5/18
Announcements
Campus-wide communications from University administration.
University Announcement
Statement from Penn President Amy Gutmann in response to the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh
I know I speak on behalf of the entire Penn community in saying how horrified I am at the unconscionable, despicable acts of violence perpetrated against members of the Tree of Life Synagogue earlier today. Our deepest sympathies go out to all in the Pittsburgh community who have been absolutely devastated by such senseless acts of hatred. What a sad and horrifying day it is for our entire country. That these shootings and other acts of violence occur with such frequency is an ongoing national tragedy.
University Announcement
University Mourns the Loss of Naomi Evers Lynch
Dear Mid-Career students, staff, and faculty, With sorrow, we share the news of the passing of Naomi Evers Lynch, a lifelong educator who began pursuing a doctoral degree at 61 and battled cancer for the duration of her time in the Mid-Career program in Educational Leadership. Naomi, 64, died September 2 in Virginia, where she lived. Her research focused on using civics lessons to help adolescents become engaged citizens with strong critical-thinking skills.
University Announcement
University Mourns Loss of Cameron Avant Driver
Dear members of the SP2 community, We write today to offer support as we confirm the difficult news that Cameron Avant Driver, a part-time MSW student on track to finish his degree in 2020, passed away last night after suffering a medical emergency.
University Announcement
University Mourns the Loss of Kristina Krull
Dear Independent School Teaching Residency Community,
University Announcement
University response to Supreme Court travel ban
We continue to be very troubled by the executive order, now upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, that prohibits travelers from seven countries from entering the United States, five of them majority-Muslim.
University Announcement
Statement on Penn’s connections to slavery
Important research undertaken by undergraduate students in the Penn Slavery Project independent study supervised by Penn Professor Kathleen M. Brown, the David Boies Professor of History in the School of Arts and Sciences, has given us a clearer understanding of the depth and breadth of Penn’s connections to slavery. This was a profoundly painful and odious part of our nation’s history. No segment of American society or institution founded during the 18th Century, including the University of Pennsylvania, escaped its scourge. Far from it.
University Announcement
A message to Penn students and the community
This year, we have seen a vibrantly energized culture of wellness at Penn. In October, we held a Campus Conversation to discuss how we can best take care of ourselves and others. We followed this Conversation in November by launching a Campaign for Wellness and announcing increased staffing and an operational review at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
University Announcement
University Mourns the Loss of Jonathan Lumpkin, Penn Law Class of 2020
Dear members of the Penn Law community, We write to share the sad and painful news that Jonathan Lumpkin L’20 died suddenly today in residence at Sansom Place East. Our hearts are heavy, and we extend our deepest sympathies to Jonathan’s family and friends. We want members of the Law School community to know that Penn Law, and Penn, are here to support you at this very difficult time. Jonathan, 25, was a 1L returning from a leave of absence. He began his law studies in the fall of 2015. He was from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
University Announcement
University Mourns Loss of Blaze N. Bernstein
Dear Penn undergraduates, I am devastated to write you again so soon about the loss of another classmate and friend. I am the mother of two Penn alumni, a grandmother, and your Vice Provost, and I long to share positive, uplifting news about the remarkable Penn community. Yet I regret that I must confirm what you may already have heard via social media: We learned today that the body of Blaze N. Bernstein, a College sophomore, was found Tuesday in California by authorities investigating his disappearance.
University Announcement
University Mourns Loss of William Steinberg
Dear Penn undergraduates, I regret that I must begin this New Year by writing to you with extremely sad news. William Steinberg, a first-year Penn undergraduate, died suddenly with his parents and two brothers in Costa Rica on Sunday. All of us, as Penn family members, are thinking of William’s family members and friends as they move through this terrible loss. Our hearts are full, and we give them our deepest sympathy.