Open Treasure
Penn’s Rare Book and Manuscript Library has a message for students, alumni, and book lovers everywhere. Online or on campus, come up and see us sometime!
Digging Routes
Nick Spitzer C’72’s sonic gumbo is unlike anything else on radio.
Inside the Cancer-Cell Smasher
In the last century, American medicine has gone from a cottage industry to a technology-driven juggernaut. The machine at the heart of the new Roberts Proton Therapy Center, dubbed “the world’s most expensive and complex medical device,” provides a glimpse of what the coming years may hold.
An Architect Walks Into the Lab
Can architects help create next-generation treatments for cancer and lung disease? Will the buildings of tomorrow have intelligent skins? What does figure skating have to do with it? An unusual partnership between Penn cell biologists and design students is tackling a lot of strange questions. Their answers may rewrite the rules of biomedical research.
The Energizer Dean
From her distinctive outfits to her influential research to her indefatigable efforts to raise the profile of Penn’s School of Nursing, Dean Afaf Meleis commands attention—provided you can keep up with her.
In Dreams Begin Discoveries
Revisiting a century-old essay—still cited in the scientific literature—in which one noted Penn scholar dissected the “problem-solving” dreams of two others and showed how they slept their way to insights that eluded their waking selves.
Homecoming 2008
Homecoming 2008
National Insecurity
Alumnus Richard Clarke probably knows—and cares—more about national security than anyone alive, as he proved on 9/11 and afterwards. His latest book examines the government’s failures, offers remedies—and tells some stories.
Losing the Waigul Valley
Tactical victories and strategic failure in northeastern Afghanistan.
Marketing the Macabre
From a vampire-slaying-sword auction to wine tastings with fans, Leslie Esdaile Banks W’80 has used her Wharton training (and an almost supernatural business sense) to promote her bestselling book series.
The Next, Next Thing
If serial entrepreneur Elon Musk has his way, sending a payload—and eventually, people—into space will be handled commercially, more like UPS than “the Right Stuff.” (At least if you leave out the part about settling Mars.) Oh, and the rest of us here on earth will be able to tap affordable solar power and drive fast, efficient, cool-looking electric cars.
Proof of Concept
Four years after Amy Gutmann set out to reinvigorate the interdisciplinary ethos at Penn, a new kind of professorship is on the ascendant.
Lady Marilyn’s Wing
In much of her own work, the poet Marilyn Nelson channels African-American history. As the founder of Soul Mountain Retreat, an artists’ colony in rural Connecticut, she is nurturing the next generation of writers.
Living the Lesson
Taking his first live snap in the NFL, a rookie field-goal kicker—who also happens to be a 43-year-old sportswriter—learns about pressure.
Bridges to the Gulf
Three years after Hurricane Katrina, recovery is far from complete. Hundreds of students and faculty from schools across Penn are volunteering in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in what may be the largest university-based relief effort from outside the immediate region.
What Women Wanted
Celebrating 20 years of “a new paradigm” for Penn.
Alumni Weekend 2008
Slideshow | Alumni Weekend 2008
Why Not Him?
Maverick ad-man, inspirational talk-show host—and possible future New York mayoral candidate? —Donny Deutsch on the ups and ... well, mostly just the ups ... of being Donny Deutsch.
Fit Enough
An innovative, interactive exhibit at the Penn Museum traces human evolution—big brains, back pains, dental problems and all.
The Guru of Woo
Can’t get co-workers to cooperate on an important project? Boss won’t listen to your ideas? The Wharton School’s Richard Shell can help.
73rd Alumni Awards of Merit
Homecoming 2007
Explorer in a Hurry
In his brief and dramatic life, 19th-century medical alumnus Elisha Kent Kane broke new ground in exploring both the frozen North and the hothouse atmosphere of celebrity culture.
Bistro Days
A Chinese Jersey Girl in search of American cuisine.
My Dinner with Thor
As a Penn student, he helped free his wrongfully accused father from a Venezuelan prison, championed a struggling conservative student publication, and won an award for protecting free speech on campus. These days, as he shuttles among his identities as foundation executive, movie producer, TV talking head, and columnist, Thor Halvorssen C’96 G’96 is still “fighting for freedom”—with time out for an occasional nice meal.