Category Archives: Multicultural Outreach

March 4, 2014 · 8:00 am

Penn colleague, alumni volunteer and ARTIST . . .

Author: Kristina Clark

Nicole Maloy, W’95, is one of my colleagues in Alumni Relations. She is the Director of the Multicultural Outreach program. I thought I’d share a post about her simply because she is interesting!

Nicole not only works in Alumni Relations, she is a very active volunteer on Penn’s Association of Alumnae Board, members with whom I work closely. This post is not about Nicole’s role as an employee or as an alumna however, this is about Nicole’s personal creativity. For example and most recently, Nicole taught a few of her Alumni Relations colleagues how to knit. She is a patient teacher (for which we are most grateful) and now my ten-year old daughter wears a beautiful purple knit hat that I finished last month. Nicole has many talents — she’s a dancer, a singer, an athlete, and most certainly an artist, as confirmed by being chosen last week to exhibit her portrait drawing at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. This honor is what I wanted to share with you.

Here’s the story . . . Nicole once wrote a Penn Alumni Blog post about exploring art resources in Philadelphia (includes a photo of her at age 17 with several jean jackets that she painted for her high school classmates in the late ’80s and early ’90s). One resource that she had not yet taken advantage of is the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA), the first school of fine arts in the United States. Its origin dates from 1791, when Penn was still located at 4th & Arch Streets.

In fall 2013, Nicole took a weekly evening class called “Intermediate Portrait Drawing” through PAFA’s Continuing Education program. Students who had been enrolled in CE classes or workshops from spring 2013 through spring 2014 were invited to submit artwork for the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Continuing Education Programs Annual Juried Student Exhibition.

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PAFA received nearly 180 submissions, and 80 were accepted. Among them is Nicole’s piece, a portrait in charcoal entitled “Waiting,” which was drawn from a live model in class. If you would like to see it, along with the other 79 drawings, paintings, and sculptures, the exhibition runs from February 28 – April 6 in Gallery 128, Hamilton Building, 128 North Broad Street, at PAFA.

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Congratulations, Nicole!

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Filed under A Day in the Life - DAR, Alumni Profile, Association of Alumnae, Kristina C., Multicultural Outreach, Nicole M., Philadelphia, Sweeten Alumni House, The Arts, Uncategorized

October 1, 2013 · 9:27 am

Penn Spectrum 2013 Review in Photos

Author: Stephanie Yee, C’08

Penn Spectrum 2013 was incredible. Amazing panels, delicious food, and a killer dance party. Here are some photos from the weekend.

Reliving one of my favorite days of undergrad at Performing Arts Night. Penn Lions pictured here. Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theatre.

Reliving one of my favorite days of undergrad at Performing Arts Night. Penn Lions pictured here. Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theatre.

Welcome Remarks by Penn President Amy Gutmann, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theatre.

Welcome Remarks by Penn President Amy Gutmann, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theatre.

eer Paths: Embracing the Unexpected, Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall. Panelists included Kristin Haskins-Simms, C'93, Principal Designer at Krysi (formerly Strangefruit), Contestant on Season 8 of Project Runway; Franklin Shen, ENG’03, Co-Owner of Sugar Philly Dessert Truck and Catering and Derek Murphy, WG'89 Executive Vice President and General Manager USA TODAY Moderator: Pat Rose, G'75, Director of Penn Career Services.

eer Paths: Embracing the Unexpected, Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall. Panelists included Kristin Haskins-Simms, C’93, Principal Designer at Krysi (formerly Strangefruit), Contestant on Season 8 of Project Runway; Franklin Shen, ENG’03, Co-Owner of Sugar Philly Dessert Truck and Catering and Derek Murphy, WG’89 Executive Vice President and General Manager USA TODAY Moderator: Pat Rose, G’75, Director of Penn Career Services.

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Reliving one of my favorite days of undergrad at Performing Arts Night. Penn Lions pictured here. Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theatre.

Reliving one of my favorite days of undergrad at Performing Arts Night. Penn Lions pictured here. Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Harold Prince Theatre.

Penn P cupcakes at the Dance Party.

Penn P cupcakes at the Dance Party.

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Campus Life, Events, Multicultural Outreach, Penn Spectrum, Stephanie Y.

