Penn is Making History -- every day

Give to Learn, Learn to Give

That's the simple motto behind Givology, the student-founded, student-run philanthropy aimed at breaking the complex cycle of poverty and lack of education in developing countries.

Launched last September by three Penn seniors -- Joyce Meng, Xiang Li, and Jennifer Chen -- Givology (www.givology.org) is an online P2P (people-to-people) operation that lets donors give as little as $5.

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Turning on the Power of Donors

Kathryn Cunningham Hall (C'08), founder of Power Up Gambia, officially turned on the switches of the 96 solar panels which will now provide the Sulayman Junkung General Hospital in The Gambia with constant electricity and clean, running water.

      details of the event: Kathryn's blog | newsletter [.pdf]

"It's a dream come true," said Kebba Badgie, the hospital's chief executive.

It's also a demonstration of the power that's generated by collaborative generosity.

» more like this in Around the World | Going Green | Medicine | Penn People

Penn Moving Forward During Weak Economy

If you've ever wondered how a university like Penn copes with fundraising during an economic downturn, you may be surprised to learn that it's not all "doom and gloom."

Rather, it's about a steady determination, a broad outlook, and stronger ties with supporters -- alumni and friends, volunteers and donors.

"We're experiencing something similar to what every nonprofit that raises money is experiencing, and we expect some slowing down in new commitments," Penn President Amy Gutmann said. "That said, we are extraordinarily ahead of our target this year for cash receipts and commitments, and we have a large number of new donors."

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» more like this in Higher Education | Today's Economy

A Shining Example

A young Penn alum -- Kathryn Cunningham Hall, C'08 -- is powering up Gambia.

It's an amazing story -- and a shining example of the power of inspiration.

It all started in 2006 while Kathryn was still an undergrad, a biology major who spent a summer volunteering at a hospital in Bwiam, The Gambia. Appalled by the lack of power there, and witnessing the struggles of both the staff and patients, she decided to raise funds for solar panels. Her enthusiasm attracted others to organize, and Power Up Gambia was founded.

Two years later $300,000 were raised, and on March 11, ninety-six solar panels will be dedicated in a formal ceremony at the Sulayman Junkung General Hospital. This completes Power Up Gambia's initial goal: to provide the hospital with power and running water.

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Time, Talent, and Treasure

Thirty years after earning his degree, and just months after watching his daughter, Kristen, C'04, graduate, Dean Henry, W'74, heard a call to action.

It was President Amy Gutmann, delivering her inaugural address: "Effective engagement begins right here at home," she said. Shortly afterward, Dean and Kristen heard her speak about engaging "locally and globally," and keeping "our alumni ever more closely connected with the life of our University."

"I was so inspired that I walked up with my daughter to introduce myself," says Dean.

Find out what happened >

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