Yearly Archives: 2013

September 23, 2013 · 12:04 pm

Wharton Alumnus, Rohit Chopra, Addresses Issues Related to Student Debt

Author: Lisa Marie Patzer

The Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative is pleased to announce a talk by Wharton MBA alumnus Rohit Chopra, student loan ombudsman at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, scheduled for Thursday, September 26, at 4:30 PM, in Steinberg-Dietrich Hall, Room 109.  Chopra will be speaking on “Student Debt: The Next Financial Crisis?”

Chopra was appointed to the oimbudsman position, created by the Dodd-Frank Act, in 2011 by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury.  In that role, he leads the agency’s work on behalf of students and young Americans.  He also is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post on student debt issues.  Before joining the CFPB, he worked at McKinsey & Company.

This talk is open to the University community, but registration is required:
https://whartonppi.wufoo.com/forms/student-debt-the-next-financial-crisis/

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Filed under Lisa Marie Patzer, Penn Law, Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative

September 20, 2013 · 4:39 pm

One Heart, One Way

Author: Carolyn Grace, C’16

Hey there past and present Quakers!

Today, I officially assume my role as both a work-study student at Alumni Relations and a sophisticated writer in the blogsophere.  We’ll see how well that second job goes.

Needless to say, I am extremely excited to share with you all my sophomoric experiences as a sophomore here at Penn!  Whether it’s late-night study sessions in Van Pelt or early morning brunches at 1920 Commons, flinging toast at football games or jamming during a cappella rehearsals, I will try my best to capture the many facets of campus life that remind me why I chose this incredible institution.  So, here goes nothing!

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At 9:00 PM on Tuesday night,  a to-go box of pasta and green beans in hand, I made my way to room F95 of Huntsman Hall with another 120 girls or so.  It was time for the weekly chapter meeting of my sorority, Sigma Kappa!

Since I was given a bid to join last February, I have loved every minute of my time in SK.  The motto for the sorority is “One Heart, One Way,” a phrase that rings true to its members.  I had the amazing luck of getting into the same sorority as three of my other very close friends.  What was even more amazing was the number of close friends I made over the course of the semester.  Formals, philanthropy events, retreats, through it all I have met girls with interests and ideas that really intrigue me, regardless of whether or not they were similar to my own.

Bid Night 2013 - I am officially invited to join SK!

Bid Night 2013 – I am officially invited to join Sigma Kappa!

Wing Bowl - SK's Spring Philanthropy Event

Wing Bowl – SK’s Spring Philanthropy Event

Although the school year has only just begun, Sigma Kappa is already up and running with events!  Two weeks ago, the girls and I went on a boat cruise for our Sisterhood retreat.  All aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia, we were treated to brunch, dancing, games, and a breathtaking view of our fair city.  For this week’s chapter, we started planning our fall philanthropy event, Quizzo.  Ranked last spring by 34th Street magazine as the best trivia event of the year, SK’s Quizzo is packed with fun facts and prizes!  The money we raise goes towards our national  Alzheimer’s Disease and Research Grant Program, one of the many charities we support.

S(K)ailing at our Sisterhood Retreat!

S(K)ailing at our Sisterhood Retreat!

Finally, today is the beginning of our annual Moms and Special Women’s Weekend!  We’re kicking off these next few days with a Meet the Moms dessert reception at City Tap House tonight at 8:00 PM.  Other activities will include dinner in Center City, brunch at the Sigma Kappa chapter house, and both the Memory Mile Walk and Penn’s Second Annual 5K for the IOA (Institute on Aging). This weekend looks pretty packed, and I can’t wait to spend it with my mom and my SKisters!

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Filed under Campus Life, Carolyn G., Clubs, Philanthropy, Photos, Student Perspective

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September 19, 2013 · 11:35 am

My Second First-Year

Author: Rachel Stewart, C’16

My first day of college didn’t begin with a walk down Locust to Huntsman or a long trek to the labs in DRL. I didn’t have breakfast with my hallmates in Hill or use dining dollars to grab some sushi in Houston.

