EVP Newsletter
Spring 2022
News from Across the EVP Divisions
Message from Craig

It was two springs ago when the world turned upside-down from COVID-19, and it felt as if the winter never quite ended. Despite the uncertainty we asked you to continue advancing Penn’s mission of teaching, research and service to our community. And you kept operating at the highest levels that the world expects from us. I am forever grateful for your dedication and productivity in the face of uncertainty. 

Spring, a time of renewal, is a beautiful time on our campus. Typically after the winter, we all benefit from enjoying some fine weather, colorful landscapes, and familiar outdoor routines. I feel victorious when spring rolls around, as if we scored another win over COVID.  
And this spring of 2022 brings extra renewal and change in that we have a new leader in Liz Magill starting her Penn presidency on July 1. It is thrilling to welcome Liz to Penn and Philadelphia. Her varied experiences as a law professor and scholar, university Dean, Provost, a Clerk for a federal judge and staff for a United States Senator gives her unique perspective that I believe we will all learn from.    

As much as a change in leadership is always a new dynamic for the staff, I put myself in Liz’s shoes and was thinking that this must feel like a huge change for her. She assumes a new responsibility, colleagues, a home and a city. However, in my conversations with Liz she has spoken excitedly about getting to work. This got me thinking that despite the anxiety that comes from change (fear of the unknown) it also produces excitement. 

As we enter a new season, with new leadership, we are working at Penn during one of its most exciting periods in the history of the institution. We are positively brimming with cutting edge advances across the arts, humanities and sciences. The flow of innovation from our labs and classrooms is now world renowned. And just as we construct new modern facilities, we upgrade technology and systems while providing incredible financial aid resources for an increasingly diverse student body. Our collaborations with the private and public sectors are improving the quality of life in our city, and around the world. This brings with it a sense of renewal.  

The expression “hope springs eternal” is a way to say that we keep on hoping no matter what the odds are against us. And so, together, we begin our third spring since COVID-19 and I feel renewed because you have inspired me to keep working hard despite the future uncertainty. With change comes excitement and renewal, but because of you I am full of hope. 

Craig
Craig's List
Here are some headlines worth learning more about...
Penn & the Community
  • Several eateries are open around campus, offering you the perfect chance to try some new lunch and dinner options. El Taco at 3716 Spruce Street is locally owned and operated by a Penn alum bringing a new Mexican restaurant to campus. Stephen Starr’s Pod has been newly reimagined as KPOD at 3636 Sansom serving contemporary Korean American dishes. And the fast casual sustainably-sourced DIG is open at 140 S. 36th Street. Learn more about these newest additions, or take an eclectic culinary cruise around campus with our Taste the World itinerary.

  • Public Art Installation Commissioned for Amy Gutmann Hall! Did you know? Polymedia artist Eto Otitigbe has been awarded a commission to create Cascode, a landmark public art installation visualizing data for display on the facade of the parking garage at 34th and Chestnut Streets (next to the future Amy Gutmann Hall). The installation is part of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation's Percent for Art program, the nation’s first program to apportion a percentage of construction costs for creating new public art.  

  • Remember to Mark Your Calendars for Benefits Open Enrollment! Monday, April 18 through Friday, April 29 is the annual opportunity to make changes to your health plans, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. Take time to learn about the plan for 2022-2023 as well as carefully reviewing the Benefits Enrollment Guide that will be mailed to your home soon. 

  • Whether you’re celebrating yourself, a colleague, or a child, find everything you need for commencement on Grad Express, a great resource for information on commencement, regalia, diploma frames, class rings, and other relevant announcements. If you need the perfect grad gift, be sure to stop by the Penn Bookstore to check out frames and rings in person, and choose from a wide array of Penn-branded gifts and apparel. 

