Good afternoon, Penn community! It's Monday, September 8, 2025, and welcome to another episode of our campus news podcast. Let's dive into the latest happenings at the University of Pennsylvania.
The University has launched "Penn Forward," a strategic planning initiative aimed at shaping Penn's future. This initiative reflects our commitment to continuous innovation in education, scholarship, and service.
In leadership news, J. Larry Jameson has been appointed as the 10th President of the University of Pennsylvania, with his term extending through June 2027. Jameson previously served as Interim President and has a distinguished history with the university.
Anthropology professor Mallika Sarma is conducting groundbreaking research on human adaptation to extreme environments, including spaceflight and urban heat in Philadelphia. Her work focuses on how the body's stress response is regulated in these conditions.
The university has received a $10 million gift from alumnus Alp Ercil to establish the Penn Climate Sustainability Initiative. This initiative will support interdisciplinary programs across all 12 schools, enhancing our efforts in climate science and policy.
Move-In Week was a success, with 2,429 members of the Class of 2029 and 3,416 returning students settling into Penn's 13 College Houses. President J. Larry Jameson personally welcomed students and their families, fostering a sense of community from day one.
Nine undergraduates dedicated their summer to interning for New Student Orientation & Academic Initiatives, helping to design the NSO experience for the incoming class. Their efforts ensured a smooth transition for new students into campus life.
On Wednesday, September 17, journalist John Harwood will be on campus for a conversation hosted by Dick Polman. Harwood, known for his work with CNBC and CNN, will share insights from his extensive career covering American politics. The event is co-sponsored by the Truth and Disinformation in the Writing Arts and the Povich Journalism Program.
Later that day, authors Julia Elliott and Stephanie Feldman will participate in the Bernheimer Symposium at 5:30 PM. Elliott is celebrated for her story collections "Hellions" and "The Wilds," while Feldman is known for her novel "The Angel of Losses." The symposium promises engaging discussions on contemporary literature.
The Penn Quakers football team is gearing up for the 2025 season under the leadership of head coach Ray Priore. The team is preparing for a competitive season in the Ivy League, with home games at Franklin Field.
Today's weather in Philadelphia is sunny with a high of 76°F (24°C). It's a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors on campus.
That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around Penn. Have a great day!