Issue 28: December 4, 2025

From Locust Walk

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Archived web version of the December 4, 2025 issue

In this issue of From Locust Walk, we celebrate a powerful convergence of ideas, discovery, and impact. Across campus, leaders are collaborating to expand Penn’s research impact, explore new funding models, and accelerate transformative discoveries. A new endowed professorship is forging deeper connections between global finance and public policy. And trailblazing educators are honored with the 2025 McGraw Prize.

FEATURE STORY

Michael Ostap and David Meaney standing outdoors in front of trees and a campus building during fall.A Strategic Vision for Penn’s Research Future

Through Penn Forward, Michael Ostap and David Meaney are spearheading a bold approach to reinventing the research enterprise—advancing a cross-campus strategy that supports interdisciplinary collaboration, strengthens long-term sustainability, and aligns research priorities with global needs. Their work aims to ensure Penn remains a leader in discovery and innovation for decades to come. [Penn Today]

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY

A $3 million gift from the W. P. Carey Foundation has established a new professorship in Penn Arts & Sciences, awarded to Enrique Mendoza, a leading scholar of global finance and public policy. [Penn Arts & Sciences]

In a major breakthrough, Penn Medicine researchers used anti-inflammatory CAR T cells to reduce arterial plaque by 70 percent in mice, pointing to a new strategy for treating atherosclerosis—the world’s leading cause of death. [Penn Medicine]

Trailblazing educators and innovators received the 2025 McGraw Prize, one of the field’s most prestigious honors. Awarded annually by Penn GSE, the prize recognizes exceptional impact across early childhood, lifelong, and higher education. [Penn GSE]

MORE STORIES OF INTEREST

Celebrating 25 Years of PAACH

Pan-Asian American Community House has nurtured belonging, leadership, and service for students in Penn’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Its 25th anniversary celebration marked a legacy of inclusion, growth, and purpose. [Penn Today]

Celebrating 25 Years of PAACH

Casual student hangout at the PAACH space featuring a warm and inviting environment.

Pan-Asian American Community House has nurtured belonging, leadership, and service for students in Penn’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Its 25th anniversary celebration marked a legacy of inclusion, growth, and purpose. [Penn Today]

Penn Nursing Tackles the Sleep Crisis

Penn Nursing faculty and alumni are transforming how sleep disorders are treated and understood—bringing science, empathy, and innovation to insomnia, sleep apnea, and other barriers to restorative rest. [Penn Nursing Magazine]

Penn Nursing Tackles the Sleep Crisis

Stylized illustration of a patient sleeping under observation with brainwave and data graphics surrounding them.

Penn Nursing faculty and alumni are transforming how sleep disorders are treated and understood—bringing science, empathy, and innovation to insomnia, sleep apnea, and other barriers to restorative rest. [Penn Nursing Magazine]

Rebuilding a 4,300-Year-Old Tomb Chapel

Penn Museum conservators and engineers have begun reassembling the 4,300-year-old Tomb Chapel of Kaipure—starting with a five-ton “false door”—as a dramatic centerpiece for its forthcoming Egypt Galleries opening in 2026. [Penn Museum]

Rebuilding a 4,300-Year-Old Tomb Chapel

A massive limestone false door from the Tomb Chapel of Kaipure is lifted by a support rig inside the Penn Museum.

Penn Museum conservators and engineers have begun reassembling the 4,300-year-old Tomb Chapel of Kaipure—starting with a five-ton “false door”—as a dramatic centerpiece for its forthcoming Egypt Galleries opening in 2026. [Penn Museum]

Lights, Trains, and Holiday Memories

Holiday Garden Railway returns to Morris Arboretum & Gardens with its signature charm—and a sparkling new addition: a 60-foot illuminated tunnel that brings extra cheer to the tracks. [Morris Arboretum & Gardens] 

Lights, Trains, and Holiday Memories

Miniature holiday train crossing a lit bridge in the Holiday Garden Railway at Morris Arboretum.

Holiday Garden Railway returns to Morris Arboretum & Gardens with its signature charm—and a sparkling new addition: a 60-foot illuminated tunnel that brings extra cheer to the tracks. [Morris Arboretum & Gardens] 

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

Lessons in Leadership and Dialogue

President Emerita Amy Gutmann returned to the classroom this fall, co-teaching with Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser at the Annenberg School for Communication. They recently welcomed journalist Andrea Mitchell, CW’67, for a conversation on ethical leadership, civic engagement, and public service.

Lessons in Leadership and Dialogue

Annenberg Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser, journalist Andrea Mitchell, CW’67, and Penn President Emerita Amy Gutmann pose in front of a classroom full of students.

President Emerita Amy Gutmann returned to the classroom this fall, co-teaching with Dean Sarah Banet-Weiser at the Annenberg School for Communication. They recently welcomed journalist Andrea Mitchell, CW’67, for a conversation on ethical leadership, civic engagement, and public service.

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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