty or someone from the Writers House community.

Penn and Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have received a $5.65 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant for a joint center to conduct transportation technology research and development.

As of this month, faculty, staff, and students will have even more tasty food options near campus, from vegetarian sandwiches to high-quality coffee. HipCityVeg, which features scrumptious vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and smoothies, opened an eatery at 216 S. 40th St.