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Homecoming 2024

Homecoming 2024

Schedule of Events

Then & Now: The Rich History & Exciting Future for the Performing Arts at Penn!

Sponsored by: Penn Live Arts & Platt Student Performing Arts House; Arts at Homecoming Launch Party

From the founding of Glee Club in 1862 to the over 75 student performing arts groups active today, the performing arts have played a long and vibrant role in the University-life experience. Now, with a central position in Penn’s Strategic Plan, ambitious capital projects underway, and the pending appointment of a new Vice-Provost of the Arts, the University is demonstrating its commitment to this robust community. Join the conversation as our engaging panelists follow the yellow brick road from 19th century origins, through the dramatic expansion beginning in the 1980’s, to a future promising student artists more space, opportunities, and support. Panelists to be revealed as we get closer to the date—stay tuned!

 

Forever Furness: The Arthur Ross Gallery at 40

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Join Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Class of 1940 Bicentennial Term Professor and Inaugural Faculty Director of the Arthur Ross Gallery, for a sneak peek at the gallery's upcoming exhibitions and programs; and the launch of an exciting new tour of the Fisher Fine Arts Library Building, a National Historic Landmark and beloved Penn study spot designed by renowned Philadelphia architect Frank Furness.

 

Encore Presentation - Penn’s Architectural Treasures: The Penn Museum

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

One of the most loved (and visited) landmarks on the Penn Campus, the Penn Museum is the ultimate architectural “work in progress.” Begun in 1893, it is a building has never truly been completed. Join William Whitaker, Curator of Penn’s Architectural Archives, as he leads you through the remarkable everchanging story of this building, its inner workings, and engaging legacy.

 

Lessons in Leadership: Insights Across GenHERations

Sponsored by: GenHERation and Penn Alumni Lifelong Learning

Tune in for a virtual panel that will highlight how inspiring Penn alumnae have navigated their career paths. While the panelists' expertise spans industries and class years, they are connected by their commitment to uplifting women in the Penn community and beyond. The panel will be hosted by GenHERation®, one of the inaugural recipients of the Penn President's Engagement Prize, and co-sponsored by Penn Alumni Lifelong Learning.

 

A Monumental Endeavor: Conservation for the Penn Museum's New Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries

Sponsored by: Penn Alumni Lifelong Learning & The Penn Museum

A Global Discovery Series Presentation

Thousands of artifacts, spanning ancient Egypt’s entire history, will be showcased in the Penn Museum’s new Ancient Egypt and Nubia galleries. Preparing these objects for display requires years of work by Penn Museum conservators, including archival research, documentation, scientific analysis, conservation treatment, and collaborative design and engineering of object mounts and lifting equipment. Join Head Conservator Molly Gleeson to hear more about the intricate work and new discoveries being made as part of conservation treatment, followed by a discussion of the work taking place off-site on the most monumental architectural pieces, via live stream.

 

Encore Presentation - Penn’s Architectural Treasures: Frank Furness’s Library

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

One of just two National Historic Landmarks on the Penn Campus, the Fisher Fine Arts Library by Furness, Evans & Company, architects, is as much an expression of adventure as it is a great work of architecture. Forged out of the age of great machines, the Library continues to inspire as a place to study and learn. Join William Whitaker, curator of Penn’s Architectural Archives, as he leads you through the remarkable story of this building, it’s inner workings, and lasting legacy.

 

Increasing Productivity, Reducing Burnout, and Improving Resilience

Sponsored by: Association of Alumnae

Please join us for the Association of Alumnae 2024 Virtual Colloqium! For more information on our featured speakers, and to register, please click here

 

President's Engagement/Innovation Prize 10 Year Showcase

Sponsored by: Penn Alumni Relations

Over the past decade, winners have learned that continuing support from the Penn community makes the difference between yearlong projects and sustainable organizations. As alumni with the knowledge and networks to help these ventures thrive, we invite you to share your experience with the next generation of social entrepreneurs. Join us for a virtual showcase of winners from 2015– 2024. You’ll also learn how you can get involved with their work, particularly via mentorship and board service.

