Students reflect on finding community at Penn
This story was originally published on August, 2026 on Penn Today.
For rising first-years, transfer students, and returning students, building community at Penn can take shape in myriad ways. Three undergraduates share how they’ve developed their sense of belonging at the University, offering empowered perspectives on finding one’s place on campus.
From numerous athletics teams and over 70 performing arts groups to six cultural resource centers and over 800 clubs and organizations, students have abundant opportunities to build their social circles and uncover their go-to communities at Penn.
In the spirit of Move-In, New Student Orientation (NSO), and the new academic year, Penn Today spoke with undergraduates Lucas Hudson, Marissa Prager, and Victoria Largaespada-Tercero to learn how they’ve cultivated their sense of belonging on campus.
Lucas Hudson found his first friend at Penn even before Move-In, on the bus riding to a pre-orientation program. “We met on the bus there, and our dorms were very close in the Quad and we’ve been good friends ever since,” he says.
Hudson, a fourth-year from Miami, Florida, has found his community in the Under the Button magazine team, in Greek life, as a fellow in the SNF Paideia Program, and DJing at local events.
He honed the latter skill as part of DJ@Penn during his first year on campus. “We would get together every week in the basement of the experimental psychology building, and these two guys would teach us how to DJ,” he says. “It was pretty fun.”
“You have to try a lot of different things out,” advises Hudson, an economics and health and societies double major in the College of Arts & Sciences. “There’s lots of different kinds of people at Penn, and so naturally there’s a lot of different corners and places on campus that you might find yourself in. … You really have to keep an open mind and explore—and you might find that there’s multiple corners that you find yourself fitting into.”
Class of 2026 Ivy Day Ceremony
This story was originally published on May 17, 2026 on Penn Today.
For more than 150 years, Penn’s annual Ivy Day celebration has involved each graduating class unveiling their one-of-a-kind Ivy Stone in a meaningful location on campus. The joyful occasion includes the Ivy Day Ceremony, held on Saturday of Alumni Weekend each year, which recognizes outstanding fourth-year students for their leadership and service to the Penn community. Among the award categories are the Senior Honor Awards, featuring several prizes—such as the Bowl, the Spade, the Cane, and the Spoon—that reflect University tradition.
Award presenters and featured speakers during the 2026 Ivy Day Ceremony, held on May 16, included Class of 2026 president Vedika Jawa, President J. Larry Jameson, Provost John L. Jackson, Jr., Vice Provost for University Life Karu Kozuma, and Penn Alumni President Michael Barrett. Most of the Senior Honor Awards were presented by a Class of 2001 alum in honor of their 25th class anniversary, linking Penn graduates with a rich tapestry of tradition and community.
“The Ivy Day Award Ceremony is a meaningful tradition that highlights what is best about Penn—its students,” Kozuma says. “It honors graduating leaders for their contributions and lasting impact while also recognizing the families and loved ones who supported them along the way. By bringing together today’s honorees and alumni from generations past, the ceremony strengthens a sense of connection that endures well beyond graduation.”
The performing arts at Penn: process, practice, and purpose
This story was originally published on April 16, 2026 on Penn Today.
Dancing in unison, rehearsing lines, practicing instruments, harmonizing together: These experiences are a window into the vibrant world of student-run performing arts groups at Penn. With the Platt Student Performing Arts House supporting more than 70 active groups ranging from dance, vocal, and instrumental music to comedy, theater, and spoken word, Penn students have myriad opportunities to hone their creativity, gain practical experience, and enrich their college education through the performing arts.
“Performing arts groups function like academic labs or varsity teams: Rehearsals are spaces for experimentation, problem‑solving, and growth,” says Rachel Wenrick, Penn’s inaugural executive director for the arts. “Students learn how to manage time, handle constructive criticism, and push past comfort zones, all while balancing demanding coursework. The performance itself is the visible result of weeks—or months—of invisible labor.
Led by director Laurie McCall, the Platt House provides a dynamic hub for student groups to engage in the creative process of practicing their skills and preparing for performances. The value of group-based artistic expression is embedded in Penn’s culture: Nearly one in five Penn undergraduates are involved with performing arts. These collaborative activities empower participants to continually evolve into well-rounded students, citizens, and leaders.
Penn shows support during Teal Day of Action
On Tuesday, April 7, Penn Provost John L. Jackson joined members of the Penn Violence Prevention (PVP) team, University Life staff, and students along Locust Walk to mark the Teal Day of Action, a key initiative of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
Wearing teal, the color representing support for survivors, PAVE Educators and Penn Violence Prevention staff connected with students and colleagues, emphasizing the University’s ongoing commitment to building a campus environment grounded in respect, consent, and care for survivors. The events throughout the day acted as a strong visual statement, inviting the Penn community to unite against sexual violence and become more informed about the support services offered by PVP. PAVE Educators handed out teal ribbons, accessories, and informational materials, encouraging meaningful conversations about bystander intervention and advocacy for survivors.
Jackson commended the work of PVP and University Life in promoting a safer and more inclusive campus atmosphere. His participation highlighted the University’s continued focus on prevention, education, and advocacy, reinforcing the shared responsibility of the Penn community to cultivate a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
Hundreds of Penn students gather for annual Holi celebration
This story was originally published on March 30, 2026 in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
Writer: Can Doga Bolukbasi
The Penn Hindu and Jain Association hosted its annual Holi festival at College Green on Friday.
The March 27 event was organized in collaboration with Penn’s Spiritual and Religious Life Center to celebrate the Hindu festival and was open to all students. Holi featured live performances from several Penn dance teams, included a DJ, and involved students throwing colored powder to celebrate the arrival of spring.
In an interview with The Daily Pennsylvanian, College sophomore and HJA Vice President Nikhil Pochana expressed the importance of “celebrating things that you did growing up with people who you met at Penn.”
“One of the biggest things about Penn is its diversity, and this gives one of the perfect opportunities for us to showcase our culture with people who are not necessarily from that background,” he said.
The over two-hour event began with free T-shirt distributions to Penn undergraduates, followed by an introduction to the event by HJA. Five dance groups — Penn Raas, PENNaach, Penn Dhamaka, Penn Masti, and Hype Dance Crew — performed before bags of colored powder were distributed to attendees.