On my first day of college, I woke up on the eighth floor of a dorm building on 116th and Broadway in Manhattan. I crossed the street to take a class in Kent, had lunch in Hewitt, and then on to more classes in Altschul and Barnard Hall.

As a sophomore transfer, I have a different perspective on Penn than most first-years. I appreciate much of what most freshmen take for granted: that laundry is free, that I can get Insomnia Cookies delivered to my room, and that Starbucks accepts dining dollars. More importantly, I appreciate the sense of community and interaction in my hall, classes, and on campus in general. At my school last year, I could walk from one end of campus to the other without spotting a friendly face or someone who wasn’t engrossed in reading their e-mail. When I walk down Locust to class, I say hello to my friend on her way back to Hill for a nap, run into the President of the cooking club I just joined (and briefly ask her about our next meeting), give an awkward wave to one of my TA’s, and finally sneak into class where my friend is saving me a seat.

Penn is truly “the social Ivy,” and after about a month here I’ve an incredible array of people who are genuinely interested in discussing topics ranging from Obama’s next steps on the Syrian crisis to the best flavor at Capogiro. I’ve made Facebook friends, gained Twitter followers, added numerous numbers to my contact list, and managed to form a group of friends who I actually hang out with in real life. While it’s easy to complain with my friends and classmates about the high stress levels and competition at Penn, especially during midterm season, I try to take a step back and appreciate that I have people to complain with at all.

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View from my dorm room window last year.

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Filed under Campus Life, Rachel S., Student Perspective

September 19, 2013 · 9:18 am

My Top Penn List: Penn Spectrum 2013

Author: Casey Ryan, C’95

While advanced registration for Penn Spectrum 2013 is closed; walk-on registration is available Friday and Saturday. This conference is gearing up to be phenomenal.

The educational pieces highlight topics that focus on issues pertinent to our multicultural groups and are given a Penn spin with alumni thought-leaders. The social get-togethers encourage camaraderie. Finally, Penn is always beautiful in the early fall and Penn Park is bustling with activity.

Here are the top ten events that I’m looking forward to this weekend.

10.   Guided Tour of Penn Park by University Architect David Hollenberg.
Friday, September 20, 1:30pm
Meet at Weightman Hall, 235 South 33rd Street (between Locust and Spruce, near Franklin Field)

See the University’s beautiful new green space featuring environmentally-conscious recreational and athletic areas on the eastern edge of campus. Learn about the Park’s unique design, and hear from Mike Diorka (Associate Athletic Director, Facility Management) about how people are putting the new space to use.

9.   Black Bodies in Propaganda: The Art of the War Poster
Sunday, September 22, 12noon
Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South Street, Trescher Entrance

Browse this collection of 33 posters aimed at mobilizing African-Americans in war efforts, even as they faced oppression and injustice in their homelands.

8.   Post-racial Leadership at Penn and Beyond
Friday, September 20, 4:30-6pm
Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce Street

Join the James Brister Society (JBS) for a panel discussion featuring members who have demonstrated leadership at the University and in their careers. Followed by networking with the panelists and your fellow attendees.
Moderator: Leslie Kruhly, University Vice President and Secretary. Panelists include Gil Casellas, L’77, University Trustee, JBS Co-Chair, Chairman of OMNITRU, former Chairman of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission; Claire Lomax, Esq., C’84, University Trustee, Member-School of Social Policy & Practice Board of Overseers, General Counsel-The Lomax Companies; John Chou, Esq., L’84, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at AmerisourceBergen Corporation; Farah Jimenez, Esq. C’90, L’96, JBS Member, President and CEO of People’s Emergency Center.

7.   Harvest Ceremony and Tour of Penn’s New Lenape Garden
Also at Saturday, September 21, 5-6:30pm
Greenfield Intercultural Center, 3708 Chestnut Street

Celebrate with us at the home of the beautiful, tortoise-shaped Lenape Garden. It was created to educate the community about the Lenape who first called the Delaware Valley home. Also featuring the art of Jack “Crying Raven” Anderson from the Ramapough Lunaape Nation who works with acrylic, oils, watercolor, and collage. His art reflects his transitional life, strong family values, but also rebellion against education, conformity and strict social mores. It also reflects who he has become after going through a healing process and developing new respect for family values, spiritualism, society, art and music.

