Thanks to vital annual giving programs across the University, Penn alumni are making a profound impact on the lives of today’s students.
Why They Give
Meet some of the alumni donors whose giving powers Penn
Published: December 16, 2021
Unrestricted annual gifts of all sizes foster an environment where current Quakers can pursue their dreams and discover new interests that will lead them to create change both on campus and in their communities. The four Penn alumni featured below make annual gifts to Penn for reasons as wide-ranging as their graduation years. Read on to learn why these devoted Quakers are so proud to support the next generation of Penn students.
Herbert Whren, SPP’10
Area of Support: School of Social Policy & Practice
Occupation: Data compliance and assessment manager
Reason for Giving: I wrote my first check to Penn before I graduated because of the nurturing environment. Giving to Penn is much different than giving to other organizations. I get to see the impact of my support, whether that means extra computers or more students who can afford to attend Penn. Education, and thus Penn, makes the world a better place.
Fond Memory: As an alum, I’ll never forget the professors who invited me back to SP2 to talk to their students. Being around students, asking them questions, seeing how they feel about SP2, that’s what inspires me to donate my time and resources to Penn.
Perspective: Giving is a culture, not a one-off. We all need to do our part to make things better.
Dagmawi “Mawi” Fasil, W’19
Area of Support: The Penn Fund
Occupation: Data analyst
Reason for Giving: I went to Penn on a full ride thanks to the generosity of others. I feel like I need to step up and give, even if it’s not a large amount. At the end of the day everyone is trying to make the most of their Penn opportunity, and I want to help the next generation do that.
Fun fact: Mawi is a singer/songwriter. Click here for his latest single and music video.
Perspective: Make the most of the social connections at Penn. Get lots of face time; we are lucky to have a built-in community.
Janet (DeClarke) Fox, CW’70, GEng’72
Area of Support: Multiple Annual Giving Priorities
Occupation: Retired from tech and human resources
Reason for Giving: I received a good scholarship when I was at Penn. I’m so thankful for that support. Now, we’re comfortable, and it’s time to return the favor. It’s painless to make a charitable contribution from an IRA account, and there are tax advantages.
Fond memory: I look back fondly on the friendships I made and the late-night conversations in the Hill House dorms. A Penn connection even introduced me to my husband!
Perspective: We have a responsibility to lend a helping hand to the next generation of students.
Naiel Iqbal, W’06
Area of Support: The Penn Fund
Occupation: Research & Data Analyst
Reason for Giving: Many people don’t realize that much of Penn’s budget is restricted. In order to compete with our better funded peer institutions, giving unrestricted funds through annual giving is important and makes a difference.
Fun Fact: Naiel is a member of the Benjamin Franklin Society and has given to Penn for 16 consecutive years.
Fond Memory: I had three jobs on campus and a lot of my Penn experience existed within a small radius—between Huntsman Hall and Harnwell College House. I remember going to Pottruck Gym, grabbing dinner at a food cart, socializing, and working together in the group study rooms (GSR) in Huntsman.
Perspective: Seek out Penn people. The world is much bigger than you imagine, but also more connected. I’ve traveled to 50+ countries, and often run into people who were in my class. It makes the world feel a lot smaller in the best possible way.
Eileen Simon, C’87, W’87, PAR’25
Area of Support: The Penn Fund
Occupation: Financial Services Executive
Reason for Giving: My years at Penn gave me a great foundation to be fulfilled, both professionally and personally. I made lifelong friends and received a well-rounded liberal arts and business education. I’ve always been grateful for my Penn experiences—academic, social, and extracurricular. I want to continue to support the University. I keep my Penn memories close.
Impact at Penn: Ensuring that Penn is well-funded so we can support an increasingly diverse student body is critically important. I’m gratified to see that the University has made this a priority under President Gutmann, and I’m sure that focus will continue. The Penn experience is incredibly transformative. Setting up all students for success is paramount, and The Penn Fund helps ensure that.
Fun Fact: My daughter is a freshman at Penn and just one dorm over from where I lived in the Quad. Move-in was quite the time warp!
Perspective: Being a good community citizen matters. Penn is increasingly engaged in the West Philly neighborhood. As an undergraduate, I volunteered as a tutor at a nearby school. Today’s students are even more socially and politically aware, and inclined toward volunteerism. Penn offers countless options for students to leverage their skills in ways that give back to the community.
