Campus & Community

Connecting communities impacted by COVID-19

Three Penn seniors combine their desire to help with their unique skill sets to create Corona Connects, an online platform that connects volunteers with organizations in need of support.

Erica K. Brockmeier

A ‘first’ Commencement like no other

As the pandemic moves an in-person Commencement ceremony to a future date and time, a special live online University-wide celebration on Monday, May 18, will offer up a salute to graduates, the conferral of degrees, and some surprises.

Amanda Mott

‘United by a common good’

In a video message to the Penn community, President Amy Gutmann discusses the three R’s—resourcefulness, resilience, and responsiveness—which are guiding the University through such trying times.

Drone light show by Verge Aero honors frontline workers

As part of the local #PhillyShinesBlue campaign and the global #LightItBlue campaign, the aerial tribute honored health care professionals and first responders on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

From Pennovation Works



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

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

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

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 →