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Penn's Way: Going the Distance for our Community

Penn's Way, our annual workplace giving campaign (October 1- November 21) is making strides toward supporting critical programs that benefit those in need. Your donation can go further with a matching gift that will help our communities go the distance.

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  • Home /
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  • October 2025

October 2025

penn president larry jameson

‘A moment when Penn can lead in higher education’: President J. Larry Jameson introduces Penn Forward

Penn President J. Larry Jameson introduced Penn Forward in a video message to the Penn community. The strategic planning initiative, consisting of six working groups, builds on the progress of In Principle and Practice to boldly address the opportunities and challenges of the present moment in higher education. “Together, we will shape Penn’s future and propel Penn forward,” says Jameson.

john jackson in front of bookcase

From framework to actions: Provost John L. Jackson Jr. talks Penn Forward

In a Q&A, Provost John L. Jackson Jr. explained the relationship between the strategic framework In Principle and Practice and Penn Forward. “In Principle and Practice operates at 50,000 feet; it’s talking in broad terms about the things that are most important to us,” says Jackson. “Penn Forward is going to take some of those grand themes and bring them down to the brick and mortar.”

bruce jacobs and dean james

The Wharton School launches Master of Science in Quantitative Finance with $60M gift from Bruce I. Jacobs

The Wharton School received its largest single gift in its history from Bruce I. Jacobs. The gift will support the launch of the Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Master of Science in Quantitative Finance program, Wharton’s first new degree offering in 50 years. “We are immensely grateful for his recent gift, which will arm the next generation of finance professionals with the specialized skills needed to meet the demands of a tremendously complex and increasingly data-driven industry,” says Wharton School Dean Erika James.

katz center gift from morris for libraries

$21M legacy gift supports Penn Arts & Sciences’ Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, the Penn Libraries, and Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The estate of Louise A. Strauss contributed $21 million to support the Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, the Rare Judaica Acquisitions Endowment Fund in Penn Libraries, and Morris Arboretum & Gardens. “We are grateful for her commitment to provide support that will strengthen our entire community—from advancing Jewish studies scholarship and preserving rare historical materials, to supporting plant science research,” says Penn President J. Larry Jameson. (Image: Kathryn Maxwell)

philly skyline with penn in foreground

Penn receives $10M to strengthen urban research locally and globally

Penn’s Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR) received a $10 million anonymous gift to advance research, education, and policy solutions for the cities of today and tomorrow. The gift ensures Penn IUR can continue to develop urban leaders and practical solutions for cities worldwide. “Providing support for leaders whose expertise connects finance, policy, and planning strengthens Penn IUR’s impact on a global scale,” says Penn President J. Larry Jameson.

poster session with student pointing

Bold ideas and innovation on display at the Fall Research Expo

Houston Hall hosted 377 posters representing 410 undergraduate students at the annual Fall Research Expo. The Expo is an opportunity for student researchers to field questions from students, faculty, staff, and members of the public about their project findings, enabled by research mentorship programming through the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships.

ella vance sitting on steps

Diving into the causes of crime

Ella Vance, a third-year undergraduate in the College of Arts & Sciences, worked alongside Professor of Law Paul H. Robinson of Penn Carey Law to research root causes of crime, addressing issues such as addiction, mental health, and poverty. The research was part of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships’ Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program.

white coat ceremony for med

White coat ceremonies: A professional milestone

The School of Dental Medicine, the Perelman School of Medicine, and School of Veterinary Medicine marked the start of the semester with white coat ceremonies—a time-honored tradition for students in the health professions and a demonstration of commitment to uphold responsibilities and values that come with their chosen professions. (Image: Domenic Gaeta)

amy gutmann hall exterior

Penn buildings achieve LEED certifications, showcasing commitment to sustainability

Three new University of Pennsylvania buildings earned LEED Platinum, Gold, and Silver certifications, underscoring the institution’s sustainable design efforts. The Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology received Platinum, Amy Gutmann Hall Gold, and the Ott Center for Track and Field Silver. Penn now has 55 LEED-certified projects.

ocean waves with orange hue

Water Environment Federation, Amazon, Penn’s Water Center, and leading utilities of the world launch groundbreaking Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence

The Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence, a new collaboration, will develop sustainable water practices for AI infrastructure while also using AI to solve global water challenges. “By connecting research, industry practice, and policy development, we can accelerate innovations that address water scarcity while enabling responsible technological advancement,” says Howard Neukrug, executive director of The Water Center at Penn. (Image: Levente Bodo)

charles kane in front of college hall

Charles Kane to receive Lorentz Medal

Physicist Charles Kane of the School of Arts & Sciences was named the 2026 recipient of the Lorentz Medal. The award is issued every four years by the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and is one of theoretical physics’ highest honors. Kane was recognized for his groundbreaking work on topological insulators, initiating potential for low-power electronics and a topological quantum computer. (Image: Brooke Sietinsons)

sarah bachman portrait

Sara S. ‘Sally’ Bachman reappointed dean of Penn School of Social Policy & Practice

Sara S. ‘Sally’ Bachman was reappointed dean of the School of Social Policy & Practice, extending her service to June 30, 2031. “Over the past six years, she has demonstrated calm, principled, and effective leadership,” says Penn President J. Larry Jameson. “Her steady presence has not only sustained the SP2 community but has also enriched it intellectually and programmatically, all while remaining deeply committed to academic excellence and the social good.” (Image: Dave Moser)

sheer pool renovations

Renovated Sheerr Pool makes a splash at Pottruck Center

The Sheer Pool at the Pottruck Center reopened following a yearlong renovation, the pool’s first since 1967. The pool was made safer and more accessible, with new seating, an upgraded filtration and ventilation system, a new gutter system with zero depth entry, and new diving boards and starting blocks.

brian vivier standing in library stacks

Who, What, Why: Brian Vivier leads Global Collections at Penn Libraries

Brian Vivier is director of the recently renamed Zilberman Family Center for Global Collections and began his career at Penn Libraries in 2011 as one of 50 subject specialists at the Libraries. He spoke about collecting for future generations. “I encourage people to think about, when they look at what we are going to acquire, what the things are that are going to be dissertations in 5, 50, 500 years, and what do we need to do now to make the future possible?” Vivier says. “Imagine the future. Tell me what you want to do.”

skyline of penn and philly

You’re probably doing small talk wrong

In the New York Times, Erica Boothby of the Wharton School co-wrote a guest essay about the science of small talk—explaining that playful riffing tends to build the strongest bonds. “In these moments, people create a little world that belongs just to them, a process we call ‘building a shared reality,’” they write. “Collaborative riffs are surprisingly central to our mental well-being: They’re the glue that binds us together, adds color to our lives and gives us a sense of purpose.”

Douglas Jerolmack at a river bank

The significance of Mars rover’s latest discovery

Featured on the CBS Evening News, Doug Jerolmack, a professor of Earth and environmental science, discussed the significance of a new Mars rover discovery of potential biosignatures collected in a rock sample.

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