September 25, 2013 · 11:14 am

Spectral Analysis

Author: Patrick Bredehoft

“The essence of the beautiful is unity in variety.” —W. Somerset Maugham

This past weekend highlighted some great examples of the astonishing variety of communities and opportunities to be found on Penn’s campus. With the second Penn Spectrum conference to be held in Philadelphia, we welcomed multiple generations of diverse alumni back to campus for a weekend of impassioned discussions and warm reunions.  Whether the alumni were sharing academic research, personal anecdotes, or salsa moves, the spirit of collaboration was palpable.

Penn Weekend 1 (2)

On Saturday afternoon, College Green was also abuzz with students celebrating Skimmerfest, a campus-wide party that includes great musical acts, food trucks, a 40-foot climbing wall, and a giant inflatable football player (perhaps an omen for the game to come?).  Students flooded the center of campus, enjoying the perfect weather and time spent with one another.

Just a few blocks away, a makeshift city was being assembled on Hill Field, with the following invitation to the campus community:

 What is the best way to teach students about what it’s like to live in informal settlements – which will be home to over half of the world’s population within the next two decades? Create an opportunity for them to build and inhabit a makeshift ‘city’ using cardboard and other simple materials right in the University of Pennsylvania’s backyard.  On Friday, Sept. 20th  and Saturday, Sept. 21st, students from the School of Design will re-create the best conditions possible of a hypothetical informal settlement – the fastest growing type of habitation in the world.

Penn Weekend 2 (2)

Alumni reuniting, students celebrating, and global realities made into local experience: just your typical weekend, Penn!

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Filed under Campus Life, Multicultural Outreach, Patrick B., Penn Spectrum

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

August 9, 2013 · 10:28 am

Connect, Rediscover, and Celebrate at Penn Spectrum 2013

by Nicole C. Maloy, W’95

In 2010, The University of Pennsylvania hosted its first-ever Penn Spectrum conference focusing on programs of interest to Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Latino/Hispanic, LGBTQ, and Native American alumni. Alumni of all backgrounds were welcome to join the celebration. The alumni, students, faculty, and staff who attended the conference had a powerful, inspiring, wonderful time (a few of their comments are below). Some of you later attended Penn Spectrum on the Road events in 2011 and 2012, which featured networking receptions and faculty/alumni panel discussions in cities across the US.

I am very excited to invite you back to campus for the next full conference, Penn Spectrum 2013, which will take place this fall from Friday, September 20 – Sunday, September 22.

Penn Spectrum: An Alumni Conference Celebrating Diversity

A personal note: it is a big deal to see programming like this, with this audience in mind, at Penn. Just remember that it can only be successful if those who care about seeing programs like this take place (and continue) will register and attend. Support Penn Spectrum!

To make that easier for you to do, note that we worked hard to make the rates accessible – some of you may have paid more to attend weekend-long events that do not include meals. But Penn Spectrum will feed you, entertain you, and inform you from Friday to Sunday for $100 or less if you register by the early bird deadline. There are special, lower rates for young alumni, alumni aged 65+, alumni who are currently enrolled as full-time students elsewhere, and members of the class of 2013, the newest members of our alumni family. We have also reserved hotel rooms at rates that would be very tough to find at any other time. This shows how much we want to see you back on campus.

Your next chance to celebrate like this will be in 2016, so don’t miss out! Panel discussions, performing arts night, a generational luncheon, reunion events, alumni keynotes, and more await you. Early bird prices and special hotel rates apply through August 31, so learn more and register today at www.pennspectrum.com. Connect with your fellow alumni. Rediscover Penn. Celebrate a wonderful weekend. I hope to see you in September at Penn Spectrum 2013.

Photos from Penn Spectrum 2010. Don’t miss Penn Spectrum 2013!

Some comments from alumni and students who attended Penn Spectrum 2010:

“Well done – great food – great conversation – etc., etc. As one of the oldest grads I spent a lot of time answering questions about what is was like when….”

“The Penn Spectrum conference offered me a chance to interact with Penn alumni in such an intimate way that I realized Penn was also a place where I could flourish and grow.”

“Thank you for providing this unique opportunity to be a part of the new Penn.”

“Everything was high quality and enjoyable.”

“I applaud the Office of Alumni relations, the university, and the alumni volunteer committee for putting on such an outstanding event. It definitely ranks as one of my most proud moments as a Penn alumnus.”