 

Virtual New Buildings Tour

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Join Penn’s Architect Mark Kocent C82 GCP91 GFA91 for his annual and fantastic virtual tour of Penn’s newest buildings.

 

Encore Presentation - Archaeological Science at the Penn Museum: Behind the Walls

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Learn about new and ongoing archaeological research from the Kitchen House behind the mansion of Nathaniel Russell in Charleston, South Carolina. Katherine Moore, Mainwaring Teaching Specialist for Zooarchaeology in the Center for Analysis of Archaeological Materials (CAAM) at the Penn Museum, and a Practice Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Penn, will share how remains of animals and plants, clothing, paper, toys, decorations, and materials, preserved in the walls because of rats’ nests, reveal information about the everyday lives of enslaved peoples, cooks, seamstresses, servers, gardeners, stablemen, and others, who built and maintained the household. Enjoy the opportunity to learn about the research and analysis techniques involved around the study of this unique archaeological site.

 

Encore Presentation - Gardening in a Changing Climate

Sponsored by: Morris Arboretum & Gardens Development

Native trees, shrubs and vines are not only beautiful and versatile—they are also cornerstones of local ecosystems, offering food and shelter for a host of birds, mammals, and insects. However, many of the native species we are familiar with are no longer good landscape choices as the climate changes. We must be proactive, promoting and planting species that will thrive in this new environment. Bill Cullina, the F. Otto Haas Executive Director of the Morris Arboretum & Gardens, will showcase beautiful southern natives that show great promise in the rapidly warming Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. This talk is a Penn Climate Week encore presentation.

 

Encore Presentation: Planning for a Pharoah’s Palace

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

After more than a century, the Egyptian galleries at the Penn Museum are set for a remarkable reinstallation. Join us as two of the Galleries’ curators offer insights into the process behind the planning for the upcoming Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries. The new galleries will highlight materials excavated by the Penn Museum showcasing artifacts that have never been displayed fully to the public including the palace of King Merenptah, the only pharaonic palace that exists outside of Egypt.

 

Encore Presentation: Cultural Heritage and War: What Can Be Done

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Intentional destruction of cultural heritage is designed to erase people from history and has become an all too familiar feature of contemporary violence. Recent cases appear frequently in the news: the 2001 demolition of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan; the 2012 destruction of Sufi shrines in Timbuktu, Mali; the obliteration of historic sites across Syria and Iraq; and cultural targeting by Russia in Ukraine. It often seems like nothing can be done. But there are ways that cultural workers and the international community can step in to help. Join us as we explore how.

 

The Legacy of Terry Adkins

Sponsored by: Stuart Weitzman School of Design, Arthur Ross Gallery, The Penn Art Collection

Join us for a virtual panel discussion celebrating the enduring legacy of Terry Adkins featuring accomplished Penn MFA alumni who studied with him. Terry Adkins, a beloved and influential artist and faculty member, left an indelible mark not only through his work but also through his profound impact on his students. Many of his protégés have gone on to achieve significant success, contributing to major institutions and public art installations around the world. This event, a collaborative effort between the Weitzman School of Design, Arthur Ross Gallery, and the Penn Art Collection, also showcases the vibrant Fine Arts ecosystem at Penn. We welcome the Penn community to explore ways you can enjoy and support the arts – at Penn and in your communities.

 

Free Admission to the Penn Museum

Sponsored by: Development and Alumni Relations at the Penn Museum

We invite all alumni and their guests to enjoy free admission to the Penn Museum during homecoming weekend.

 

Free at Noon at WXPN

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Join us for Free At Noon – WXPN’s free weekly live concert series. Visit https://xpn.org/program/free-at-noon/ for this week’s performer and to register! Past performers have included: Adele, Dr. Dog, Amos Lee, Spoon, Strand of Oaks, Kacey Musgraves, Guster, Brandi Carlile, The National, and many, many more.

