Undergraduate Alumni and Parent Giving Program

💙❤️ “Penn is my happy place!”

Carin Gribetz, MD C’96 PAR’27 PAR’29, pictured with her husband Eric Gribetz W’95 PAR’27 PAR’29 at Penn’s unofficial institution, Smokey Joe’s, is a passionate and dedicated Penn volunteer whose connection to the University runs deep. A proud alumna, Carin credits Penn not only for its profound academic and professional influence but also for the invaluable relationships it brought into her life—including her husband and many of her closest friends. “Walking down Locust Walk overwhelms me with nostalgia for the vibrant campus that shaped my journey,” she shared.

Now a proud Penn parent to a current sophomore (C’27) and a rising freshman (C’29), Carin continues to give back through volunteer leadership. She has served in various reunion roles, participated in the Penn Alumni Interview Program, and currently serves on The Penn Fund Executive Board. “I always love returning to campus,” she says, “and I feel truly blessed to share these Penn experiences with my family.”

Her advice for the next generation of volunteers—including her own children? Visit campus often and get involved early as young alumni. The earlier you connect, the more rewarding it becomes.

Thank you, Carin, for your heartfelt service, leadership, and lasting commitment to the Red and Blue!
#VolunteerAppreciationWeek #ThePennFund #PennAlumni

As we wrap up Volunteer Appreciation Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers—you inspire and strengthen the Penn community every day through all that you do. ...

💙❤️ “You don’t need to do something massive—every small contribution counts.”

Lisa Aldisert CW’75 G’75 has been a steadfast and inspiring presence in the Penn community for decades. Volunteering began as a meaningful way for her to reconnect with the University, and it quickly evolved into a lifelong commitment. She has contributed her time and leadership across numerous roles, including more than 22 years on the Trustees’ Council of Penn Women, over 20 years as Co-President of the Class of 1975, and as a volunteer for the Power of Penn Campaign. Lisa has also served on the Alumni Class Leadership Council, the Board of Advisors at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, and the Board of Governors of the Penn Club of New York.

She also served as Chair of The Penn Fund Executive Board—an experience she recalls with great pride. “One of my proudest moments was hearing the great results achieved by The Penn Fund at the end of my tenure as Chair,” she shared. “It was an incredibly rewarding reminder of the impact that volunteers can have.”

Her advice to future volunteers? Say yes. “You don’t need to do something massive—every small contribution counts.”

Thank you, Lisa, for your decades of dedication, leadership, and unwavering love for the Red and Blue.
#VolunteerAppreciationWeek #ThePennFund #PennAlumni ...

💙❤️ “Being a volunteer is a way I can give back to the Penn community.”

Ummayh Siddiqua C’25 is a passionate and dedicated Penn student who’s made an incredible impact through her volunteer work—from Seniors for The Penn Fund and Penn It Forward Student Philanthropy Week to Homecoming, Alumni Weekend, and more. Whether mentoring through FERBS, leading student initiatives through Penn Traditions, serving on the Penn MSA Ramadan Committee, or helping at events like the 1vyG Summit, Ummayh brings energy, creativity, and heart to everything she does. For Ummayh, volunteering is about building community, representing a cause she believes in, and giving back in gratitude for the opportunities she’s had at Penn.

“I love meeting and working with new people,” she shared. “Volunteering lets me be part of something bigger—and The Penn Fund community has been especially welcoming and accepting. I`m motivated to give back because I know the opportunities I’ve had are thanks to someone else’s hard work and generosity.”

Her proudest moment as a Penn volunteer? Helping launch the Class Competition during Penn It Forward Week. “It was amazing to see something we brainstormed come to life. It was nerve-wracking at first, but collaborating on all the details and seeing the event unfold was something I’ll always carry with me.”

Ummayh’s advice to future volunteers: Find a cause or community that truly reflects what you care about. “At Penn, there’s an opportunity for everything—and if it doesn’t exist yet, you can create it.”

Thank you, Ummayh, for giving back, showing up, and inspiring those around you!
#VolunteerAppreciationWeek #ThePennFund #PennAlumni ...

💙❤️ “Penn gave me decades-long friendships and an intellectual foundation that has carried me through the years since graduation.”

