Members of the Benjamin Franklin Society (BFS) and their guests met at Houston Hall for the group’s Homecoming Brunch on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
A Tradition of Lasting Impact
Honoring Benjamin Franklin Society members’ generosity and celebrating the group’s 70th anniversary
Fall 2024
Founded in 1955, the Benjamin Franklin Society recognizes donors who make gifts of $2,500 or more to annual giving funds at Penn’s schools and centers each fiscal year. Over 300 members and their guests gathered together to enjoy plenty of food, share Penn memories and make new ones.
A beloved Penn tradition in its own right, this year’s brunch also kicks off a year-long celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Benjamin Franklin Society, and BFS members attending the event received the first two of seven pins from the Benjamin Franklin Society Commemorative Pin Collection in honor of this milestone.
Jim Husson, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations welcomed the crowd and thanked BFS members for their generosity and commitment to the Penn community, adding “the way you uplift this community is the most remarkable gift you give, each and every year.”
Jim introduced Penn Alumni President and Trustee Michael Barrett, ENG’89, PAR’20, PAR’21, who thanked BFS members for their annual giving leadership. “Gifts from members like you have expanded access to Penn, promoted discovery and innovation, and helped develop tomorrow’s leaders.”
Michael then introduced Penn Band and Penn Cheer, who led the crowd in a few spirited cheers before they made their way through the mild autumn weather to watch Penn take on Harvard in the big Homecoming football game. Visit the BFS photo album and @PennBFS Instagram to see photos from the event and share your own Homecoming memories with the rest of the Benjamin Franklin Society community.
