Archived web version of the November 19, 2025 issue
Issue 27: November 19, 2025
From Locust Walk
Across campus and around the world, Penn people are reimagining what’s possible in art, policy, research, and public service. Our top story this week celebrates a landmark gift to name the Platt Student Performing Arts Center, currently under construction at 33rd Street and Woodland Walk. In this issue, you’ll also discover how faculty expertise is guiding the Commonwealth’s approach to AI policy, explore how donor support is advancing health equity research, and see how art and culture continue to inspire—from a new Native American gallery at the Penn Museum to a monumental sculpture now installed in Harrison Garden.
FEATURE STORY
New Student Performing Arts Center Named for Platt Family
A landmark gift from Julie Beren Platt and Marc E. Platt, both C’79, will name Penn’s newest arts facility, currently under construction at 33rd Street and Woodland Walk. The Platt Student Performing Arts Center, slated to open in early 2027, will reshape creative life on campus. [Penn Today]
NEW AND NOTEWORTHY
Nine members of the Penn community were honored at this year’s Alumni Award of Merit Gala, highlighting impact across generations, disciplines, and public service. [Penn Today]
Penn and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have signed a cooperative agreement for AI advising services. The partnership will inform AI policy and governance statewide through faculty expertise and research insights. [Penn Today]
Florence Onyiuke, C’26, W’26, has been awarded a 2026 Rhodes Scholarship, supporting graduate study at Oxford focused on West African economic development. [Penn Today]
A historic $5.5 million fundraising effort to support the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics will expand its Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research program, deepening health equity research. [Penn LDI]
As part of Penn Forward, Tom Murphy, Senior Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, is leading efforts toward faster, more human-centered operations. [Penn Today]
MORE STORIES OF INTEREST
New Penn Museum Gallery Centers Indigenous Perspectives
Opening November 22, the Native North America Gallery at the Penn Museum explores Indigenous resilience and cultural continuity through more than 250 objects and contemporary art. The launch celebration will feature performances, family activities, and early access for members. [Penn Museum]
A Monumental Addition to the Penn Art Collection
Rui Rui, a large-scale sculpture by renowned artist Jaume Plensa, was installed in Harrison Garden and dedicated earlier this month. This captivating cast iron work was a gift to the University from Glenn, W’87, WG’88, and Amanda Fuhrman, C’95. [Penn Today]
Katz Center Launches Fellowship on Contemporary Antisemitism
Mendel Kranz, the inaugural recipient of the Ross-Silk-Lowenstein Postdoctoral Fellowship, is advancing campus dialogue on antisemitism through teaching, advising, and public programming. The new fellowship reflects Penn’s broader commitment to addressing hate through scholarship and community engagement. [Penn Today]
Expanding Dental Care for Patients with Disabilities
In Langhorne, Pa., a new partnership between Penn Dental Medicine and Woods Services is meeting a critical need: accessible dental care for people with disabilities. The model also prepares future dentists to close longstanding care gaps. [Penn Today]
PHOTO SPOTLIGHT
A Picture-Perfect Homecoming
From gallery tours and alumni bands to Quaker Fest and football on Franklin Field, Homecoming 2025 delivered all the energy and nostalgia. Relive the weekend through a growing collection of photos on the Penn Alumni SmugMug page.
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.
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