A recent renovation and expansion at Penn’s Graduate School of Education (GSE) is much more than concrete and steel. It gives students access to a world-class learning environment with room for collaboration on every floor, befitting educational leaders who aim to change the world by bringing people together.
More Significant Than Square Footage
Thanks to generous philanthropic support, Penn GSE has completed a state-of-the-art renovation and expansion
Published: November 16, 2023
The project was completed in August 2023, and connects 3700 Walnut to Stiteler Hall. It also adds 16,200 square feet to the School’s footprint. Philanthropic support from the Penn community raised a significant portion of the capital funding. Naming opportunities are still available for the student pavilion first floor lounge along with a few classrooms and conference rooms.
“This new space reflects our commitment to providing the best possible education to our students,” says Katharine O. Strunk, Dean of the Graduate School of Education. “It brings most of our people and programs under one roof for the first time, fostering collaboration and a sense of togetherness that is at the core of Penn GSE’s values.”
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Student-centered spaces abound, including active-learning classrooms, an innovation hub with a makerspace and VR studio, and group study rooms outfitted with the latest technology. “Many of my assignments require extensive discussion, interviews, or group activities,” says Anita Lubis, GED’24. “These spaces not only accommodate me, but also foster interaction among students here.”
Student input was solicited from the early stages of planning, and feedback about comfortable furniture and collaborative spaces was turned into a reality. “We determined that GSE students often come to campus for long blocks of time,” says Philip Chen, Principal & President, Annum Architects and the architect in charge of the project. “They need a social space to study, have a meal, and chat with their peers. The school becomes their home.”
The striking exterior of the newly renovated Penn GSE building brings a sharp new look to the corner of 37th and Walnut streets. Photo by Greg Benson.
The light-filled lobby at the new entrance on 37 Street Walk includes a new elevator. Photo by Greg Benson.
The new Edward M. Yorke, W’81 Memorial Courtyard was made possible thanks to a fundraising effort led by Doug Korn, W’84, PAR’22, PAR’23, former GSE Board Chair and current member of the GSE Board of Advisors. Dozens of GSE alumni made gifts in memory of Ed Yorke, W’81. Photo by HKB Photo.
Students especially enjoy a space designed for both deep focus and collaboration. Photo by Greg Benson.
The Pollack/Usdan Overlook offers natural light and views of campus. Photo by Greg Benson.
Hosted by GSE, the official ribbon cutting in October 2023 featured Dean Katharine O. Strunk and other senior leadership and supporters. Photo by HKB Photo.
GSE takes pride in their outward-facing perspective and focus on community. A gleaming, glass façade is now the first entry point to the School. The expansive use of glass in the new buildings was by design. It offers views into the West Philadelphia neighborhood, but anyone on the outside can also see into this warm and welcoming space. Chipiliro Kasiyamphanje, GED’24, especially enjoys spending time in the third-floor atrium. “These spaces are quiet and offer modern amenities with plenty of room for collaboration,” he says. “For graduate students, most assignments require group work and 21st century technology to connect virtually. The renovated space now provides that for us.”
The renovated GSE buildings are also designed to be energy and water efficient, with LEED Gold certification on the horizon. The newly named Edward M. Yorke, W’81 Memorial Courtyard activates irrigation-free flora like the eastern purple coneflower and the oxeye sunflower. Benches and other outdoor elements were constructed with natural materials including cumaru, a durable, dark-colored hardwood. Terra cotta fins adorn the building’s exterior, an homage to the traditional red brick that was used in the original GSE building and many surrounding structures. “For generations to come, future educational leaders will be able to sit in the courtyard to study, make connections, or simply draw inspiration from the beautiful setting,” says Doug Korn, W’84, PAR’22, PAR’23, former GSE Board Chair and current member of the GSE Board of Advisors.
GSE is excited to welcome the larger campus community into their new space. “This project doubles down on the idea that by creating a new entrance, GSE is a gateway to campus,” says Chen. “These buildings emphasize how central education is in our society, especially at GSE when it comes to innovation, urban education, and educational thought-leadership.”
To learn more about naming opportunities in the new building, contact Laura Tepper, Vice Dean for Development and Alumni Relations, at (215) 898-5677 or ltepper@upenn.edu.
Header image by HKB Photo. Video by Denise Henhoeffer, University Communications.
