Penn Community Update: New Leadership, Pioneering Gene Therapy, Campus Renovations, and Fall Events for August 11, 2025

Good morning, Penn community! It's Monday, August 11, 2025, and here's your latest campus news. Today in Philadelphia, expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures reaching a high of 92°F (33°C) this afternoon. Stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat. J. Larry Jameson has been appointed as the 10th president of the University of Pennsylvania, effective March 13, 2025. Previously serving as interim president since December 2023, Jameson brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Executive Vice President for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine. Russell Composto and Kelly Jordan-Sciutto have been named vice provosts for undergraduate and graduate education, respectively, starting July 1. Both are first-generation college graduates and longtime educators at Penn, recognized for their leadership and commitment to student success. A collaborative effort between the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Penn Medicine has led to the world's first treatment of a patient with a personalized CRISPR gene-editing therapy. An infant named KJ, diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder, showed significant improvement post-treatment, potentially avoiding the need for a liver transplant. The University is in the final phase of a $238 million renovation of the Quadrangle, set to conclude this summer. The project includes modernized facilities and enhanced living spaces for students. To accommodate students during the renovations, Penn has leased The Radian and The Axis apartment buildings. The Penn Quakers football team, under the leadership of head coach Ray Priore, is gearing up for the 2025 season. In the Ivy League preseason poll announced on August 4, the Quakers were selected to finish sixth. The team is focused on exceeding expectations and making a strong showing this season. The Institute of Contemporary Art is hosting "Mavis Pusey: Mobile Images," the first major museum survey dedicated to the work of the Jamaican-born artist. The exhibition features over 60 artworks from her prolific 50-year career and runs through December 7. That's all for today's update. Stay cool, stay informed, and have a great day, Penn!