Penn Junior Awarded Truman Scholarship

Ariel Koren, C’15, has been awarded a Harry S. Truman Scholarship, a merit-based award for college students who plan to pursue graduate or professional degrees to prepare for careers in government or public service. Her major is in East Asian Languages and Civilizations.

Koren has served as president of the Class of 2015 since her freshman year and has worked on starting several university-wide traditions and initiatives such as The Wellness Project, Skimmer Fest, and the Penn HOLI festival, a celebration of life and diversity inspired by the traditional Hindu spring festival.

As a senior in high school, Koren founded Active Cross-Cultural Training in Our Neighborhoods (ACTION). She brought ACTION programming to Philadelphia and now intends to take ACTION to New York City.

Koren is among 60 United States students awarded Truman Scholarships this year, and the 21st Truman Scholar from Penn since 1981.

Arts & Sciences News

1 / 2
Mark Trodden named Dean of Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences

A distinguished physicist and accomplished academic leader, Trodden will assume the role on June 1.

View Article >
2025 School of Arts & Sciences Teaching Awards Announced

Penn Arts & Sciences annually recognizes faculty, lecturers, and graduate students for their exemplary teaching. This year’s honorees come from 10 departments and two programs.

View Article >
2025 College of Arts & Sciences Graduation Speakers

Michael Platt, James S. Riepe University Professor, will speak at this year’s College of Arts & Sciences graduation ceremony, along with student speaker Anthony Wong, C’25, Sunday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. on Franklin Field.

View Article >
Three from Penn Arts & Sciences Elected 2024 AAAS Fellows

They include Marlyse Baptista, President’s Distinguished Professor of Linguistics; M. Susan Lindee is the Janice and Julian Bers Professor of History and Sociology of Science; and Christopher Murray, Richard Perry University Professor.

View Article >
Penn Arts & Sciences Receives $8 Million Commitment from The Robert K. Johnson Foundation

The gift will name and endow the Integrated Studies Program, which offers an immersive, interdisciplinary learning experience for Benjamin Franklin Scholars students pursuing degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences.

View Article >
Kimberly Bowes Named BFC Presidential Professor of Classical Studies

Bowes' research interests include Roman archaeology and economic history, with a particular focus on the lived experiences of the ancient poor.

View Article >