Noah Royal Milad, C’26, chose Penn for its blend of academic rigor and social impact, and its strong focus on community. During his time here, he has embraced new challenges, honed his innate talents, and found a second home.
Noah Royal Milad, C’26: Leading with Purpose, Grounded in Community
At Penn, Noah’s journey is shaped by service, leadership, and the transformative power of donor support
Published: August 29, 2025
From my first day on campus, I felt something I’d never really felt before in an academic setting: I was seen. I was valued. I mattered.”Noah Royal Milad, C’26
As a scholarship recipient, Noah acknowledges the vital role of alumni support in his journey at Penn. “The alumni community has had a life-changing impact on my education. Donor support hasn’t just opened the doors to the University for me; it has also given me the stability to thrive, lead, and envision a future of service.” This generosity has helped inform Noah’s path forward and offered a new perspective on the power of philanthropy. “I’ve set a personal goal to one day give back in the same way, to pay forward the same kind of transformative support I’ve received.”
Noah is already working toward this goal through both his academic achievements and his extracurricular involvement. He serves as President for both Penn Traditions and the International Relations Undergraduate Student Assembly, through which he helps strengthen student-alumni connections and works to represent student voices across Locust Walk. Noah also contributes to the Penn community through his research projects, which promise to make an impact beyond his time on campus: “My senior thesis focuses on space policy and international governance, and ties together my interests in diplomacy, strategy, and the future of global cooperation.”
After graduation, Noah plans to continue focusing on international relations. He hopes to serve in public office and advocate for equity, justice, and meaningful international cooperation.
Whether helping to plan New Student Orientation events or engaging with alumni through Penn Traditions, Noah focuses on making a positive impact and building genuine connections across the University community. Since his own first year at Penn, Noah has also taken the initiative to connect with freshmen over coffee, to create an environment in which they feel welcomed and supported: “I enjoy meeting with incoming students to talk, listen, and help however I can. It’s not something I’ve done through any club. It’s just always felt important to be the kind of person I needed when I was new here.”
Through these conversations, Noah helps to build the same environment where he felt seen and valued, expanding that welcoming community to others. Noah extends this kindness across Locust Walk, and he will continue to cultivate this sense of belonging in the world beyond campus, as well. “These conversations have kept me grounded, reminded me of the importance of community, and helped shape who I am as a person and leader.”