 

ICA Exhibitions on View

Sponsored by: Institute of Contemporary Art

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is Penn’s home for daring contemporary art from all around the world. Visit ICA during Homecoming Weekend 2024 and immerse yourself in ICA’s Fall 2024 exhibitions: Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard, Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies, and Entryways: Nontsikelelo Mutiti. Admission is free! Read more about the current exhibitions here.

 

Sculpture Tour

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Please join Director of the Penn Art Collection, Lynn Smith Dolby on a tour of highlights of Penn’s outdoor sculpture. The sculpture on campus represents a broad range of styles and periods – from the 19th century to contemporary – this renowned group of sculptures is installed throughout campus. Please wear comfortable shoes. Registration is limited. If this event has reached capacity, please contact Sheila Raman at sraman@upenn.edu for the waiting list.

 

Penn's New Buildings Tour

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Join University Architect Mark Kocent C82 GCP91 GFA91 for a tour of Penn’s newest buildings, starting at the FRES space where Penn’s architectural dreams become reality. We will be continuing onto campus to see some of the new and exciting buildings! Wear comfortable shoes. If this event has reached capacity, please contact Sheila Raman at sraman@upenn.edu for the wait list.

 

Unlocking the Power of GLP-1s: Innovative Uses and Breakthroughs with Ozempic & Wegovy

Sponsored by: Penn Nursing

Join Penn Nursing during Homecoming 2024 for an event highlighting the work of Penn Nursing faculty and alumni in the ground-breaking field of GLP-1s (ex. Ozempic & Wegovy). This presentation will feature a conversation amongst our panelists as well as an opportunity for audience questions, followed by a reception for attendees.

 

Penn Women’s Center Reception & Listening Sessions

Sponsored by: Penn Women's Center

Join Penn Women’s Center to launch its programmatic theme for the year, Envisioning Feminist Futures at PWC. This homecoming reception and listening session is the first in a series of conversations and educational programs designed to help the Penn community envision the future we want to build at PWC and beyond. Alumni are invited to join us to celebrate, mingle, and share their experiences, perspectives and hopes for the future of Penn Women’s Center. Please reach out to PWC directly with any questions regarding the event at vpul-pwc@pobox.upenn.edu.

 

Arts and Culture Launch Party - Fascinating Objects: Treasures of the Penn Museum

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations, Arts & Culture, and Penn Young Alumni

Join us to kick off Arts at Homecoming! We will enjoy a panel discussion with Jen Wegner, Curator of the Penn Museum’s Egyptian Section; Bill Wierzbowski, Keeper of the Penn Museum’s American Collection; and Lynn Makowsky, Keeper of the Penn Museum’s Mediterranean Collections to show and tell us about several incredible objects from the Penn Museum’s world-class Egyptian, Native American, and ancient Greek collections. Moderated by Alexis North, Project Conservator. Introduction by Michael Barrett, President of Penn Alumni ENG89, PAR20, PAR21, Welcome by Chris Woods, Williams Director. Followed by a reception in the stunning Sphinx Gallery. Co-sponsored by: Penn Museum, Libraries, and University Young Alumni Associations; Alumni Relations, Arts and Culture, Penn Museum.

 

Penn Newman Happy Hour

Sponsored by: Penn Newman Catholic Community

All are welcome to join us at the Penn Newman Catholic Center on Friday evening from 4-6pm for drinks, refreshments and tours of the Newman Center. We are located at 111 S 38th St, at the corner of 38th and Chestnut.

 

Leading with Purpose On the Court and Off: A conversation with James Blake

Sponsored by: School of Social Policy & Practice and Hecht Tennis Center

Join us for an important conversation with James Blake, Former Top-Ranked Tennis Player and Best-Selling Author of Breaking Back. This event is presented by the SP2 Dean's Alumni Advisory Board in partnership with the Hecht Tennis Center. Please click HERE to register.

 

Penn Jazz Ensembles

Sponsored by: Penn Department of Music

Set 1 - 6:00 PM

Set 2 - 7:30 PM

This event is free and open to the public.