  • PAL Day is Back! The Division of Public Safety is once again hosting its annual Police Athletic League (PAL) Day at the Class of 1923 Ice Skating Rink at 3130 Walnut Street. The event engages over 200 attendees in an enriching (and fun!) after-school activity, and open to any PAL participants from any PAL centers in Philadelphia. 
Leadership Updates, Staff Profiles, and Honorees
  • Meet President-elect Liz Magill! Our soon-to-be new Penn President, Liz Magill, pictured between Gritty and the Penn Quaker, starts on July 1st after serving as Provost of the University of Virginia and Dean of Stanford University Law School. Wendell Pritchett, Penn’s former provost and senior adviser to Amy Gutmann, is Penn’s interim president since Gutmann left Penn in mid-February to assume her duties as U.S. ambassador to Germany. Click here to learn more. 

  • Senior Vice President of Finance & Treasurer MaryFrances McCourt departed Penn’s ranks on April 1, 2022 to become the Chief Financial Officer of the University of Chicago. Her impact on the Division of Finance will be felt for years to come, and we wish her luck in this incredible new role. University Comptroller Russell Di Leo has stepped in as Interim Vice President while a search for MaryFrances’ replacement is underway.

  • Have you heard? ISC has launched a new Staff Profiles series highlighting some of their talented & diverse team. What a wonderful idea by our colleagues in Information Systems & Computing!

  • Penn’s Models of Excellence program continues recognizing remarkable contributions to Penn’s mission by university staff. The operational obstacles brought about by the pandemic only makes honoring those professionals who exemplify dedication, care, innovation, and resilience more special. To see which of your colleagues will receive honors, check out the Models of Excellence 2022 Honoree List. 
Activities to Check out this Spring

  • Spring Ahead with the Environment Around You! Celebrate Earth Week (April 18-22) by engaging in cross-disciplinary events designed to inform and inspire around themes of environmental justice, climate, and nature-based solutions. 

  • You can also boost your wellness in nature with Penn’s month-long 30x30 Challenge. Get outdoors in April, appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, and reap the benefits to your health! 

  • Celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by joining the Morris Arboretum and Penn's Alumni Office for a special panel: People, Plants, and Penn. Join a panel of professionals in horticulture, environmental history, and Philadelphia urban forestry for a lively moderated discussion about how we as humans interpret and benefit from the language of trees. For more information (and a link to register), click here. 

  • In addition, check out the Arboretum’s Spring Buds & Blooms Tour on April 9. As mentioned on the Arboretum’s website, “join an experienced guide for the featured tour of the month. Celebrate spring and discover flowering trees and colorful blooms.” Click here for more information about events and exhibits being held this season.

  • Mark May 20 for a Share the Road Event. Our Division of Public Safety hosts this educational initiative for pedestrians/bicyclists/motorists that provides best practices in safely navigating our city streets and campus. 

Engaging the Penn Workforce

  • Workday Assistant is a new chatbot arriving on May 9, 2022. Workday Assistant will help you complete common and self-service tasks, get answers about your personal information, and navigate around Workday itself.
 
  • Next Generation Student System has arrived. The NGSS multi-year project delivered a major release on March 14, 2022, including Path@Penn, the replacement for Penn InTouch, and Advising@Penn, the replacement for Advisor InTouch. These enhanced interfaces provide new course registration and advising experiences for students and advisors.
  • Penn has received the Jesse L. Moore Supplier 2022 Diversity Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest print diversity and inclusion publication in higher education. Led by the Procurement Services department, the University leverages its purchasing power to support the growth of diverse businesses and, subsequently, the Philadelphia economy. Read more on Penn’s Supplier Diversity page.

  • And last but not least, this Penn Today article highlights how Risk Management & Insurance partners with Penn Abroad to support our renewed efforts to send students abroad as we co-exist with COVID.
Craig's Tip
Celebrate National Financial Literacy Month
Happy Financial Literacy Month! Financial Wellness @ Penn is promoting financial wellbeing, knowledge, and know-how to our student body until the end of April! You might even be able to catch a glimpse of our mascot, Penny, around the Franklin Building or trekking through campus. Follow us on Instagram (@finwellatpenn) for a special sow-prise. 
Photos from the
Franklin Building's Lunar New Year
It's the Year of the Tiger! Were you lucky enough to grab a red envelope or a piece of candy?


Have suggestions or topics you would like to see covered in the next EVP newsletter or future newsletters? Email Cindy Paul; cynpaul@upenn.edu.