For Eddie Manheimer C’00, volunteering is about honoring the institution that helped shape him—and continuing a proud family legacy of service. Inspired by his mother, Hazel Manheimer C’69, who was actively involved in class leadership and fundraising, Eddie has embraced the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.

Eddie has helped strengthen alumni connections and rally classmates in support of current and future Penn students, having served as Gift Co-Chair for his 15th and 20th reunions, and now serving alongside Becca Iverson Mahoney C’00 GED’04 as Co-Chair of the 25th Reunion Giving Committee.

One of his proudest moments? Presenting his class’s 20th reunion giving total to the University President—an incredible culmination of collective effort and class spirit.

His advice for future Penn volunteers: Don’t be afraid to reach out to classmates who’ve never given before—you might be surprised. And don’t get discouraged if someone says no. Everyone has their own reasons. Just keep at it.

Thank you, Eddie, for your leadership, your persistence, and your unwavering dedication to the Red and Blue. #VolunteerAppreciationWeek #ThePennFund #PennAlumni ...

💙❤️ “We all have a point of connection as fellow Quakers.”

Becca Iverson Mahoney C’00 GED’04 has been a dedicated Penn volunteer for more than two decades—beginning with admissions interviews in New York City, continuing as a Penn Fund volunteer for her 10th, 15th, and 20th reunions, and now serving as Co-Chair of her 25th Reunion Giving Committee alongside Eddie Manheimer C’00.

“I loved my time as a Penn student and wanted to give back in any way I could,” Becca shared. “Volunteering with The Penn Fund has been a great way to support the next generation of students and stay engaged with the campus—its changes, challenges, and goals.”

While reconnecting with old friends has been a highlight, what’s surprised her most is how meaningful it’s been to connect with classmates she didn’t know as a student. “It’s inspiring to see what everyone’s done in the last 25 years—and fascinating to learn what Penn meant, and still means, to them.”

Her advice to new volunteers? “Start early and try a variety of approaches—emails, texts, social media. Each format resonates differently. And don’t be afraid to reach out to classmates you didn’t know. We’re all part of the same Penn story.”

Thank you, Becca, for your incredible commitment, thoughtful leadership, and love for Penn.
#VolunteerAppreciationWeek #ThePennFund #PennAlumni ...

💙❤️ “I knew that when the opportunity came for me to give back, I absolutely would.”

Jenny Sui C’17 has been an incredible Penn volunteer, serving as a Loyal Donor Ambassador and a First Toast on the Road San Francisco Host Committee Member. As a proud alumna who received financial aid and met her husband at Penn, Jenny says she’s “forever grateful” for the experiences and connections the University gave her.

Volunteering has been a way for her to stay engaged and give back to the community that shaped her journey. “It`s been very fulfilling to connect and reconnect folks in our community together. The meetups that we have in different cities with alumni have been the most memorable!”

Her advice to future Penn volunteers? Get involved early! Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or helping support current students, every effort makes a difference.

Thank you, Jenny, for your energy, commitment, and passion for the Red and Blue!
#VolunteerAppreciationWeek #ThePennFund #PennAlumni ...

💙❤️ “Being a volunteer can give meaning to one’s life.” For Steve Kleinman W’64, volunteering for Penn has been a lifelong passion rooted in pride, purpose, and family.

Steve knew he wanted to be a CPA at just seven years old—and when he asked where to go for the best education, the answer was clear: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. That same year, in 1950, he wrote to Penn for a catalog—and still has it today.

His volunteer journey was inspired by his mentor, boss, and fraternity brother George Weiss W’65 HON’14, whose passion for Penn was contagious. Since then, Steve has given back in countless ways—serving as a fundraising volunteer since his 25th reunion and co-gift chair for his 50th, 55th, and 60th reunions.

One of his proudest moments? Holding the class flag during Commencement 2024 and embracing his granddaughter Hannah Klinghoffer C`24 as she processed into the ceremony. A full-circle moment for a proud Quaker.

To the next generation of Penn volunteers, Steve offers this advice: “Realize that you are a link in the chain of volunteers that started with the founding of Penn almost 300 years ago. You should feel proud to be part of the evolving process of making Penn a greater university—and, in turn, the world a better place.”

Thank you, Steve, for your incredible dedication to Penn. You inspire us all. #VolunteerAppreciationWeek #ThePennFund #PennAlumni ...