Jul|Aug 2025
Vol. 123, No. 6
Data & Dumps
From the Editor | Repurposed drugs, where waste goes, a producer’s path.
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.
Letters
Jul|Aug 2025
Beyond Salvation
Repeat salvation seeker.
Trash Tribe
Collecting cans, finding community.
Bar Soap
Soap story.
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.