On March 3, 2026, Benjamin Franklin Society (BFS) members gathered in New York City for a Spring Reception at The New York Historical, marking another opportunity to reconnect with friends and classmates while celebrating the power of leadership annual giving at Penn.
An Evening with the Benjamin Franklin Society at The New York Historical
Members gather in New York City to celebrate the impact of leadership annual giving at Penn
Published: March 17, 2026
They were welcomed by Robert Stavis, EAS’84, W’84, PAR’16, Engineering Board of Advisors Chair, University Trustee, and BFS member, who took a few minutes to reflect on the broader meaning of annual support. “When we talk about annual giving, we’re really talking about something much bigger than philanthropy. We’re talking about belief—belief in Penn’s mission, and in all that our students will go on to accomplish,” he shared before introducing the night’s guest speaker, Robert Ghrist, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at Penn Engineering and the Andrea Mitchell University Professor.
In his remarks, Professor Ghrist spoke in earnest detail about the vital role leadership annual giving plays in advancing both Penn Engineering and the University as a whole. “What the Benjamin Franklin Society is doing is ensuring we have the tools to sustain excellence and momentum,” he said. “Your generosity is felt across Penn Engineering in ways that are both immediate and enduring.”
Guests gather at the Benjamin Franklin Society New York event.
Benjamin Franklin Society members gather during the New York event.
Robert Ghrist, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at Penn Engineering and the Andrea Mitchell University Professor, speaks at the Benjamin Franklin Society New York event.
Guests listen to remarks at the Benjamin Franklin Society New York event.
Guests explore an exhibition at The New York Historical during the Benjamin Franklin Society New York event.
Benjamin Franklin Society members gather at The New York Historical.
Benjamin Franklin Society members gather during the New York event at The New York Historical.
Guests gather during the Benjamin Franklin Society New York event at The New York Historical.
Beyond the program, guests enjoyed time together and explored the rich history revealed in The New York Historical’s exhibitions, Our Composite Nation and Stirring the Melting Pot: Photographs from The New York Historical Collections. More photographs from the reception at The New York Historical can be seen in the BFS photo album and on the @PennBFS Instagram page.