6.   Look Who’s Famous Now! Increasing Asian American Presence in Media and Entertainment
Saturday, September 21, 3:30-5pm
Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall

Discover the challenges that Asian Americans have historically faced in these industries and how we addressing these challenges today. Learn how access to digital technology has affected Asian and Pacific Islander representation, both onscreen and behind the scenes. Featuring Brian Redondo, C’05, Digital Project Manager at the Ad Council, Jessica Park, W’06, Director, Office of the CEO at Warner Music Group and Bing Chen, C’09, Global Creator Development & Management Lead at YouTube.

5.   LGBT Community at Penn: Past, Present & Future
Saturday, September 21, 5-6:30pm
LGBT Center, 3907 Spruce Street

Join in the conversation about the LGBT community at Penn and how it has evolved over the last several decades, including the development of the LGBT Center itself and how Penn’s LGBT Center is a model among its peers at other institutions. We’ll conclude with a dialogue about the challenges that lie ahead and the vision for the Center and our community in the years to come. With Bob Schoenberg, GSW ’89; Director, Penn LGBT Center; Erin G. Cross, G ’10; Associate Director, Penn LGBT Center; Carolyn DeChants, SP2 ’13, and Andres Castro Samayoa, GSE ’17.

4.   Traditional Native American Grand Entry and Official Welcome
Friday, September 20, 7pm
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theater, 3680 Walnut Street

University administrators offer a formal welcome after our Penn Spectrum Grand Entry, featuring drums and dance based on the opening ceremony of a Powwow. As part of this tradition, any military veterans present will be honored by the other attendees and event will be emceed by Talon Ducheneaux, C’15

3.   Black Alumni Reunion Dinner and Keynote Speaker
Saturday, September 21, 7:30-9pm
Hall of Flags, Houston Hall

This Reunion Dinner program includes greetings and remarks from the Black Alumni Society (BAS) and Makuu Black Cultural Center as well as Keynote Speaker, Marc Morial, C’80, President and CEO of the National Urban League, former Mayor of New Orleans.

2.   Questions vs. Solutions: The Immigration Discussion Continues
Saturday, September 21, 3:30-5pm
Colloquium Room, 8th Floor, Huntsman Hall, 3730 Walnut Street

Why should community members support efforts to improve the integration and inclusion of those new to the U.S., as well as others facing language and cultural barriers, into the social and economic fabric of a city? Featuring a conversation with Jennifer I. Rodríguez, GCP’01, Executive Director, Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Multicultural Affairs. Hosted by Nicolas Rodriquez, C’04, Conference Co-Chair, Board member of the Association of Latino Alumni.

1.   Penn Spectrum Dance Party (21+ Only)
Saturday, September 21, 9pm-1am, Bodek Lounge, Houston Hall

In the tradition of Taste of Penn Spectrum from Homecoming and Alumni Weekend, dance the night away to R&B, salsa, Bhangra, hip hop, merengue, reggaeton, soca, and more to end the Saturday’s activities on a high note.

I know that our Penn Alumni Relation staff will be working hard to make this a fantastic event for our Multicultural Outreach teammates and our diverse alumni alike.

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Filed under Alumni Programming, Casey R., Multicultural Outreach, Penn Spectrum, Top Ten

September 18, 2013 · 9:39 am

Penn Student, Again!

Author: Lillian Gardiner, MSEd’11, Program Director, Institute for Law & Economics, University of Pennsylvania Law School

When I finished my Master’s program, I thought I’d never go back to school. But after a very short period of time, I actually found myself missing the classroom and having a teacher.

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Now, I’m taking my first class as an alumna (and Penn staff member) and am still amazed that this is one of the benefits included in being a graduate of Penn.

As alumni, we can take courses through Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies. There’s a wide variety of course offerings, with many classes offered in the evenings.