ABOUT PENN JAZZ ENSEMBLES

The Penn Jazz Ensembles consists of small (3-6 member) jazz ensembles which meet weekly for rehearsals coached by professional Philadelphia-based jazz musicians. Repertoire is extremely varied and includes early jazz, 1950's-era straight ahead jazz, Cuban jazz, vocal jazz, jazz arrangements of current popular music, and other styles. 

Click here for more info.

 

89th Annual Alumni Award of Merit Gala

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations

Join fellow alumni, friends, and guests, at the 89th annual installment of a Penn tradition. The Gala honors those alumni who have exhibited outstanding commitment and dedication to the University. Hosted by Penn Alumni President, Michael Barrett, ENG'89, the Gala will recognize individual alumni, class, and club honorees. Interim President J. Larry Jameson invites all alumni to attend this brilliant occasion. Advance registration is required. Cost: $75 per person/$50 for young alumni, classes 2014-2024.

 

Paint the Dance Floor: Wonderland

Sponsored by: ICA, Weitzman School of Design and The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation.

Enjoy an enchanting evening of art and dancing with DJ low iron at ICA’s ethereal garden party, Paint the Dance Floor: Wonderland. Come dressed to impress! This year’s theme is inspired by the artwork in Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard and the uncanny, dream-like aesthetics in Joanna Piotrowska: Unseeing Eyes, Restless Bodies. Delight in exploring the exhibitions, capturing moments at our curated photobooth, and creating your own wearable flower art.

Paint the Dance Floor is presented by the Institute of Contemporary Art, in collaboration with the Weitzman School of Design and the Sachs Program for Arts Innovation.

 

Penn Alumni Board of Directors Meeting

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations

All alumni are invited to attend the bi-annual meeting of the Penn Alumni Board of Directors. Learn about the board’s activities and hear from guest speaker Sophia Z. Lee, Dean, and Bernard G. Segal Professor of Law at Penn Carey Law. Opening remarks by Marie Hark, Executive Director of Perry World House. Breakfast begins at 8:30 AM and the meeting starts at 9:00 am.

 

Great Buildings: Penn's Architectural Masterpieces

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Join William Whitaker, Curator of the Architectural Archives, as he leads us on a tour of the architectural masterworks on Penn's campus. This tour will focus on the buildings created for Penn during its first century-and-a-half in West Philadelphia, starting in the 1870’s including the Penn Museum, the Fisher Fine Arts Library, and College Hall and on into the 21st Century. Please wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for extensive walking. Pre-registration is required and space is limited to 35. If this event has reached capacity, please contact Sheila Raman at sraman@upenn.edu for the wait list.

 

Post 50th Reunion Homecoming Brunch (Class of 1974 and prior)

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations - Classes & Reunions

Alumni who have passed their 50th reunion are invited to celebrate together before attending the Penn vs. Harvard game or attending an Arts & Culture event. Enjoy a delicious hot breakfast and celebrate at our Mimosa and Bloody Mary bar. The Penn Band and Cheerleaders will stop by to entertain us. Transportation will be available from Houston Hall to Franklin Field for those going to the game. We'll have a special presentation by Dan Rottenberg C64, regarding his new book, "The Price We Paid. An Oral History of Penn's Struggle to Join the Ivy League, 1950-55."

 

Fisher Fine Arts Library Open House

Sponsored by: Arthur Ross Gallery

Socialize and enjoy some light fare at the stunning Fisher Fine Arts Library designed by Frank Furness to learn about the five organizations housed within it: the Fisher Fine Arts Library, the Architectural Archives, the Arthur Ross Gallery, the Common Press, and the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. Take a tour on the history of this landmark building!

