Author: Alyssa D’Alconzo, GED ’04, GRD ‘11
On October 1, I became the newest member of the Sweeten House family, moving into a third floor office and the role of Director of Alumni Education, Alumni Travel, & Career Networking.
Proof my title fits on a standard-size business card.
I was so excited that I even took a “first day of work” picture!
While I’m new to Alumni Relations, I’m not new to Penn. I arrived on campus as a master’s student for the 2003-2004 academic year. After completing my M.S.Ed. in higher education and falling in love with Penn and Philadelphia, I took a job with the Penn Graduate School of Education. I continued my career at 3700 Walnut Street for last next 9 years, ultimately concluding my tenure there as the Director of Admissions & Financial Aid.
Along the way I earned a doctoral degree, also in higher education, during which my research focused on the information barrier to college access.
My dissertation joins other important works in my office bookcase.
When I’m not at work, you can find me exploring Philly and other cities around the world with family and friends, reading great books (To Kill a Mockingbird is my all-time favorite!), working out at CrossFit Center City,
and baking, writing, and taking photos for my travel and baking blog Suitcases & Sweets.
Many Suitcases & Sweets treats will end up at Sweeten House for sharing, so be sure to stop by for one the next time you’re on Locust Walk! I’d love to meet you and hear about your Penn experience and education, travel, and career networking needs. I’ll also be around all weekend at Homecoming (are you registered?!), in Cuba with Penn Alumni Travel in January (there are still a few spots left to join me!), and online through our webinar series.
Everyone at Sweeten House has been incredibly welcoming and open to collaborating, and I’m looking forward to a future filled with developing and implementing dynamic programming that connects you — our alumni and friends — with the intellectual and professional life of this great university.
Frankly Penn 