Issue 26: October 30, 2025

From Locust Walk

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Archived web version of the October 30, 2025 issue

A portrait of Hoopes Wampler, Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
This week’s welcome note is from
F. Hoopes Wampler, EdD, GrEd’13
Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
A portrait of Hoopes Wampler, Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations
This week’s welcome note is from
F. Hoopes Wampler, EdD, GrEd’13
Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations

We are just a week away from Homecoming, and there’s so much to look forward to! Join us November 7-9 as we celebrate the 90th annual Alumni Award of Merit Gala, raise a toast to dear old Penn at Quaker Fest, and dance the night away at the 12th annual Blutt Band Slam.

Other highlights include special events honoring the rich legacy and bright future of the performing arts at Penn, celebrations of our Cultural Resource Centers, and the Alumni Arts Fair—featuring artisan crafts, handmade jewelry, and one-of-a-kind creations by talented Penn alumni. Can’t make it to campus? Enjoy a full week of virtual programs starting Monday, November 3.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this issue of From Locust Walk. We are excited to share stories about an investment to expand a holistic scholarship program at Penn Engineering, the impact of Penn First Plus, an award for pioneering journalist Andrea Mitchell, CW’67, new funding support from Google for Penn GSE’s PASS program, and so much more.

FEATURE STORY

Students from the Clark Scholars Program at Penn Engineering standing in tiers on a staircase for a group portrait.$11M Investment Expands Clark Scholars Program at Penn Engineering

The Clark Scholars Program at Penn Engineering is receiving a major boost: $11 million from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. These funds will deepen support for scholarships, hands-on learning, and student-led philanthropy—expanding opportunities for the next generation of engineers to lead, innovate, and give back. [Penn Engineering Today]

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

President J. Larry Jameson shared the University’s written response to the federal Compact for Academic Excellence. [Penn Today]

Sanya Carley, an expert in energy justice and affordability, has been named Vice Provost for Climate Science, Policy, and Action. She will coordinate Penn’s efforts to advance climate scholarship, cross-sector partnerships, and sustainable solutions across schools and disciplines. [Weitzman School of Design]

Andrea Mitchell, CW’67, pioneering journalist and Penn alumna, will receive the Beacon Award from the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women, recognizing her decades of leadership in journalism and her commitment to advancing opportunities for women. [Inspiring Impact]

A new $1 million donation from Google will allow Penn GSE’s PASS program to expand to school districts across the region—helping educators integrate AI in ways that are effective, ethical, and equity-centered. [Penn GSE]

MORE STORIES OF INTEREST

Building Belonging and Purpose through Penn First Plus

Penn students socializing and studying in the Penn First Plus office, seated on red couches with notebooks and water bottles visible.

Now serving nearly one in four undergraduates, Penn First Plus continues to grow as a home base for students seeking guidance, opportunity, and community at every step of the college journey. [Penn Today]

Building Belonging and Purpose through Penn First Plus

Penn students socializing and studying in the Penn First Plus office, seated on red couches with notebooks and water bottles visible.

Now serving nearly one in four undergraduates, Penn First Plus continues to grow as a home base for students seeking guidance, opportunity, and community at every step of the college journey. [Penn Today]

Reimagining Cancer Treatment, One Chip at a Time

Fluorescent microdevice displaying vascular patterns in red, part of Penn’s tumor-on-a-chip cancer research platform.

A breakthrough from Penn Engineering shows how solid tumors block immune responses—and how combining CAR T therapy with an existing diabetes drug could make treatment more successful for patients with aggressive cancers. [Penn Today]

Reimagining Cancer Treatment, One Chip at a Time

Fluorescent microdevice displaying vascular patterns in red, part of Penn’s tumor-on-a-chip cancer research platform.

A breakthrough from Penn Engineering shows how solid tumors block immune responses—and how combining CAR T therapy with an existing diabetes drug could make treatment more successful for patients with aggressive cancers. [Penn Today]

Russell Composto on Shaping What Comes Next

Russell Composto gestures while speaking in a meeting, seated at a conference table with laptops and colleagues.

Russell Composto, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, is leading efforts to rethink the student experience as part of Penn Forward—helping shape ideas that expand access to interdisciplinary learning and real-world opportunity. [Penn Today]

Russell Composto on Shaping What Comes Next

Russell Composto gestures while speaking in a meeting, seated at a conference table with laptops and colleagues.

Russell Composto, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, is leading efforts to rethink the student experience as part of Penn Forward—helping shape ideas that expand access to interdisciplinary learning and real-world opportunity. [Penn Today]

From Craigslist to Competition, and Beyond

Fylicia Barr scratches gently under the neck of her mare Sunny's youngest foal, Piper, in an indoor ring.

With help from Penn Vet’s Equine Assisted Reproduction Program, a once-feral mare named Sunny—now a five-star champion—is passing on her bold spirit to a new generation of foals born through embryo transfer. [Penn Vet]

From Craigslist to Competition, and Beyond

Fylicia Barr scratches gently under the neck of her mare Sunny's youngest foal, Piper, in an indoor ring.

With help from Penn Vet’s Equine Assisted Reproduction Program, a once-feral mare named Sunny—now a five-star champion—is passing on her bold spirit to a new generation of foals born through embryo transfer. [Penn Vet]

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

Recognizing Excellence in the Penn Community

Headshots of eight Penn alumni featured against a red background for the 90th Annual Alumni Award of Merit Gala.

Leadership, service, creativity, and community impact are all embodied by the recipients of this year’s Alumni Award of Merit. From Young Alumni to global club leaders, the 2025 recipients reflect the depth of Penn pride and Homecoming spirit. View the 2025 honorees on Instagram.

Recognizing Excellence in the Penn Community

Headshots of eight Penn alumni featured against a red background for the 90th Annual Alumni Award of Merit Gala.

Leadership, service, creativity, and community impact are all embodied by the recipients of this year’s Alumni Award of Merit. From Young Alumni to global club leaders, the 2025 recipients reflect the depth of Penn pride and Homecoming spirit. View the 2025 honorees on Instagram.

Header artwork by Ellie Moniz.

Discover how Penn’s research, leadership, and values continue to inspire impact, and learn more about other timely updates on the University Resources webpage. To read more Penn news, visit Penn Today, the Almanac, or the Pennsylvania Gazette.

This newsletter is produced by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to provide a curated selection of top news items from the University. If you were forwarded this newsletter and would like to subscribe, click here.