 

Alumni Arts Fair

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations - Classes & Reunions

Join us for an unforgettable day at the Alumni Art Fair on Shoemaker Green! This unique event brings together the talented Penn alumni to showcase their incredible work. Wander among the diverse displays featuring stunning original artwork, handcrafted jewelry, and artisan crafts, each piece telling its own story of creativity and passion. Whether you're an art enthusiast looking to add to your collection, or simply on the lookout for that perfect, unique Penn gift, the Alumni Art Fair is the place to find it. Alongside the chance to purchase these one-of-a-kind items, you'll have the opportunity to meet the artists themselves, learn about their journeys, techniques, and the inspirations behind their work. Don't miss this celebration of art and craftsmanship. If you are interested in showcasing your own artwork and registering for a booth, please contact Megan Ewing at meewing@upenn.edu.

 

Free Admission to the Penn Museum

Sponsored by: Development and Alumni Relations at the Penn Museum

We invite all alumni and their guests to enjoy free admission to the Penn Museum during homecoming weekend.

 

Penn Engineering Tour of Amy Gutmann Hall

Sponsored by: Penn Engineering Alumni Relations

Penn Engineering invites you to a very special tour of the new Amy Gutmann Hall - the hub for cross-disciplinary collaborations in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, including active learning classrooms and collaborative student spaces.

 

Penn Alumni Ambassador Homecoming Reception

Sponsored by: Penn Alumni Ambassador Program

Event location and a link to register will be sent directly to current members of the Penn Alumni Ambassador Program. With the 2024-25 application cycle in full swing, Alumni Ambassadors are invited to a special Homecoming brunch to gather, connect, and celebrate the impact they have made on the Penn community. This social event provides an opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers, hear from Program staff, and enjoy refreshments before the big game. Questions? Email alumni-ambassadors@dev.upenn.edu.

 

Quaker Fest - The All Alumni Tailgate on Shoemaker Green

Sponsored by: Penn Alumni Relations

Connect with fellow Quakers at our pre-game tailgate. Sample picnic fare and raise a toast to dear ole Penn, as you enjoy student entertainment. Purchase of a Homecoming Pass is needed for entrance to this event.

 

Alumni Tour - Best of the Penn Museum

Sponsored by: Development and Alumni Relations at the Penn Museum

The Smithsonian-DK book “The History of the World in 1,000 Objects” lists the most significant artifacts in world history—and more than 200 of these are at the Penn Museum. Join us for a fascinating tour full of beautiful and intriguing works of art and history. Learn more about Penn Museum’s history, its world-class collections, and its contemporary research network that makes daily discoveries around the world. Come and learn why you should be proud of the Penn Museum—and tell all your friends, too! If this event has reached capacity, please contact Rhoda O’Donnell at rhodal@upenn.edu. Meet at the Sphinx (through main entrance inside Japanese Gate), 33rd & South Streets

 

Awe, Empathy, and Social Connection: Exploring the Intrinsic Benefits of the Arts

Sponsored by: Penn Live Arts & the Human Flourishing Project in the Positive Psychology Center

Music, theater, dance, movies, visual art, literature, history, religion, philosophy, and other cultural forms play a central role in human flourishing across the lifespan and around the world. Join James Pawelski, Penn Professor of Practice and Director of the Humanities and Human Flourishing Project in the Positive Psychology Center, for an exploration of how engagement with the arts opens pathways for a deeper understanding of ourselves, a stronger connection with others, and a richer experience of the world around us.

 

Van Pelt Tour with Presentation from Special Collections

Sponsored by: Penn Libraries

Join the Penn Libraries for a tour of the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center and see all the ways it continues to evolve to meet the needs of students and modern scholarship. The tour will include a presentation of materials from the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts in the historic Lea Library on Van Pelt’s sixth floor.

 

Benjamin Franklin Society Homecoming Brunch

Sponsored by: The Benjamin Franklin Society

By invitation only.

 

Penn Nursing Student-Alumni Networking

Sponsored by: Penn Nursing

Join us for our Annual Networking Event for Penn Nursing students and alumni at QuakerFest during Homecoming Weekend. Nursing students and alumni are invited to join us for our Annual Networking Event at Homecoming for an opportunity to connect with fellow students and alumni in various fields about job experience, life after graduation, and more! Share job-hunting tips and insights on managing your career and education.