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Filed under Alumni Programming, Multicultural Outreach, Nicole M., Uncategorized

July 26, 2013 · 1:43 pm

Save the Date for Penn Spectrum, Sept. 20-22, 2013

Author: Lillian Gardiner, GEd’11

From September 20-22,  2013, Penn  will host Penn Spectrum, the University’s second weekend-long alumni conference devoted entirely to celebrating diversity. Through this conference, sponsored by the Office of the President and Penn Alumni Relations, Penn seeks to engage diverse undergraduate and graduate alumni from all walks of life, and to provide a new opportunity for them to reconnect with one another and their alma mater in a meaningful way.

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. This has made Penn the first among its peers to bring together alumni of color and LGBT alumni at one conference to affirm not only individual group affinity and identity, but also cross-cultural collaboration and understanding.

Registration for the conference will open next week. You can find that and more on the Penn Spectrum website.

Stay tuned for more details and specifics to follow.

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Lillian G., Multicultural Outreach, Penn Spectrum

May 7, 2013 · 9:09 pm

Celebrating Diversity at Alumni Weekend

Author: Lillian Galindo Gardiner, GEd ’11

It may not be your reunion year, but there are other fun reasons to come back for Alumni Weekend this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Online registration is now closed, but you can still register on-site this weekend.

The Multicultural Outreach Team in Alumni Relations has worked with alumni leaders to plan some exciting opportunities for reconnecting with friends and celebrating the diversity of our Penn alumni.

Read on for details on events hosted by the Penn Alumni Diversity Alliance!

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SATURDAY, MAY 11

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
University of Pennsylvania Asian Alumni Network: Reception
Houston Hall, Ben Franklin Room, 3417 Spruce Street
Meet with UPAAN at our alumni weekend reception to meet fellow alumni, reunite old classmates and connect with past, current, and future members of the Asian & Asian-American community at Penn. Alumni, bring your memories, Students, bring your energy. Refreshments will be served. Following the reception, please join us in a joint panel discussion in collaboration with our fellow Diversity Alliance groups on the topic of faculty diversity and initiatives.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Association of Native Alumni: “A Tribute to Bob Preucel”
Houston Hall, Bishop White Room, 3417 Spruce Street
“A Tribute to Bob” (Robert W. Preucel), Department Chair, Sally and Alvin V. Shoemaker Professor, Anthropology: Curator-In-Charge, American Section, University Museum; Director, Penn Center for Native American Studies. With best wishes for a continued stellar journey at Brown University, we are remembering our time with Bob at Penn by sharing an archive of videos, stories, pictures, individual and collective memories. We recognize his work to develop the Center for Native American Studies and his ongoing support. Although Bob will not be joining us at Alumni Weekend, please gather with your fellow ANA alumni and Native students to pay tribute to him.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Association of Latino Alumni: Networking Reception
Houston Hall, Golkin Room, 3417 Spruce Street
Join ALA at our alumni networking reception, the first of two events that will focus on the evolution that is sweeping campus. While you reconnect with fellow alumni and reunite with old classmates, meet current students and Latino faculty. Refreshments will be served. Following the reception, please join us in a joint-panel discussion with our fellow Diversity Alliance groups on the very current and relevant topic of faculty diversity and initiatives.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
PennGALA Networking Hour
Houston Hall, Brachfeld Room, 3417 Spruce Street
PennGALA and the LGBT Center welcome you to network with fellow alumni during Alumni Weekend. Learn what other alumni are up to and the paths they’ve taken since graduating. You’ll also hear about the LGBT Center and the ways students benefit from its presence on campus today.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Black Alumni Society Reception
Houston Hall, Platt Rehearsal Room, 3417 Spruce Street
During the Alumni Weekend festivities, we welcome you to enjoy a reception hosted by the Black Alumni Society. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends and reminisce about your time at Penn. We will also acknowledge the 40th Anniversary of the W.E.B Du Bois College House with a few words from House Faculty Master, Rev. William Gipson, who also serves as Associate Vice Provost for Equity and Access at Penn.

