If you’ve ever taken part in a class photo on Franklin Field, planted a Class Tree, or attended Highball to Hey Day, then you’ve been part of Penn Traditions programming.
Celebrating 20 Years of Penn Traditions
Promoting and inspiring lifelong Penn pride
Published: October 28, 2024
This year, the Penn Traditions organization is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of creating a vibrant, engaged Penn community for life.
Launched as one of the first comprehensive student and alumni engagement and philanthropy programs in the country, Penn Traditions brings together undergraduate students and alumni to foster a deep and lasting connection to the University and to each other. Elise Betz, Senior Executive Director, Alumni Relations, shares how the program got off the ground. “In 2004, I saw an opportunity to foster Penn pride by creating a student program that connected students with alumni leaders. At our very first event, Jim Riepe, W’65, WG’67, PAR’98, joined me, and from there, we made it a tradition to bring alumni back to share why they give their time, talent, and financial support to Penn.” Today, Aman Goyal, GeD’13, LPS’18, LPS’20, is the Director of Penn Traditions.
Noah Milad, C’26, the current President of Penn Traditions, found his “Penn family” through the program. “I joined Penn Traditions to meet new people, but I found so much more. I found a community. This group has given me opportunities I never imagined. In 2023 I presented at the Alumni Award of Merit Gala and led Highball to Hey Day, and in 2024, I planned and participated in the Alumni Leadership Retreat.”
Since her Penn Traditions days, Yee has been President of the Penn Alumni Club of Philadelphia, a co-founder of Wharton Executive MBA Program (WEMBA) Women, and a member of numerous alumni boards.
Stephanie Yee, C’08, WG’21, is one of the many alumni who have stayed deeply involved with Penn, thanks to Penn Traditions. “The Class Ambassadors program was my entry point into the group. I was involved in planning Alumni Weekend and helping at reunion events,” says Yee. “During my senior year, I joined the Alumni Class Leadership Council as a representative for the Class of 2008. That experience introduced me to a network of alumni who became friends—I traveled with them and attended their weddings. I even met my husband at Penn. Penn Traditions has truly shaped my entire alumni volunteer experience for over a decade.”
Members of Penn Traditions gather during Homecoming 2019.
As Penn Traditions marks its 20th anniversary, the future is bright. “At Penn, I’ve grown so much and surprised myself,” says Noah. “The difference between who I was in high school and who I am now is shocking. I was introverted and quiet, and now I’m presenting to Penn alumni leaders. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, and I owe that to the wonderful staff in Sweeten Alumni House and the students who have become lifelong friends along the way.”
“Penn Traditions is about showing students what it means to be part of the alumni community and the lifelong connection we hope they will maintain,” says Betz. “This program is intentional and deliberate in conveying the value of being a Penn alum and what we hope students will aspire to become when they graduate.”
This fall, Penn Traditions will host a Homecoming event and introduce a new program, Pass Along the Legacy (PALS), in partnership with Alumni Relations. PALS encourages alumni to donate Penn-affiliated items with personal stories, which will be passed to new students, fostering connections across generations. As Penn Traditions moves into the next decade, it will continue to create a welcoming and supportive environment so that every student knows that the Penn community is not just for four years, but for life.
