The Power of Penn Arts & Science Campaign Creates a New Future for Students, Faculty, and Campus

Inspiring Impact Penn Arts & Sciences

The Power of Penn Arts & Sciences Campaign concluded on June 30, 2021 with $565.6 million raised in support of undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, professorships, programming, and facilities. 

“We have a strong vision for the future of Penn Arts & Sciences,” says Steven J. Fluharty, Dean and Thomas S. Gates, Jr. Professor of Psychology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience. “I’m grateful for the generosity and trust our donors have shown, particularly during challenging times. Thanks to their partnership, we can work toward that future, with students receiving the strong liberal arts foundation that will prepare them to be the leaders, thinkers, and problems solvers of tomorrow and faculty creating new knowledge at the fore of their fields.” 

Funds raised in the campaign include more than $113 million for the School’s undergraduate financial aid endowment and support for endowed professorships across all disciplines, and research support for undergraduate and graduate students and faculty. Newly endowed centers and programs include the Andrea Mitchell Center for the Study of Democracy, the Wolf Humanities Center, the Price Lab for Digital Humanities, the Vagelos Institute for Energy Science and Technology, and MindCORE, Penn’s integrative hub for the study of the mind and brain.  

During the campaign, Penn Arts & Sciences received its largest gift to-date. Roy Vagelos, C’50, PAR’90, HON’99, and Diana T. Vagelos, PAR’90, made gifts totaling $70 million to support the construction of the Vagelos Laboratory for Energy Science and Technology, a state-of-the art laboratory space for the activities of Penn’s top energy scientists.  

Engagement and volunteerism grew each year over the course of the campaign, with over 7,000 alums attending Penn Arts & Sciences events or serving as volunteers. The Professional Women’s Alliance and Ben Connect, a mentorship platform, supported connections between students and alumni, while event series including Ben Talks and Career Conversations allowed alums to connect and learn from faculty and each other.

To learn more about the impact of the Power of Penn Arts & Sciences Campaign, click here.  
 

Arts & Sciences News

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 >