With two alumni parents, Daniella Wirtschafter, C’20, grew up with her sights set on attending Penn. “In the fifth grade, my teacher had us write a letter to our future selves, which she would then mail to us before we graduated high school,” Wirtschafter says. “My letter said I wanted to go to Penn.”
Penn would indeed become her alma mater, and a part of her heart. “Having two parents who attended and a younger sister who is a sophomore now, Penn has been and will always be in my blood,” Wirtschafter says. “But the real evolution of my relationship with Penn came by establishing my own sense of belonging and love for the academics, communities, friends, and connections I have made at this great university.”
Wirtschafter began engaging more deeply as a student volunteer, serving as Co-Chair of Seniors for The Penn Fund on top of a range of campus activities, including serving as College Chair on the 2020 Class Board, an Exam Proctor at the Weingarten Center Office of Student Disabilities Services, and a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and clubs like the Wharton Retail Club and TAMID. Now an alumna, her ongoing volunteerism is strengthening her own bonds with the University while helping current and future students have the same extraordinary experience she had as an undergraduate.
“I feel my relationship with Penn is only just beginning,” Wirtschafter says. ”I am proud to continue to maintain and grow my friendships and connections with fellow Penn alumni and help others do the same.”
One really special part about attending Penn is that your experience doesn’t end when you graduate.”Daniella Wirtschafter, C’20
A member of a generation of alumni who have lived their entire lives in the digital age, Wirtschafter is also one of the volunteers on the vanguard of virtual engagement. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Penn has pivoted heavily to virtual platforms that enable alumni to continue feeling as connected as they wish to the life of the University. Penn has increased its presence on social media mainstays like Facebook and Instagram, while also exploring emerging platforms for hosting events, lectures, and conversations. This evolution in engagement was vital during The Penn Fund’s Show Penn Some Love giving effort on October 27.
“One of the exciting things about this year was using new apps to reach out to alumni in a high volume, yet secure and personable way,” Wirtschafter says. “I really enjoyed the chance to personally connect with so many friendly alumni.”
The current Gift Chair for the Class of 2020 Giving Committee, Wirtschafter prides herself on being a bridge between Penn students past and present. “During the Day of Giving, I approached many friends from the clubs and organizations I participated in to show them how their support helps today’s students have the same unique and unforgettable experiences we shared,” Wirtschafter says. “I love talking to friends and fellow alumni about our Penn experiences and about building the future of the University together.”
A key component of The Power of Penn Campaign is providing engagement opportunities that connect alumni all over the world with Penn and with one another. Committed young alumni and the advent of new technologies are key to building a proud and active global community.
