Special Feature: Making History Through Engagement

Our alumni ambassadors impact the University not only by giving but also by donating time and energy. What follows are snapshots of committed and passionate class leaders who have made history -- connecting fellow alumni through their own spirited engagement.

B. Franklin Reinauer II, W'38
Franklin was marked a Son of Pennsylvania from birth when his parents named him after Penn's founder. He was an inspiration to all alumni, and his passing in January 2009 was a day of sadness, but also of tribute to a life devoted to service. During his 70 years as an alumnus, Franklin was a tireless volunteer at the University. He served on the Penn Alumni Board of Directors, the Alumni Class Leadership Council, and as president of the Class of 1938. He came back to campus often, most recently for his 70th Reunion, where he was honored with the title of Parade Marshall, overseeing the robust Alumni Parade of Classes. Franklin was also a loyal donor to Penn over the years, generously supporting The Penn Fund and his class reunion gifts.

Mae Agnes Pasquariello, CW'53, GRD'85
Mae has been making history at Penn for over five decades. A Penn alumna twice over – and 32 years apart – Dr. Pasquariello's engagement with Penn has only grown deeper with time. She is an active member of the Association of Alumnae organization, encouraging women graduates to lead the way in all their endeavors. An undergraduate scholarship donor, she also found time in the past year to serve as gift chair for her 55th Reunion and carried her class's flag in the alumni procession during the 252nd Commencement in May.

Barrett, C'62, and Howard Freedlander, C'67
Brothers Barrett and Howard embody the Red and the Blue. Barrett is chair of the Baltimore-area Secondary School Committee and a former Athletics Overseer and Penn Alumni Board member. While serving as Class President for years now, Howard regularly communicates with classmates via email newsletters and phone calls, and he was instrumental in establishing the Michael San Phillip Memorial Endowed Scholarship in memory of his classmate and lacrosse teammate, who died in the 9/11 attacks. Barrett's daughter Laura, C'08, was recently welcomed into the Penn alumni community, and four family members carried flags in the graduation procession representing the Classes of '62, '67, '97, and '02. The Freedlanders show that even alumni who are already closely connected can find an extended family at Penn.

The Class of 1982
A 2008 recipient of the Penn Alumni Class Award of Merit, the Class of 1982 has set a new standard for alumni engagement, led by President Sally Katz and Gift Chair Ralph Mack. The words "spirited" and "generous" don't even begin to do this class justice. The Class of 1982 shattered virtually every record for their 25th Reunion, contributing millions to annual giving, breaking the 1,000-donor mark, endowing 40 undergraduate scholarships, connecting through monthly e-newsletters, rallying around regional reunion gatherings, and attending Alumni Weekend in droves. They're living proof that Quakers working together can accomplish anything.

Herald Chen, ENG'93, W'93
Herald has been a consistent and generous supporter of undergraduate education at Penn since he graduated. As his 15th Reunion approached, he decided to support Penn with his time and Quaker enthusiasm by joining his Class Gift Committee. In this role, he has encouraged numerous classmates to support Penn with gifts at all levels – participation, Ben Franklin Society, and scholarship contributions. Herald further demonstrated his leadership this year by endowing an undergraduate scholarship himself.

Daniel Flesh, W'03
Daniel reached out to his peers throughout the year to get them excited, educate them about the today's Penn, and give them special encouragement to participate in their first reunion since graduating. His tenacity as a Gift Committee member garnered positive responses from every one of the classmates he personally contacted. His efforts extended to email outreach as well, as he assisted with messaging in email solicitations sent to the whole class throughout the year. As an Ivy Stone Society member, Daniel also demonstrates his leadership through loyal giving to The Penn Fund.

Jessica Trief, W'08
Jessica and her three Senior Gift Drive co-chairs successfully led the Class of 2008 towards achieving the highest class participation in Penn history. The seniors achieved a new record (68%) in no small part thanks to Jessica's tireless hard work and respected influence among her classmates. With her many other activities in the balance, she shined as a peer role-model and was honored with the Student Award of Merit on Ivy Day. Jessica also served as the Managing Producer for the Senior Gift Drive student video, posted on YouTube and viewed by more than 2,000 visitors in the last month.

Get inspired to participate, connect with classmates, and make your impact on Penn! Learn about our non-financial and engagement goals > Meet more Penn People >