From the time he arrived on campus, Kent Hutchison knew that a Penn education would be more than learning classroom concepts and technical skills.
“Penn teaches students how to be a whole person. We can learn not only how to be great students and professionals, but also great friends and mentors. These lifelong connections and interpersonal skills are often every bit as important,” he says.
With this understanding, Kent looked for ways that he could contribute to improving the educational experience. He became active on the Wharton Council, which works to foster a more complete co-curricular experience by supporting clubs and traditions for Wharton undergraduates.
“As part of the Wharton Council, we tried to improve the extracurricular life of undergraduates by focusing on student-led wellness initiatives like moving back the start date for club recruiting.”
After graduating in 2018, Kent began working as an Investment Banking Analyst in New York, but he remains in close connection to his alma mater. “There’s still work to be done to ensure that every freshman feels at home the moment they step on campus. But the deep network of activities, clubs, and affinity groups at Penn can help build a supportive environment for personal growth that can continue long after graduation.”
Kent is now an Associate of the Benjamin Franklin Society (BFS) and contributes his time as co-BFS Chair for the Class of 2018, where he helps raise money for The Penn Fund. Gifts to The Penn Fund support the University’s four undergraduate schools (Arts & Sciences, Nursing, Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the Wharton School) and contribute to undergraduate financial aid, student life, academic support, and residential life.
Kent also stays connected to Penn through alumni events. “I recently attended The Shape of Leadership, put on by The Penn Fund for young BFS alumni in New York. It was inspiring to see such strong turnout on a weeknight! Speaking with alumni who also choose to give at a leadership level gets me excited to keep giving and facilitating the important work The Penn Fund is doing back on campus.”
