Highlighting Penn Arts & Sciences Alums

Penn Arts & Sciences’ Alumni Engagement program aims to bring the School’s alums together through programs and events that celebrate the liberal arts and offer a connection to one another, the campus, and its students. Our theme of “inspiring community” both reflects that goal and describes our alums. From financial advisors to poets to candy makers, every grad is part of our story.

This year, as we continue to make connections in a time of transition, we’ll be providing a blend of programming that includes both the convenience and reach of virtual programs and the immediacy of in-person encounters. Click here to learn more about our events, networking and mentoring opportunities, groups like the Professional Women’s Alliance, and other ways to get involved with your fellow alums and the School.

Thanking Our Volunteers

There’s something amazing about people who take the time to share their expertise and energy with others. Our volunteers have been even more exceptional during the pandemic, when time and effort have sometimes felt hard to muster. Over the last 20 months, they’ve stepped up in support of Penn Arts & Sciences alums, students, and staff.

Members of the advisory boards of the Arts & Sciences Ambassador Council and Professional Women’s Alliance have developed programs and plans that responded to the challenges of the pandemic. Other alums shared their career paths and answered questions in virtual events for students and alums worldwide. And dozens have worked with College students to give one-on-one career advice through the Ben Connect Formal Mentorships.

Our volunteers allowed us not just to keep going during the pandemic but to actually grow our activities and community. We salute and thank the Penn Arts & Sciences alums who have given their energy and experience during this tumultuous time, and look forward to your continued engagement. 

Kathe Archibald | Director, Global Alumni Engagement
kathea@sas.upenn.edu

Chrissy Bowdren | Associate Director, Alumni Engagement and Inclusion
cbowdren@sas.upenn.edu

PWA Welcomes New Advisory Board Members

At the start of the new academic year, the Professional Women’s Alliance (PWA) welcomed two members to its Advisory Board. Advisory Board members are accomplished professionals who are dedicated to supporting liberal arts students and alumnae.

Janine Jjingo, C’02
Partner | Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Affiliates
History Major

“When I think about my Penn experience, it is not really defined by a single moment. It’s really this collection of rich experiences—from a world-class education that opened my mind to so much, to lifelong friendships formed with such fun memories—that defines those years for me.”

Rebecca Scott, C’06
Client Partner | Nextdoor 
Fine Arts Major

“Hey Day stands out as such a memorable day at Penn. By that point, you know so many of your classmates and get to let loose together. Plus, I love the theme and tradition.”

For more information, visit the Professional Women’s Alliance webpage.

Penn Arts & Sciences at Work

Penn Arts & Sciences at Work is a photoblog series that highlights College alums in their workplaces as they reflect on how and why their careers took shape.

To see more, visit Penn Arts & Sciences at Work.

Jennifer Jun, C’06
Senior Manager, International Policy | Stockholm International Water Institute
Anthropology and Comparative Literature Double Major
Stockholm, Sweden

“The U.N. Climate Change conference in Glasgow this November was a moment that many followed closely. I’m thrilled to be a part in translating a long-held ambition into reality for the global water community: uniting under a first-ever Water & Climate Pavilion. This is an effort to mobilize leaders and support science-based action.”