 

Perry World House Homecoming Tailgate

Sponsored by: Perry World House

Perry World House, Penn’s center for global policy engagement, is excited to welcome alumni back to campus, and invite you to enjoy food and drinks before Penn takes on Harvard! Reconnect with old classmates, meet alumni from other classes, and catch up with the work of PWH you enjoy our front lawn and World Forum. This event is open to all, and former World House Student Fellows and Graduate Associates are highly encouraged to attend. Click HERE to join our mailing list and find out about other Perry World House events.

 

Penn Engineering Homecoming Reception

Sponsored by: Penn Engineering Alumni Relations

Come join your fellow Penn Engineering alumni, families and friends at our annual celebration hosted by our Engineering Alumni Society. Hear from Dean Vijay Kumar an pick up your Penn Engineering hat!

 

Class Tree Planting

Sponsored by: Morris Arboretum & Gardens

The Penn class tree planting tradition will take place next to the Ben Franklin statue on College Green, presented in part by Morris Arboretum & Gardens.

 

Black Alumni Society (BAS) Homecoming

Sponsored by: Penn Spectrum Programs

Welcome back Black Alumni Society! Join us as we unite and welcome new BAS members from all years and schools.

 

Former Student-Athlete Hospitality Reception

Sponsored by: Penn Champions Club

Penn former student-athletes and their guests are invited to the R. Tait McKenzie Hospitality Tent for the Penn vs. Harvard Homecoming Football game. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. The hospitality area will open at 12:00 p.m., one hour prior to the starts of the game. Food and drinks will be provided until the end of halftime. A lunch menu with water and soft drinks will be open for all guests. All registered guests 21 and older will receive 3 drink tickets for alcoholic beverages. All guests are required to have a ticket to enter Franklin Field. The RTM Hospitality Tent is located at the east end of Franklin Field. Registration is required. Please reach out to Penn Champions Club, penncc@upenn.edu, for more information.

 

ICA Exhibitions on View

Sponsored by: Institute of Contemporary Art

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is Penn’s home for daring contemporary art from all around the world. Visit ICA during Homecoming Weekend 2024 and immerse yourself in ICA’s Fall 2024 exhibitions: Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard, Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies, and Entryways: Nontsikelelo Mutiti. Admission is free! Read more about the current exhibitions here.

 

Tour of ICA Exhibitions

Sponsored by: Institute of Contemporary Art

Please join ICA for a tour of ICA’s Fall 2024 exhibitions: Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard, Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies, and Entryways: Nontsikelelo Mutiti. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about these exciting exhibitions and get insight from an ICA Ambassador. Read more about the exhibitions here. ASL interpretation will be provided for this program. If you require any accessibility accommodations or have any questions about the program, please contact ctweedy@ica.upenn.edu. This tour is free for all—open to Penn students, alumni and their families! While the tour is 1-2pm, the gallery will be open for view from 12-6pm.

 

Homecoming Football Game: Penn vs. Harvard

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations

Join us at Franklin Field to cheer on the Quakers as they take on the Harvard Crimson.

 

Homecoming Open House at Platt House

Sponsored by: Platt Student Performing Arts House

Platt House will be hosting an Open House during Homecoming Weekend! Stop by for snacks, crafts (for little kids and all grown up kids), and tours of our Lobby, Cabaret Stage, and Rehearsal Rooms. We would love to see you!

 

Kelly Writers House Open House

Sponsored by: Kelly Writers House

Renew your acquaintance with the Kelly Writers House or get to know this lively and innovative home for writers of all ages and genres. Visit our Open House to join members of the KWH community for informal conversation, coffee, and light refreshments. Advance registration is not required, but we'd love to hear from you!

