A Message from Board Chair James S. Riepe, W'65, WG'67

“If there weren’t a Penn, we’d have to invent one.”

That one line from our campaign video grabs me every time I hear it. In those few words, Jonathan Moreno, the David and Lyn Silfen University Professor, captures not only the ingenuity and practicality of Penn people but also the spirit of this historic campaign.

Ben Franklin took care of the “invention” that is Penn more than two centuries ago. What we set in motion when we launched our historymaking campaign was arguably a “re-invention” of higher education.

As we move Penn to the next level, we are setting a new standard for all, one that capitalizes upon our unique strengths and has special relevance for our complex world.

When it comes to making history, leadership matters — at every level and in every form. It will take many hundreds of inspired Penn people making leadership gifts, along with many more loyal donors, to achieve our ambitious goal.

Fortunately, we are off to a great start, with a record number of new leadership gifts and pledges in the first year of our public phase. In spite of the uncertainties in the economy and markets, our passionately engaged and committed alumni, parents, and friends give me every reason to be optimistic.

There is no question: Penn is on the move, and the people powering it want to maintain that momentum.

So let us celebrate. Explore this website, and feel the spirit of generosity that infuses our Penn community. The breadth of philanthropic activity we enjoyed this past year is clearly impressive, but what is most extraordinary is how these gifts are making a difference at Penn.

I offer my profound thanks for your leadership, for your generosity, and for everything you do to sustain and strengthen the University we all love.