I’m currently enrolled in the Sociology of Bioethics, taught by Collette Joyce. The goal of the course is “to understand the nature of the bioethics profession and its modes of argumentation, and to explore the cultural, social, political, and professional underpinnings of bio-ethical debates.” Class meets for three hours once a week on the evening. The readings have been challenging but manageable with my work commitments. I love  being back in a classroom, learning for the sake of learning and not worrying about my grade.

If you’re local, hopefully you can take advantage of this option at some point. See you in class!

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Lillian G., Penn Law

September 17, 2013 · 11:00 am

Two Weekends Full of Penn

Author: Stephanie Yee, C’08

My next two weekends will be full of Penn. First up is Penn Spectrum on September 20-22, 2013.

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Penn Spectrum is the University’s weekend-long alumni conference devoted entirely to celebrating diversity. Though any interested alumni may attend, Penn Spectrum will focus on programs of interest to Asian, Black, Latino, Native American, and LGBT communities, the populations served by the existing volunteer coalition of the Penn Alumni Diversity Alliance. Penn Spectrum is only every 3 years (the first was in 2010), so you definitely don’t want to miss out. The next one won’t be until 2016!

I am most looking forward to the academic panels and breakout sessions. As Programming Chair of Penn Spectrum, I made sure to populate the panels with only the most impressive and amazing Penn faculty and alumni. My job wasn’t hard since there are SO MANY incredible Penn faculty and alumni to choose from. A few of my favorites…

My friend Terra L. Gearhart-Serna, JD, C’07, will be on the Legal Matters panel. Terra and I have been friends since my freshman year. I can’t wait to hear her speak about her pro bono work on immigration and women’s rights. I am also excited about hearing from Kristin Haskins-Simms, C’93, Principal Designer at Krysi (formerly Strangefruit), on the Career Paths panel. Kristin was a contestant on Season 8 of Project Runway – I remember watching her on tv! I heard Kristin speak at a Multicultural Outreach Career Spotlight in 2010, and she was fantastic. The keynote speaker for the Asian/Pacific Islander Alumni Reunion seated dinner is Dr. Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., G’03, GR’06, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology. Dr. Duckworth’s research on grit is fascinating, and I can’t wait to hear her speak live for the first time. There’s something for everyone at Penn Spectrum 2013. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Don’t miss out! Click here to see the full schedule.

The weekend after Penn Spectrum, I will be attending the Penn Reunion Leadership Conference (PRLC) on September 27-28, 2013. logo
PRLC is designed to help alumni volunteers prepare for their upcoming class reunion. The conference covers everything from how to get the word out about your reunion to event planning to how to raise funds for your class reunion gift. If your class reunion is coming up in May 2014, come to PRLC to start planning the big celebration! I attended PRLC last year to start planning my 5th reunion. It was a great place to reconnect with classmates and to start building our reunion committee. This year, I will be attending PRLC as a member of the Alumni Class Leadership Council (ACLC). The ACLC is the governing and advisory board for alumni classes and the host of PRLC. We are a council of volunteer alumni leaders from classes across eight decades – that’s right, EIGHT DECADES! PRLC is a must attend for anyone interested in reunion planning. You will learn a lot, and you will have a lot of fun. Don’t miss out!

So there it is. My next two weekends will be spent at Penn, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Penn Spectrum, Stephanie Y.

September 16, 2013 · 4:36 pm

Hellooooooo Penn!

Author: Edna Gonzalez, M.S.Ed ’14

This Las Vegan is officially a Quaker! I have a Penn email address, my new Penn t-shirt and my Penn card. I’m ready for this academic year! …Now if only I could remember to have my Penn card handy every time I have to swipe into a building.

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There are so many firsts on my Penn journey. New scenery, new people, new expectations! First time visiting Wawa, Kiwi, and walking down Locust walk! I was surprised by the friendliness of people. The campus was buzzing with students, parents, staff, and faculty walking around the campus. But there was a sense of laid back and openness.  I could see parents smiling proudly as they shopped with their sons and daughters. Others looked exhausted from pushing the move-in carts. But there was a pride and joy in the air. A new was about to commence.