4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Penn Faculty Panel: Co-Sponsored by the Penn Alumni Diversity Alliance
Houston Hall, Class of ’49 Auditorium, 3417 Spruce Street
Please join us for a panel discussion featuring Penn Professors Dr. Eric J. Schelter, Dr. Emilio Parrado, Dr. Grace Kao, and Dr. Tukufu Zuberi, who will discuss what achieving diversity means to them. Following the panel, there will be time for audience Q&A.

6 PM – 10 PM
Taste of Penn Spectrum: A Celebration of Diversity
Location: Tent on College Green
Spend an evening surrounded by friends, food, and music celebrating Penn’s cultural diversity. Enjoy the company of the Penn Alumni Diversity Alliance: The Association of Latino Alumni, The Association of Native Alumni, The Black Alumni Society, The James Brister Society, PennGALA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Alumni Association), and The University of Pennsylvania Asian Alumni Network. All alumni are welcome to attend.


Special note: on Sunday, May 12 at 10:30am, join the Greenfield Intercultural Center at 3708 Chestnut Street for an alumni celebration in honor of their new Native American community garden!

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Filed under Alumni Profile, Alumni Weekend, Lillian G., Multicultural Outreach

April 9, 2013 · 1:38 pm

A Recap of the James Brister Society Awards Evening

Author: Lillian Gardiner, GEd ‘11

Last Friday was the James Brister Society’s 18th Annual Student and Faculty Leadership Awards Reception held at Du Bois College House. The event honors faculty and students who exemplify excellence, leadership, and commitment to diversity at Penn.

Grandparents, parents, siblings, and friends of the awardees came from near and far, some by airplane, to take part in the celebration. A surprise performance by Penn Masala got the night started. The presenters often knew the awardee well which made for many lovely and sometimes tearful speeches. The winners’ acceptance speeches were equally touching, with students acknowledging the important role played by their family, friends, and Penn’s Cultural Centers in their experience at Penn.

This year, the student recipients were Lisa Doi, C’13, Angel Contrera, W’13, Dawson Kaaua, WG’13, Aya Saed, C’13, Michelle Ming-Shih Leong, EE’13, Spencer Stubbs, NU’13 and the faculty recipient was Dr. Salamishah Tillet, an Assistant Professor of English and Africana Studies.Named after the first person of color to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in 1881, the James Brister Society is comprised of alumni leaders who seek to improve the quality of the campus experience for students, faculty and administrators of color.

The faculty member and six student winners were selected from among a slate of candidates by the alumni boards and steering committees of the Penn Alumni Diversity Alliance. Each winner is presented their award by an alumna/us.

As one of the hosts of this event, I was technically working. But it hardly felt like work to be part of such an affirmative and special evening.

Enjoy the photo gallery recap below.

UPANN Student Award Winner, Michell Ming Shih Leong with Jenny Fan and Friends.

UPANN Student Award Winner, Michell Ming Shih Leong with Jenny Fan and Friends.

BAS Student Award Winner, Aya Saed, C'13 with Onyx Finney.

BAS Student Award Winner, Aya Saed, C’13 with Onyx Finney.

ANA Student Award Winner, Dawson Kaaua, WG'13 with Vanessa Iyua.

ANA Student Award Winner, Dawson Kaaua, WG’13 with Vanessa Iyua.
ALA Student Leadership Award Winner, Angel Contera,l W'13 with Patricia Martin and Gil Casellas.

ALA Student Leadership Award Winner (on the right), Angel Contera,, W’13 with Patricia Martin and Gil Casellas.

 

Watching as Spencer Stubbs, NU13, receives the Penn GALA Award.

Spencer Stubbs (center), NU’13, about to receive the Penn GALA Award.

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Events, Lillian G., Multicultural Outreach

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March 26, 2013 · 1:13 pm

Spotlight on VPUL Equity and Access

Author: Nicole C. Maloy, W’95

Earlier this month, Penn alumni across three decades returned to campus on a Saturday afternoon to meet Philadelphia high school students enrolled in the Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) PLUS, which is housed in the Equity & Access division of Penn’s Vice Provost for University Life (VPUL). The SMP/SMP PLUS staff team is, quite deservedly, one of Penn’s 2013 Models of Excellence honorees. Please join me in congratulating them for this honor!

