Undergraduate Alumni and Parent Giving Program
The Penn Fund opens doors to opportunity…
View Our Impact
...and delivers support where it’s needed most.
Your gift makes a real and immediate impact on the lives of students at Penn today.
Give your treasure.
Gifts of any size that count toward The Penn Fund help power the University and open doors to transformative experiences through support of undergraduate student life and learning.
Give your time.
Volunteer as a member of your class giving committee to honor your milestone reunion or encourage your friends and peers to give during The Penn Fund’s annual Giving Red and Blue Day. Your time and passion enable The Penn Fund to deliver on its promise to the University in so many ways.
The Latest
This Fiscal Year (7/1/23—6/30/24)
Alumni Weekend
Alumni Weekend is right around the corner, coming May 17-20, 2024!
Kick off the weekend by meeting classmates at the all-alumni party, Franklin Fest. Take a stroll down Locust Walk during the Parade of Classes to the Alumni Picnic, join a student-led tour to see what’s new around campus, attend a class panel discussion, raise a toast to Dear Old Penn at your reunion celebration, and enjoy performances by student performing arts groups at the Penn Spectrum showcase. Close out the weekend at the all-alumni brunch and memorial service on Sunday.
Worth Noting
It starts with an idea. An idea that is sparked by a passion to do good, to make change, to leave an impact. At Penn, we are inspiring impact every day. Impact that is ignited by our students, faculty and alumni. This impact does not discriminate or fear differences. This impact is far reaching across the globe in all communities…and it lives on indefinitely. It inspires others to strive to achieve the unthinkable and the unimaginable – and it starts at Penn.
from instagram
Dick Silverman W’61 has been an integral part of the Quaker community for more than six decades. As a student, Dick was a member of Kite and Key and the Friars Senior Society, and he reflects fondly on many University milestones, including his involvement in the 1960 Penn Relays: “I was a Kite and Key volunteer assistant to the high jump field judge when John Thomas broke the outdoor world record! I was right there!” As an alumnus, Dick has set a powerful example for his peers, both as Class President and through serving on the Reunion Giving Committee for the Class of 1961 for many years, contributing as an alumni interviewer, and making calls twice per year to engage with his former classmates. His advice to future volunteers is simple: “Lead. Show up. Follow up.” Dick, you are a Penn legend and an inspiration!
As a dedicated volunteer and proud alumna, Michelle Carter C’04 has contributed her time and talents to the ongoing success of her alma mater since graduation. In addition to serving on the Penn Fund Executive Board for six years, she has chaired the giving committees for her 5th, 10th, and 15th class reunions, and is currently chairing the committee for her 20th reunion. When asked about the advice she would give to the next generation of Penn volunteers, Michelle shared: “There are many ways to stay connected to the University via volunteering. My advice is to reach out to the amazing team of Penn staff members and ask them to guide you to opportunities that might be the best fit.” Michelle, we are so grateful for your many years of loyal service to the University—thank you very much!
Jeff Seltzer W’78 continues to make his mark on our University community as the Co-Chair of the Class of 1978 Giving Committee and a member of several important groups: the Huntsman Program Advisory Board, the Penn Libraries Board of Advisors, and the Penn Nursing Innovation Committee. He reflects fondly on many important volunteer milestones—especially leading the transformation of the 6th floor of Van Pelt Library for the Class of 1978’s 25th Reunion gift—and his dedicated service earned him the Alumni Award of Merit in 2019. Jeff’s advice to the next generation of volunteers is to “get involved as early as possible. Class reunions are the best way to start!” Your significant and meaningful leadership inspires us all, Jeff!
Through her volunteer involvement, Jess Lim C’19 W’19 demonstrates the importance of giving back and serves as a role model for her peers. As a former Chair of Seniors for The Penn Fund, current Chair of the 5th Reunion Giving Committee, and Penn Alumni Interviewer, she has had the chance to engage with current students and undergraduate alumni in many significant ways. “I met the recipient of my dad’s scholarship fund while we were both interns in San Francisco. It was extremely meaningful to hear that the scholarship enabled him to come to Penn and take advantage of so many opportunities he may not have had otherwise.” Jess encourages new volunteers to get involved through projects and roles that resonate with them. There are endless ways to contribute, and “no role or gift is too small.” Jess, thank you very much for your leadership!
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! Every day throughout the coming week, we will give a well-deserved shoutout to a volunteer who supports many important endeavors across the University—including ours. Thank you very much to the wonderful volunteer community partnering with The Penn Fund and Penn Alumni. Our successes are all in collaboration and celebration with YOU.
For all undergraduate young alumni (with graduating class years from 2014-2023) living in Boston: we are hosting First Toast on the Road (our nod to a Feb Club favorite) in your city on Sunday, April 21 from 1:00—3:00pm at Buttermilk and Bourbon. Learn more by following the link in our bio. Hope to see you there and then! 🥂
Yesterday’s collective giving to The Penn Fund will truly impact the academic and extracurricular experience—both inside and outside the classroom—for current and future Quakers. Throughout the day, and around the world, undergraduate alumni and parents came together in support of Giving Red and Blue Day and our extended(!) Giving Red and Blue Day $1.5 Million Challenge. This impressive generosity serves as a meaningful investment in student life and learning—and empowers the next generation of leaders. THANK YOU!
Make it a red and blue dream come true.
Penn undergraduate alumni and parents have the opportunity to make a real difference for those who follow in their footsteps or their own students who attend the University today. Participation at any level will create a direct and immediate impact on campus.
