Since taking on his new role in October 2022, Jim Husson is enjoying being a newly minted Philadelphian and is wasting no time ramping up for the next chapter at Penn.
A Conversation with Jim Husson
A Q&A with Penn’s new Vice President of Development & Alumni Relations
Published: January 20, 2023
Jim Husson, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, at Homecoming 2022.
What attracted you to Penn and to your new position?
There were many things that attracted me to Penn, starting with the opportunity to work for President [Liz] Magill. As I got to know Liz during the interview process, it was clear to me how fortunate our University is to have Liz as a leader, and how lucky I’d be to work with her. Another attraction was Penn itself. At most colleges and universities, education can be a life-changing experience for a student. But at Penn, we are not just shaping individuals, we have the potential to shape our world. It’s a privilege to be a part of that. And finally, the alumni community was another big draw. Our alumni are fiercely devoted to their alma mater, and to each other. They are at the heart of a community that includes parents, friends, and many other people with a Penn connection.
What have you learned about Penn during your first few months on the job?
My early focus has been on getting to know Penn and the community here and so I’ve spent most of my time on campus. Our deans and faculty are an incredible collection of leaders who are doing important things not just for our University, but for society. I’ve also experienced countless examples of “leadership from every seat” as I’ve met with colleagues who are doing remarkable work from every possible vantage point. At Penn, leadership is in our DNA, and I want everyone in development and alumni relations to feel empowered to lead.
Can you share some of your initial impressions of Penn alumni?
Our alumni have a deeply personal commitment to Penn. They have indelible memories of their time here, and most have formed tight-knit relationships that continue to this day. They also strike me as purposeful, and I’ve found that to be reflected in their charitable gifts and service. Our alumni approach Penn with a deep affection and genuine desire to make a difference. It’s impressive.
Is there something in particular that excites you about the future at Penn?
Penn’s next chapter is going to be very exciting. President Magill has initiated a University-wide strategic planning process called “Tomorrow, Together.” It will be fascinating to see the opportunities that emerge and then to watch how those opportunities translate into the work being done in the classroom, in labs, and in our community and larger society. Of course, it’s our alumni and friends who will fuel Penn’s potential, as they always have. I’m just as excited to see how our philanthropists and volunteers serve as catalysts for this work. It will take all of us, truly working together, to ensure that Penn’s “tomorrow” is something we can be proud of.
Beyond work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Time with family is the first thing that comes to mind. My wife, Laurie, and I have two adult kids and they’re not far away. We love to travel together. I come from a big Greek Lebanese family, so time with my extended family is also something I treasure. My brother is a pathologist at Pennsylvania Hospital, and being closer to him was another benefit of moving to Philly.
I also love to cook. My dad was a short order cook at a diner. Being in the kitchen was an important part of my childhood, and I still have that passion for food. When I cook, I feel connected to my parents and my grandparents. They didn’t have much, but their kitchens were filled with the aromas of spanakopita, roast lamb, pilafs and baklava. Laurie and our kids enjoy cooking, too, and it’s something we like doing together. Being around a table and enjoying a meal with family and friends is nourishing in so many ways.
