A Year of Extraordinary Generosity

Throughout the past year, Penn alumni, donors, parents, patients, volunteers, and friends came together in remarkable ways, making fiscal year 2026 one of our most successful fundraising years in our University’s history. More important than this milestone itself is what this generosity makes possible: advancing research and discovery, expanding access to a Penn education, enriching the student experience, and driving work that improves lives and communities far beyond campus. This extraordinary support reflects our community’s confidence in Penn’s mission and gives us tremendous momentum for the year ahead.

“The generosity of Penn’s alumni and friends is transforming lives across our University and around the world,” said Penn President J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD. “We are deeply grateful for this meaningful support, which enables us to create lasting impact now and for future generations. Every gift, whether a transformational commitment or an annual contribution, makes a difference in advancing Penn’s mission to create knowledge and serve society.”

From developing more effective cancer treatments and designing climate-resilient cities, to understanding how AI affects learning and how social media shapes belief systems, Penn researchers are tackling many of the greatest challenges facing our world today.

• Jeffrey and Cynthia King and Jason and Julie Borrelli made a $10 million gift to establish the King Center for Lynch Syndrome at Penn Medicine, expanding research, clinical care, and education for individuals and families affected by hereditary cancer syndromes.
• An anonymous $10 million gift to the Penn Institute for Urban Research will advance research, education, and policy solutions that help cities become healthier, more sustainable, and better prepared for the future.

Donor support is critical to ensure that talented students can choose Penn regardless of their financial circumstances, and that once they are here, they have the resources they need to thrive.

• The Mondre family committed $20 million to strengthen financial aid for middle-income students, reinforcing Penn’s Quaker Commitment initiative to provide at least full tuition coverage for families earning up to $200,000 in typical income.
• This year’s generosity was also reflected in the thousands of alumni and friends who made annual gifts through The Penn Fund and other collective giving opportunities. These gifts support financial aid, student experiences on campus, and other immediate needs across the University.

Philanthropy is also shaping the experiences students have beyond the classroom, creating spaces where they can perform, compete, collaborate, and build lifelong connections.

• Julie Beren Platt, C’79, and Marc E. Platt, C’79, made the naming gift for the new Platt Student Performing Arts Center, opening in spring 2027 and creating a new home for student creativity and artistic expression.
• David Pottruck’s $20 million commitment will transform Weightman Hall into the Pottruck-Reina Wrestling Center, providing a state-of-the-art home for Penn Wrestling while establishing long-term endowment support and a matching challenge to strengthen the program’s future.

Visionary philanthropy is also creating new opportunities for learning, strengthening academic programs, and supporting scholarship across Penn.

• Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs, G’79, GRW’86, made a $60 million gift launching Wharton’s new Dr. Bruce I. Jacobs Master of Science in Quantitative Finance program.
• A landmark $8 million gift from the RTW Foundation, led by Penn Medicine Board of Trustees member Rod Wong, M’03, and Marti Speranza Wong, C’98, will launch a bold initiative to reimagine medical education at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (PSOM). It is the single largest donation to support curriculum innovation in PSOM history, ensuring that the nation’s first medical school will continue to lead in preparing future generations of physicians.
• A generous bequest from Louise Strauss will support the Herbert D. Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, the Penn Libraries, and the Morris Arboretum & Gardens, strengthening scholarship and research for years to come.

Penn’s momentum is rooted not only in the generosity of our donors but also in the dedication of our volunteers and other alumni, parents, patients, partners, and friends who champion Penn in so many ways.

“Our community comes together every day to help Penn educate future leaders, expand the frontiers of knowledge, and develop solutions to challenges affecting our nation and the world,” said Kathryn Griffo, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. “To every member of this community, please know we are profoundly grateful for your partnership, your confidence in Penn, and all that you make possible.”