Like many Penn traditions, the Benjamin Franklin Society’s (BFS) Homecoming Weekend gathering looked a bit different this year. Although BFS members couldn’t come together on campus, the Red and Blue spirit was strong as members celebrated the group’s first-ever Virtual Toast from the comfort of home. More than 120 BFS members and their fellow Quakers logged in for the online event, held on Saturday, November 14, the final day of Homecoming@Home.
Penn Alumni President Ann Reese, CW’74, the host of the event, said that she hoped that members had enjoyed the many engaging online events—from panel discussions to gallery tours—offered during Penn’s first virtual Homecoming. “For me, one of the best things about coming home to Penn—whether in person or online—is the opportunity to learn about the many great things that are happening at the University,” Reese explained.
“This is possible only because of the generosity and support of our Benjamin Franklin Society members. This year and every year, your leadership annual giving helps ensure that the University has the resources it needs to make the Penn experience second to none,” she continued.
Reese invited the members to join her for not just one but two virtual toasts: the first to 65 years of the Benjamin Franklin Society and the second to Dear Old Penn. Many members used their BFS beverage cup—a gift from Penn in appreciation for their loyal support—for their toast. Members also took the opportunity to share their favorite memories of Homecoming as well as their own photos of celebration, which can be seen on the @PennBFS Instagram page
Then it was time for Homecoming’s signature event, the big game. After music from the Penn Band and video of Penn Cheer helped get everyone in the Red and Blue spirit, BFS members joined their fellow Quakers in watching a rebroadcast of a 2002 Penn gridiron classic, in which the Quakers scored a dominant 44-9 victory over their Ivy League rival, Harvard.
You can view recordings of other exciting events offered at the Penn Alumni Homecoming at Home page. Learn more about the Benjamin Franklin Society and see the 2019-2020 honor roll of members in the 2019-2020 BFS Annual Report.
