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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.
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.”
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.
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)
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.
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, 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.
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)
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.
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)
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)
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)
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 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.”
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.”
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.