 

Friars-Sphinx Homecoming Reception

Sponsored by: Sphinx Senior Society and Friars Senior Society

The Sphinx Senior Society and Friars Senior Society welcome our alumni, current senior members, and their families to join us for our long-running joint Homecoming Reception! Please join us for drinks, snacks, and camaraderie among your fellow Friars and Sphinges past and present following the homecoming football game! $10 per person payable on arrival (Venmo preferred). Friars please RSVP to pennfriars@gmail.com. Sphinges please RSVP to sphinx.alumni@gmail.com

All alumni, please reach out to David Scollan ‘17 with the Sphinx Board of Governors with any questions at sphinx.alumni@gmail.com.

 

Asian Alumni Network (UPAAN) Panel and Reception

Sponsored by: Penn Spectrum Programs

Join the UPAAN community for a reception and panel featuring students and alumni leaders.

 

Kelly Writers House: On Culture Writing

Sponsored by: Kelly Writers House

Join us at the Kelly Writers House (KWH) for a conversation about “culture writing” — writing about music, movies, books, TV, gaming, art, and other modes of cultural expression — with four early-career alumni journalists. Moderated by Meg Gladieux (C'24), the 2024-2025 KWH Junior Fellows Prize winner, panelists will include Beatrice Forman (C'22), a reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer; Taylor Hosking (C'17), a freelance culture journalist and podcast producer; Samuel Yellowhorse Kesler (C'20), an assistant producer at Planet Money; and Amanda Silberling (C'18), a senior reporter at TechCrunch. A reception will follow immediately after the discussion.

 

Young Alumni Toast at the Blutt Band Slam

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations - Classes & Reunions

Enjoy the band slam competition and a few special treats and drinks for the 2014-2024 classes!

 

11th Annual Blutt Band Slam and Beer Garden

Sponsored by: Alumni Relations

Alumni and Student musicians battle it out to see who is the best performer in this battle of the bands type contest. Performers have a chance to win a cash prize of up to $1,000. So come on out and cheer on these great acts!

 

Partnering for Progress: The School District of Philadelphia and Penn GSE

Sponsored by: Penn Graduate School of Education (Penn GSE)

Amidst a national teacher shortage, many K–12 students are learning in schools with too few qualified teachers. How can a place like Penn GSE help stem the tide? Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. joins Penn GSE Dean Katharine Strunk for a fireside chat to discuss why the national teacher shortage is an existential threat not only for students, but for cities and the country, and the ways in which schools of education can partner with local districts to recruit, support, and retain educators so that all kids—in Philadelphia and in districts across the US—are prepared to thrive in school and in the workforce.

 

Annual Gallery Hop

Sponsored by: Penn Arts and Culture

Join us for the annual Gallery Hop! We’ll see the newest exhibitions at the Penn Libraries; view priceless architectural drawings at the Architectural Archives, see plans for the renovation of the Arthur Ross Gallery, and finish with a highlights tour at the Penn Museum. Wear comfortable shoes. Followed by a reception in the stunning Sphinx Gallery!

 

Penn Squash Homecoming Celebration

Sponsored by: Penn Champions Club

Celebrate the legacy of Penn Squash! Join us for an exclusive cocktail reception at the Penn Squash Center as we toast the 2024 Men’s team and the 2000 Women’s team National Championships, while also commemorating the 50th season of Penn Women’s Squash. This special evening promises great food, drinks, and the chance to connect with fellow Penn Squash alumni and friends of the program. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor our champions and be part of Penn Squash history! Please reach out to Penn Champions Club, penncc@upenn.edu, for more information.

 

Association of Latino Alumni (ALA) Reception

Sponsored by: Penn Spectrum Programs

Welcome back ALA Community! Join us as we gather to meet new alumni and reconnect with friends. Bring your family or friends for a reception hosted by Penn Spectrum Programs. A special area will be a designated for the Association of Latino Alumni.

 

Association of Native Alumni (ANA) Reception

Sponsored by: Penn Spectrum Programs

Welcome back Six Directions and Natives at Penn Alumni! Come and reconnect with friends and meet new Native Alumni. Bring your family or friends for a reception hosted by Penn Spectrum Programs. A special area will be a designated for the Association of Native Alumni.

