Chasing Every Cure
When David Fajgenbaum M’13 WG’15 unlocked his own treatment after being diagnosed with a rare disease, he saved his life. Now he has his sights on a higher purpose that’s bringing hope to millions.
Travels in Trashland
Journalist Alexander Clapp C’13 set out to follow our trash to the end of the trail. Two years and five continents later, his debut book illuminates the surreal second life of the things we throw away. Plus: an excerpt from Waste Wars: The Wild Afterlife of Your Trash.
The Producer as Problem Solver
Before the recent real-life election of a new pope, Michael Jackman C’85 helped bring a film version—Conclave—to movie screens and the awards circuit. It was a career highlight for a veteran film producer who often labored far from the Hollywood that lives in our collective imagination.
Alumni Weekend 2025
Our annual photo gallery.
May the Odds Be Ever in their Favor
Elizabeth Banks C’96 on choices, failure, and safety nets.
Geddy’s Gift
A dog’s successful brain surgery could advance human care.
President’s Prizes Announced
2025 President’s Prize winners announced.
The Scopes Trial at 100
How the Scopes “Monkey Trial” still resonates after 100 years.
Penn’s Benjamin Nathans Wins Pulitzer
History professor Ben Nathans awarded Pulitzer in General Nonfiction.
After 125 Years, Abydos Still Holds Secrets
Unknown pharaoh’s tomb discovered in Abydos, Egypt.
Survival Story
At Penn Hillel, a Holocaust survivor shares his story.
Anna the All-American
Women’s lacrosse standout Anna Brandt.
A Century and a Half on the Diamond
Baseball marks 150 years.
Welcome to Despair
Through his unorthodox courses, religious studies professor Justin McDaniel is training Penn students how to immerse themselves in literature, disconnect from their phones, build lifelong bonds with classmates … and prepare for the inevitable emotional pain life will bring.
Rules of Engagement
Following a stint advising the US Department of Defense on warfare’s AI-inflected future, political science professor and Perry World House director Michael C. Horowitz is back at the helm of Penn’s “home for global policy engagement.”
Stewarding The Simpsons
In 1997, 25-year-old Matt Selman landed his dream job writing for The Simpsons. He’s still there today as head showrunner, striving to keep the 35-year-old animated series vital and surprising while also hanging on to its humor and heart. But how long will the show go on?
Trustees Name Jameson Penn’s 10th President
Jameson and Epstein appointments made permanent.
Kate Griffo Chosen as New VP for DAR
Penn Medicine’s Kate Griffo named DAR VP.
Financial Aid Upgrade
Quaker Commitment extends aid eligibility.
Universities Targeted
Executive orders target universities including Penn.
Penn Restores SAT/ACT Requirement
SAT/ACT testing requirement has been restored.
Urban Legends
Institute for Urban Research marks 20 years.
How the University Drives the Economy
Latest report puts Penn’s benefit to region at $37 billion.
Jewels of the Nile
The story of Penn’s squash success starts in Egypt.