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4(Have you ever seen these??? It’s my first time. But I love them! They’re super handy)

During my adventure to a Target and Ikea I took a slight detour to check out the famous rivalry between Geno’s and Pat’s steak places with my mother. You can see who won…
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But I’d like to think that I found a new winner.

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I’m all moved in and in full of swing of things now. But I’m still slowly discovering where things are; such as the Houston hall market and the fruit cart lady. Need I mention anymore? Its super convenient and delicious!

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I catch myself pondering how lucky I am to be in a program and course of study that I thoroughly enjoy. My cohort members are very different yet intelligent and capable peers who have a passion for higher education and will make an impact in the field. I can only imagine what the future holds for us. Wish me luck as I navigate my Master’s degree!

 

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Filed under Student Perspective

September 13, 2013 · 1:31 pm

Don’t Miss Penn Spectrum 2013!

by Nicole C. Maloy, W’95

I mentioned back in August that Penn Spectrum was on out there on the horizon. Well, now it is almost here! Penn Spectrum 2013, the university’s second weekend-long conference dedicated to celebrating alumni diversity, will take place next weekend, September 20-22.

Images from the inaugural Penn Spectrum conference in 2010. Don’t miss out – the next one won’t be until 2016!

Take a look at the schedule. Go ahead. I’ll wait right here. Look at who will be speaking. Look at the topic of each panel discussion. Look at the traditional Native American Grand Entry. Look at Performing Arts Night. Look at the Friday night happy hours, and the big dance party on Saturday.  There is something for everyone, and I could not be more excited to once again see alumni from different generations connect with students here at the university they all share. What else do they have in common? They will find out next weekend. Join them. Don’t miss this chance to benefit from outstanding networking opportunities, stimulating discussions, and good, old fashioned FUN.

Registration for Penn Spectrum 2013 closes on Monday, September 16 at 9am, so REGISTER TODAY. 

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Filed under Nicole M.

September 12, 2013 · 2:35 pm

This Time Next Week: Guest Lecture

Author: Lisa Marie Patzer

The Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative is proud to be hosting a guest lecture by Professor Cecilia Rouse, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs at Princeton University, on Thursday, September 19th, at 4:30 PM in JMHH 350.

Professor Rouse will be speaking on “The Post-Secondary Education Challenge: Can We Preserve Access, Improve Outcomes, and Keep it Affordable?”  This event is open to the public, but registration is required: http://whartonppi.wufoo.com/forms/the-postsecondary-education-challenge

In addition to serving as Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School, Professor Rouse is the Lawrence and Shirley Katzman and Lewis and Anna Ernst Professor in the Economics of Education and Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University.  Her primary research interests are in labor economics, with a focus on the economics of education.  She has served as an editor of the Journal of Labor Economics and is currently a senior editor of The Future of Children.   She is the founding director of the Princeton University Education Research Section, a member of the National Academy of Education, and a research associate of the National Bureau of Economic Research.   In 1998-99, Professor Rouse served a year in the White House at the National Economic Council and from 2009-2011 served as a member of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Please join us for what is sure to be an outstanding lecture on an issue of critical importance!

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Filed under Lisa Marie Patzer, Penn Wharton Public Policy Initiative

September 12, 2013 · 12:14 pm

Penn Presents Prezi

Author:  Liz Pinnie

A benefit of working at Penn (besides the close proximity to Insomnia Cookies) is the opportunity to take free classes at Weigle Information Commons in the Van Pelt-Dietrich Library.

Short and sweet classes are offered there on everything from Excel to Photoshop to Prezi.

Don’t know what Prezi is?  Neither did I, so I decided to take a class in it!

Turns out that Prezi is new alternative to building presentations on PowerPoint that allows for greater flexibility and boundless creativity.  After learning the basics at Weigle from our awesome teacher and testing my prowess on a presentation about corgis, I decided to get a bit more professional and try my hand at a work related presentation.

If you have a minute, check out my “Why Interview” Prezi here. Here is a screen capture to get you interested.

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…and if you like it, let me know by signing up to join the Penn Alumni Interview Program!

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Filed under Campus Life, Interview Program, Liz P.