 

PennGALA, Penn's LGBTQ+ Alumni Community Reception

Sponsored by: Penn Spectrum Programs

Join us as we welcome new PennGALA alumni back to campus and unite as a community. Bring your family and friends for a reception hosted by Penn Spectrum Programs. A special area will be a designated for PennGALA.

 

Penn Spectrum Presents: The Taste

Sponsored by: Penn Spectrum Programs

Hey Quaker! Penn Spectrum Programs welcomes you back to campus with local Philly fare, spectacular music, and your campus cultural community’s friends and family. Join with the Association of Latino Alumni, the Association of Native Alumni (ANA), The Black Alumni Society (BAS), the LGBT Alumni Association (PennGALA), and the Asian Alumni Network (UPAAN) as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary year of our beloved ARCH cultural resource centers, La Casa Latina, Makuu Black Cultural Center, and the Pan-Asian American Community House.

$10 at the door without a Homecoming Pass.

 

Ben Folds: Paper Airplane Request Tour

Sponsored by: Penn Live Arts

An indie superstar makes his Penn Live Arts debut! Widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation, singer/songwriter and pianist Ben Folds has created an enormous body of work that spans pop albums with Ben Folds Five, solo releases, compositions for film/tv and more, with hits including “Brick,” “Rockin’ the Suburbs” and “The Luckiest.” With his signature charm, stirring melodies and cleverly brilliant lyrics, Folds makes a rare, one-night-only appearance in Philadelphia. This performance will feature an opening act by special guest Lindsey Kraft. Tickets are limited and no discounts will be offered. Purchase tickets.

 

Experience Fall at Morris Arboretum & Gardens!

Sponsored by: Morris Arboretum & Gardens

Experience picturesque foliage and all the natural wonders of a Northeastern Fall season as a special guest of the Morris. Morris Arboretum & Gardens, Penn's beloved natural oasis, historic public garden, and educational institution in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, invites alumni and their family to enjoy a complimentary visit during regular admission hours - 10:00am-4:00pm - on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Last entry is 3:00pm. Guests of Penn alumni must fit in a single visiting car to accommodate the Morris’s parking lot capacity. Please be sure to register names of all guests that will be joining you. Learn more about your upcoming visit at www.morrisarboretum.org.

 

Free Admission to the Penn Museum

Sponsored by: Development and Alumni Relations at the Penn Museum

We invite all alumni and their guests to enjoy free admission to the Penn Museum during homecoming weekend.

 

The Healing Arts — A Tour of Penn Medicine Art

Sponsored by: Penn Medicine Development and Alumni Relations

This vibrant and engaging 45-minute tour will show how Penn uniquely can bring together medicine, architecture, and art into a single mission: healing. Thanks to partners like The Philadelphia Museum of Art, Penn Museum, the Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia and nationally recognized artists, people can experience the restorative effects of world-class art — right here in West Philadelphia. Tour highlights include the kaleidoscopic “Field and Sky” mural by Philadelphia artist Odili Donald Odita; “Homologous Hope” by Mara Haseltine, created for the Basser Center for BRCA; and the soaring two-story “Decoding the Tree of Life” by Maya Lin, who designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC. 

If this event has reached capacity, please reach out to Jules Spaeth, spaeth@upenn.edu, to join the waitlist. 

 

ICA Exhibitions on View

Sponsored by: Institute of Contemporary Art

Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is Penn’s home for daring contemporary art from all around the world. Visit ICA during Homecoming Weekend 2024 and immerse yourself in ICA’s Fall 2024 exhibitions: Where I Learned to Look: Art from the Yard, Joanna Piotrowska: unseeing eyes, restless bodies, and Entryways: Nontsikelelo Mutiti. Admission is free! Read more about the current exhibitions here.

 

Penn Chorale

Sponsored by: Penn Department of Music

Join Penn Chorale for an afternoon of music featuring works from Melissa Dunphy, Eric Whitacre, and others within the beautiful St. Mary's Church. This event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information.