Over the summer during SMP, students connect with Penn’s schools of Dental Medicine, Engineering & Applied Science, Law, Nursing, and Medicine, where they gain wonderful experience and insight into the careers they intend to pursue. Then, during the academic year, the SMP PLUS program offers additional, continuous support to those students, such as mentoring,  tutoring, and events like the Penn alumni career panel.

After enjoying some time with this year’s lively and intellectually curious group of SMP PLUS students, I had the privilege of moderating a discussion with panelists Sharon Sutherland, C’97 (Medicine), Angela Nguyen, NU’12 (Nursing), Rudolph Broomes, ENG’04, GEN’08 (Engineering), and Abel Rodriguez, L’11 (Law). These alumni were so generous with their time and experience, addressing both the joys and the challenges of their respective fields, offering valuable advice to everyone present, and staying afterward to answer additional questions about life, school, and career. I want to take this opportunity to thank them again.

Sharon Sutherland, C’97 (Far left - Medicine)

Sharon Sutherland, C’97 (Far left – Medicine)

Angela Nguyen, NU’12 (Far right - Nursing)

Angela Nguyen, NU’12 (Far right – Nursing)

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Rudolph Broomes, ENG’04, GEN’08 (Far right – Engineering)

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Abel Rodriguez, L’11 (Center – Law)

Before the panel, one of the students at my table – a future cardiac surgeon – told me of her grandfather’s experience after his heart attack. He survived, thanks to his surgery, and the seed was planted for her desired career. Another student shared that his choice to pursue law came after a close relative of his was falsely accused of a crime. That relative was ultimately exonerated, but spent an undue amount of time in jail before then. This student wants to help prevent that from happening to others. Those are just two of the 25 or so SMP PLUS participants who have shown a drive to achieve, along with a willingness to dedicate their Saturdays from October to April to their own education and development. We should all be proud of them, and of what Penn is doing to support them.

I would be remiss to leave this out – if you would like to offer your financial support to the SMP PLUS Program and their important efforts, make out your check in any amount to “The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania” and in the memo area be sure to write “VPUL SMP PLUS.” Send to the attention of Iris Leon, Manager of Development Operations, Vice Provost for University Life, 3611 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Questions? Contact Iris via e-mail or call her at (215) 898-6081.

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Filed under Multicultural Outreach, Nicole M., Uncategorized

December 13, 2012 · 6:46 pm

Penn Spectrum on the Road: Philadelphia

Author: Lillian Gardiner, GeD’11

Last night, over 60 alumni, friends and family gathered at the Gallery on Market Street to listen to a panel on “Art and the City.” Guests mingled in the Mural Arts Program’s space on the third level of the Gallery where the artists sometimes work.

After Vice President and Secretary of Penn, Leslie Laird Kruhly welcomed everyone, panelists Esperanza Altamar, GFA’00, Jane Golden, and Ernel Martinez, GFA’04 were led by Penn faculty moderator Mark J. Stern, PhD, in a discussion about the impact of the arts. A few of the questions covered included: How important is art to any major American urban center? What impact does its presence – or its absence – have on our children? How can Penn alumni with an interest in art make a difference in Philadelphia?

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Participants (from left to right): Penn Faculty Moderator: Mark J. Stern, PhD,Principal Investigator, Social Impact of the Arts Project; Co-Director, Urban Studies Program; Kenneth L. M. Pray Chair Professor of Social Policy; Esperanza Altamar, GFA’00, Director of Youth Programs, Norris Square Neighborhood Project; Former Manager of Community Programs, Philadelphia Museum of Art; Jane Golden, Executive Director, Philadelphia Mural Arts Project; Lecturer, Fine Arts and Urban Studies at Penn; and Ernel Martinez, GFA’04, Artist, Designer, Muralist and Mural Arts Instructor for the Amber Art & Design, and Philadelphia Mural Arts Project

As many of you may already know, in October 2010, Penn Alumni hosted the first-ever Penn Spectrum conference on diversity and community. The “Penn Spectrum on the Road” events are designed to continue the discussions from the conference and carry the ideas to the greater alumni body.

This is also your opportunity to save the date for the fall Penn Spectrum conference to be held in Philadelphia from September 20 to the 22, 2013. Learn more about that upcoming conference and see what other “Penn Spectrum on the Road” events took place on our website.

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Filed under Alumni Perspective, Alumni Programming, Lillian G., Multicultural Outreach, Philadelphia